Lacey WA current real estate market update

Here is the Lacey WA current real estate market update as of January 2014 (area 450 on the map below).

Lacey residents take pride in their town!  The city sponsors many events throughout the year to promote a sense of community with events such as the Lacey Spring Fun Fair at Saint Martin’s campus, the Lacey farmer’s market in the summer, as well as the Mushroom Festival in July!  There is a mix of new construction and mid-century homes in Lacey, and most residents in the area are in the North Thurston School District.

Thurston County Map 

MARKET SNAPSHOT:

Lacey (Area 450) This Year Last Year + / – / =
Average Sales Price in 2013: $198,464 $203,351 Stable
# of Homes Sold in 2013: 399 415 Stable
Absorption Rate for January (how long it takes the market to absorb the inventory): 2.8 months 2.5 months Seller’s Market
# of Homes Currently Listed: 114 (up from 108 last quarter)
Current Listed Home Price Range: $19,000 to  $495,000

Average home sale prices for Lacey are holding steady.  This part of the county has remained stable even throughout the recession.  Lacey’s numbers are in line with what Thurston County has experienced.  In 2012, Thurston County’s average home sales price was $232,310 and was $237,854 in 2013.  Thurston County’s average home sale price for January 2014 is $225,006.

The number of homes sold for Lacey is also holding steady.  Over the last 10 years there was a spurt of new construction plats, which boosted the population by 30%.  Lacey has evened out with the growth yet still doing very well in the market.

The absorption rate is hot in Lacey!  With low inventory, demand for homes in this area and well-priced listings create a low absorption rate, which lends itself to a seller’s market. The average absorption rate for Thurston County is 5 months.

Market Timeline

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SELLERS?

The bottom has hit and we are moving passed the lowest point of the market.  This doesn’t mean prices will skyrocket upward.  The market still has many months of recovery but the downward spiral has stopped.

Sellers still need to price appropriately with the market.  No matter if it’s a “hot” seller’s market or a slow buyer’s market, sellers still need to price right according to the conditions of the market in order to have a successful sale.

Less inventory.  This is good for sellers as there is less for buyers to choose, and we have seen multiple offer situations with several buyers competing for the same property.

Overall, it’s been a long time coming, but the market has improved enough for many sellers to consider their next move.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BUYERS?

Buyers need to act – no more fence-sitting.  The luxury of waiting and watching the market are over for buyers.  With less inventory and more buyers entering the market, buyers may find themselves competing for a property.

Pay attention to where interest rates are heading.  Even though interest rates below 6% are considered very low, many buyers over the last five years have enjoyed rates at half that – 3% to 4%.  Local lenders are predicting an interest rate of 5% by the end of 2014 (which is still quite low!).  Buyers will need to stay on top of where interest rates are heading.

Be prepared.  Buyers need to be prepared financially to purchase a property.  That means working with a quality local lender and getting pre-approved so that you are ready to make an offer when you find the right house.  Secondly, buyers need to be prepared that a seller may not agree to pay a buyer’s closing costs.

See all the homes currently listed for sale in 450 Lacey.

If now is the time for you to make your next move, contact me today!

Search ALL homes for saleLocal statistics compiled by Francine Viola from NWMLS data. Statistics not compiled or published by  NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service).

Originally posted and written by Francine Viola at www.InTuneRealEstate.com, her blog site where you can learn more about the real estate market in Thurston County and get tips and advice for a smooth real estate transaction.

Click here to see the market updates for other areas of Thurston County.