Looking back at 2008 And now it’s the post we’ve all been waiting for (and by “we” I mean probably just me). Time to see which real estate “professionals” made housing market predictions that match closest with reality, which ones were more in line with the former Iraqi Information Minister, and what they’re all guessing…
Speaking of local layoffs… Boeing is next.
Some folks are mentioning this in the comments, and it’s pretty big news, so I’ll just drop it on you: Boeing plans workforce reduction of 4,500, with layoffs in second quarter Boeing said Friday it will cut its Commercial Airplane workforce in 2009 by about 4,500 people, mostly in Washington State. The reduction will be…
More Signs of Shrinkage at Microsoft?
A couple more notes on Microsoft before we get to our big year-in-review / 2009 forecast post tomorrow. First off, for those that didn’t catch it, this is worth mentioning: Microsoft forgoes South Lake Union lease Microsoft Corp. has put on hold any interest in further expanding its operations in Seattle because of the deteriorating…
December Reporting Roundup: The Blame Game Continues
Here’s what I said on December 18th: I predict that sales will be abysmal this month (worst December on record), and that the real estate mouthpieces quoted in the NWMLS press release (and subsequently in the local papers) will blame the low numbers on the weather. As if we never have inclement weather in December….
NWMLS: Sales Still in the Gutter—Blame the Weather
Let’s have a look at December market statistics from the NWMLS. Here’s the NWMLS press release: Northwest MLS members expecting "market observers" will become "market participants" Frigid temperatures and record snowfall brought home sales to a standstill for several days in December. The unusual weather, when coupled with the expected holiday slowdown, contributed to a…