Downtown Rental Market Update

The rental market has continued its hot trend as we head into the start of spring. Downtown condo’s are renting fast and at a premium rate. With companies continuing to expand in the Downtown area it is becoming more attractive to move back into the city after years of growth in the suburbs. Within the last 30 days Ewing and Clark Inc. has assisted our clients in leasing out their units to quality tenants at competitive prices.

 Recent units that we have leased:

 

2000 Alaska Way #335

1415 2nd Ave #2401

1240 Terry Ave #1702

 

If you are considering leasing your property but need assistance with the process, contact one of our leasing experts who can assist you throughout the process.

Buying A Home In Seattle is 34% Cheaper Than Renting

High rent and high home prices in Seattle can often make it feel like the decision between buying and renting isn’t so cut and dry – either way you’re paying a premium for housing. But a new report from Trulia makes a strong case for home ownership, reporting that it is 34% cheaper to own a home than to rent in Seattle at today’s 4.5% mortgage rate. According to the report, mortgage rates would have to hit 9.3% before renting would be cheaper than buying in Seattle.
Nationally, home ownership is 38% cheaper than renting in all of the 100 largest metro areas, but in some extreme markets small changes in mortgage rates could tip the scales in favor of renting. For example, in Honolulu, a mortgage rate of 5% would make renting a better value, and a rate of 5.8% would make renting cheaper than owning in San Francisco.
Try Trulia’s Rent vs. Buy calculator to see how the numbers work out for you. If you’re interested in buying a home in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent.

Waterfront Madison Park Condo for Rent: $3,100

This fabulous two bedroom one bathroom waterfront condo located in the Madison Park neighborhood is available for rent! This unit has been completely remodeled and now features new stainless steel appliances, marble counter tops, a spacious living area, and an extensive deck. This Seattle rental offers many attractions within close proximity, such as: local shops and restaurants, bus lines, parks, the beach and much more. It also offers covered parking, a washer and dryer inside the unit, and rent includes most monthly cost such as utilities and basic cable.  In addition, if you are a boat owner ask about the availability of a boat slip.

Please inquire with Kristine Losh if you want to learn more about this tremendous Seattle rental.

Status	For Rent
Bed/Bath	2/1
Price	$3,100/month

Survey Indicates Renters Are More Optimistic About Buying

Renters in today’s market may have seen the value of their parent’s homes sky rocket, then deplete, or they most likely know someone who’s home is up for foreclosure. According to a survey done by the PulteGroup, The hope of home ownership is still in the air for many who rent and want to buy. Survey results showed that 60% of renters who said they would like to buy a home in the future have increased their intent to buy a home in comparison to a year ago. 61% of those folks also said they planned to purchase a home within the next two years.
When asked if they thought buying a home was a good investment, 44% of those poled said yes. According to Builderonline.com, the PulteGroup’s responded to the overall survey results with “We are seeing a renewed sense of optimism, especially from young professionals and young families visiting our communities nationwide,” Deborah Meyer, PulteGroup senior vice president. Many factors went into this survey and interestingly enough the pole also found that just over 1/4 of those poled believe that renting is cheaper than buying, and a little shy of a quarter are still worried about a stable job. For more information on Rentals and For Sale listings in the area, visit Craigslist.

Seattle Rentals on the Rise

According to Bloomberg.com, U.S. apartment and rental vacancies have decreased over the last few months, which have allowed landlords and apartment buildings to increase their rental rates. There has been an increase in the number of families relocating to Seattle with companies such as Amazon, Fred Hutchinson, local hospitals, and other companies going through hiring frenzies. Many of these families aren't in a hurry to purchase, since they aren’t familiar with the Seattle neighborhoods, and aren't sure which would best suit their needs; almost all also have the luxury of temporary housing.  Larger companies tend to offer temporary housing which allows tenants the time to learn more about which neighborhoods they would prefer to live in, while simultaneously leading to a decrease in Seattle apartment vacancies. Owners of single family rental homes throughout the Puget Sound area have benefiting from those wishing to find their dream home, and opting for a house instead of an apartment. These owners benefit due to a lack of inventory and a large amount of people searching, which consequently has allowed landlords to obtain higher rental rates. To find more about Seattle Rentals, check out some current listings here.