Author: The Tim

Tim Ellis is the founder of Seattle Bubble. His background in engineering and computer / internet technology, a fondness of data-based analysis of problems, and an addiction to spreadsheets all influence his perspective on the Seattle-area real estate market. Tim also hosts the weekly improv comedy sci-fi podcast Dispatches from the Multiverse.

Affordability Index Falls Below 100, Hits 4-Year Low

Posted on by The Tim

As volatile as interest rates and home prices have both been this year, I thought it would be good to make the affordability index more of a regular post. So how does affordability look as of July? Not great. The index fell below 100 (i.e. the median-priced home is affordable to a median-income household) for…

Foreclosures Keep Falling in King, Pierce & Snohomish

Posted on by The Tim

It’s time for our detailed look at July’s foreclosure stats in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. First up, the Notice of Trustee Sale summary: July 2013 King: 548 NTS, down 44% YOY Snohomish: 282 NTS, down 40% YOY Pierce: 429 NTS, down 16% YOY For the first time since June of last year, all three…

Home Prices and Sales Slip in South King

Posted on by The Tim

It’s time once again to take an updated look at how King County’s sales are shifting between the different regions around the county, since geographic shifts can and do affect the median price. In order to explore this concept, we break King County down into three regions, based on the NWMLS-defined “areas”: low end: South…

Consumer Confidence Unfazed by Interest Rates

Posted on by The Tim

It’s time for another check in on Consumer Confidence. Here’s the data as of July: At 73.6, the Present Situation Index increased 7% between June and July and has gained 264% from its December 2009 low point. The Present Situation Index now sits at its highest level since May 2008. The Expectations Index fell slightly…