Seattle Bubble

Yesterday’s P-I had a big front-page story from Aubrey Cohen that seems to be at least partly designed to frighten renters and encourage landlords: Rent at an all-time high — if you can find a place
“There are a lot of apartments available, but the desirable ones seem to rent very quickly,” said Kilbourne, a University [...]

[Read more →]

Let’s say you’re a prudent person who has compared the financial realities of buying vs. renting and made the decision to rent for now. However, with the frequent news reports about increasing rents that seem intended to scare people out of deciding to rent, you’re a little concerned about finding a good deal.
Well fear [...]

[Read more →]

This post is different from the usual fare here, but I think it’s worth taking some time on. I ran across this post in my news alerts. It’s a look at the human consequences that result when affordable apartments are converted into upscale condos.
I was very surprised at the time that I first [...]

[Read more →]

It looks like the picture for renters may not be quite as bleak as we have been led to believe in recent articles. Turns out that new apartments are being built, and even some condo projects are becoming apartments instead.
Apartments have been the poor stepchild to condominium towers over the past few years in [...]

[Read more →]

Since I was on KING 5 News last night and KOMO 1000 radio this morning*, I thought it would be good to write up a slightly more detailed post aimed at answering the question: “What is Seattle Bubble about?” So, here’s a summary of the important points.
The Bottom Line: Now is not a good [...]

[Read more →]

Yet another fear-mongering “rents to skyrocket” article popped up this weekend, this one over at KIRO 7.
Odds are, they’re going to hike your rent next year — perhaps by more than you expected.
She slowdown in the Seattle housing market is beginning to impact apartment, condo and home renters, too.
For sale signs are becoming permanent fixtures [...]

[Read more →]