A New Way to Launch a Home on the Market
Northwest MLS (NWMLS) introduced its version of a "Coming Soon" listing status, called First Look, on September 4, allowing homeowners to begin marketing a home for up to 21 days while preparing the home for its Active listing launch. Homeowners choose whether to allow showings and display the home on participating real estate websites. Importantly, all NWMLS brokers have access to these listings.
If you are coordinating repairs, staging or a move, First Look could give you time to generate interest while getting ready to place your home on the market. We can help you decide whether this fits your plans or, if you are searching, identify homes you might otherwise miss.
The Fed Raises Rates
On September 16, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest-rate range by 0.25 percentage points. The Fed does not set mortgage rates directly, but its decisions can influence borrowing costs.
If you are buying, revisit payment estimates with your lender. If you are selling, consider whether help with closing costs or a rate buydown could attract more offers.
Our view: choose to buy properties you can afford comfortably at today’s rates and treat future refinancing as a possibility, not a requirement or a certainty.
