Keith KimDugan

08/05/2023

Beautiful Washington day for a great home with an amazing yard!

05/13/2023

Come grab some snacks and enjoy this beautiful weather we have today! This home has amazing gardens that have spring blooms to enjoy.

04/26/2023

Balancing buying and selling is stressful, but it's easier when you've got a real estate agent there to guide you through the hectic process!

"It was a great experience being able to help Priscilla and Jim move into their new home in Lacey using a bridge loan to purchase their new home. We then prepared their condo with a few repairs and closed the transaction for amazing price in just 65 days. If you would like to know more about balancing buying and selling, reach out today!"

Keith KimDugan
(360) 790-3116
Van Dorm Realty, Inc

02/21/2023

The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now

The biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale.

Let’s break down these two big issues in today’s housing market.

>>Rate-Locked Homeowners

Today, the typical mortgage rate offered to buyers is over 6%. As a result, many homeowners are opting to stay put instead of moving to another home with a higher borrowing cost. This is a situation known as being rate locked.

When so many homeowners are rate locked and reluctant to sell, it’s a challenge for a housing market that needs more inventory. However, experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year, and that could mean more people will be willing to move as that happens.

>>The Fear of Not Finding Something To Buy

The other factor holding back potential sellers is the fear of not finding another home to buy if they move. Worrying about where...

The biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply:

02/20/2023

Spring into Action: Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Expert Guidance

Today’s housing market has a different feel. There are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, but inventory is still historically low. So, if a house has been sitting on the market for a while, that’s a sign it may not be hitting the mark for potential buyers.

Today, homes with curb appeal that are presented well are still selling quickly, and sometimes over asking price.

With the spring buying season just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house ready to sell.

>> Curb Appeal Wins

One way to prioritize updates that could bring a good return on your investment is to find smaller projects you can do yourself. Little updates that boost your curb appeal usually work well.

Small cosmetic updates, like refreshing some paint and power washing the exterior of your home, create a great first...

To sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. Today’s housing market has a different feel. There are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, but inventory is still historically low. So, if a house has been sitting on the marke...

02/17/2023

The Spring Housing Market Could Be a Sweet Spot for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC]

The biggest challenge in the housing market is how few houses there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. The number of homes for sale is up from last year but below pre-pandemic numbers, and that means we’re still in a sellers’ market. The housing market needs more homes for sale to meet the demand of today’s buyers. If you’ve thought about selling, DM me today.

Some Highlights The biggest challenge in the housing market is how few houses there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. The number of homes for sale is up from last year but below pre-pandemic numbers, and that means we’re still in a sellers’ market.

02/16/2023

The Importance of Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved is an important first step towards buying a home. Let’s connect so you have the right tools to buy a home in today’s market.

02/15/2023

Should You Consider Buying a Newly Built Home?

If you’re thinking about buying a home, it makes sense to consider all your options, and that includes a home that’s newly built.
>>The Number of Newly Built Homes Is on the Rise
There's still a historically low number of homes available on the market. One reason for that is years of underbuilding—meaning there haven’t been enough new homes built to keep up with demand.
As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, shares:
“While existing-home inventory remains limited, the silver lining for home buyers is that new-home inventory is on the rise, and a new home at the right price is a pretty good substitute.”
>>Builder Incentives Can Provide a Boost
While there a growing number of new homes for sale, builders are slowing that pace until they sell more of their current inventory. And many builders are now offering incentives to help buyers purchase...

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be focusing on previously owned ones. But with so few houses for sale today, it makes sense to consider all your options, and that includes a home that’s newly built.

02/14/2023

While still showing some volatility, today’s mortgage rates are trending lower than 2022’s peak. If high rates last year made you pause your plans to buy a home, this spring could be your chance. DM me so we can talk more about if now’s the right time for you.

02/13/2023

What You Should Know About Closing Costs

Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are and how much you should budget for.

>>What Are Closing Costs?

People are sometimes surprised by closing costs because they don’t know what they are. According to Bankrate:

“Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .”

In other words, your closing costs are a collection of fees and payments involved with your transaction. According to Freddie Mac, while they can vary by location and...

Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closi...

02/13/2023

The market is shifting but it’s hard to say which direction it’s going. I’ll be posting a full video tomorrow with a market update. If you would like to talk about buying or selling please reach out, I’d be honored to help you! 360-790-3116