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Despite Falling Rates, King County Housing Market Flops to End Forgettable Year

Will Springer Realtor

The 802 new listings in December was a low not seen since records were archived online from 1990. No other month has fallen below 1000 new listings in more than three decades of record keeping. The character of the 2023 housing market was also shaped by a sharp increase in new home sales. But by how much?

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IS THE REAL ESTATE WINDOW CLOSING SHUT?

Will Springer Realtor

The Federal Reserve, which has been buying mortgage-related securities for more than a year to artificially keep interest rates low, has signaled a desire to taper its bulk purchases within the next month or so. A 30-year mortgage in our area could be had for about 3.125%, up from about 2.875% a month ago. Estimated opening is 2026.

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FINDING THE KEY TO UNLOCK ‘STUCK’ HOMEOWNERSHIP RATE

Will Springer Realtor

Calling upon Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other secondary-market mortgage holders to lower the bar to ownership through tax credits, larger deductions on mortgage interest and greater options for down payment assistance can also help. >> Forty-five percent of residential mortgages in the U.S. was $1889. >>

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