Category: News

News, current events, etc.

Amazon, Go

Okay, okay, let’s talk about Amazon HQ2

Posted on by The Tim

Everybody is talking about it, and it’s definitely going to have some kind of effect on the local economy in Seattle, so even though it’s a bit late, let’s talk about Amazon’s HQ2.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt seen the news that Amazon is seeking to build a second headquarters somewhere “in North America” that “will be a full equal to our current campus in Seattle.” GeekWire has been covering the story extensively (including a data-based city analysis by yours truly), so if you need to catch up on the facts, head over there. For the discussion here, let’s focus on the possible impact this development will have on the Seattle-area real estate market.

Cool: $140k “Micro-Home” packed with smart home features

Posted on by The Tim

The video is packed with quite a few obnoxious buzzwords (and some NSFW language) but I do appreciate the concept of this 352-square-foot home. It’s produced on an assembly line and can be “installed” in a wide variety of locations and configurations, plus it’s loaded with smart home tech and modular designs…

Redfin IPO Raises $138 Million, Share Prices Climb

Posted on by The Tim

Redfin’s long-awaited IPO went well for the Seattle-based technology-powered real estate brokerage this morning. They priced the IPO at $15 per share last night, raising $138 million for the company. When shares started trading on the open market this morning under the ticker symbol RDFN they opened at $19.56.

City of Seattle Population Growth

NWMLS Falsely Inflates Seattle’s Population Growth

Posted on by The Tim

It’s time once again for a reporting roundup, where you can read my wry commentary about the news instead of subjecting yourself to boring rehashes of the NWMLS press release (or in addition to, if that’s what floats your boat).
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For a month that saw home prices shoot up to insane new all-time highs, the quotes from home salesmen in this month’s release are surprisingly calm.

I do want to address one glaring error in the release, though:

Seattle’s growing population is another likely factor. Recent U.S. Census Bureau data shows Seattle is gaining about 1,100 residents per week, an “astounding” figure, said MLS director Diedre Haines.

That number is false. The most recent data available shows a growth rate of less than half that level…

Net Loss as a Percent of Revenue: Redfin and Zillow (2014-2016)

Redfin files S-1, likely to IPO later this year

Posted on by The Tim

News broke late this afternoon that after 13 years as a “startup,” Redfin has finally filed their S-1 with the SEC, signalling their intent to make an initial public offering (IPO) later this year.

Let’s take this opportunity to directly compare some financial and usage data between Redfin and Zillow.