With regard to the underlying factors that are influencing the market in general, the news is good:
On the unemployment front, Washington State has an 8.5% rate whereas Kitsap County has a 6.7% rate compared to the 9.8% we’ve all heard about nationally (see below).
The actual number of “distressed” properties, nationally, that sold in the third quarter actually went down 25% from the prior quarter.
Likewise nationally, in the second quarter, foreclosure discounts were 26% vs 29% year over year. So hopefully this is a reflection of an improvement in the market more than an indication of price declines.
Also, as I’m sure you are all aware, the Stock Market’s 2010 performance is instilling
more confidence in the public as well.