While Home Sales Drop, Prices Still Rise

Most would say that the home sales market is beginning to cool. That depends on where you live and how you define "cool". In the state of Washington, the median home price rose 7.4 percent, while the overall sales volume dropped 9.2 percent. That means demand for homes is still strong, and those that can afford a home are still buying; however, there are less people that can afford homes as reflected by the overall drop in volume of sales.

When compared to this same time in 2006, the median home price in the state of Washington is just over $300,000, and increase of nearly 7.5%. When compared with the national average of a decline of nearly 2%.

Washington state is a great place to live and the home prices are reflecting this idea. More and more people are moving here from other areas of the country where home prices are higher. These buyers can afford to pay and drive home prices up. Many of these buyers are retirees, semi-retirees, or baby boomers looking to re-invent there life.

Bellingham Wa is one of the most ideal location to live in Washington state because of its proximity to both the Seattle area, as well as Vancouver British Columbia in neighboring Canada. Bellingham also offers a small town atmosphere, with all the amenities for outdoor recreation and nearness to big cities.