IN THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER:

• King County market update
• A note from Megan
• Sat. Dec. 16th Get your picture with Santa at our Holiday Food Drive
• Seattle area holiday activities the whole family can enjoy

The declining new home inventory hasn't kept the savvy buyers away. Determined to purchase before the competition is back, today's buyers are taking advantage of all the protections that a slower market can offer...like avoiding price escalations, inspection contingencies, and, in some cases seller-provided interest rate buy-downs.

If you've ever had bidding-war night terrors, or shudder at the thought of waiving a home inspection (we're with you!), this is the market for you.

Here are the quick facts to consider:

• The interest rate you lock in when purchasing can refinanced when rates drop.
• When rates drop, more buyers enter the market, creating increased competition.
• When buyer competition increases, aggressive offers are more likely to waive important contingencies like inspections and appraisals.
• Price escalations will return with the competition.
• In the past month, we've seen interest rates drop almost a full point! This has a huge impact on affordability and monthly payments.

So, in true Seattle fashion, be a hipster and make your real estate moves before everyone else does!

A Note from Megan...

If you're feeling a little Grinchy this year, maybe keep scrolling...because I sure am feeling the holiday spirit!

Our office is full of beautiful poinsettia plants, my Christmas tree at home has been up for weeks, and I've enjoyed my seasonal share of mulled wine.

These rainy days tried to get me down by introducing a leak in my crawl space...but I kept myself jolly, scheduled a pro to come check it out, and am back to my festive self. That's homeownership sometimes.

In work news, we've received the gift of dropping interest rates! A massive win for our buyer clients who have been feeling the pressure of rates above 7%. Fingers crossed for even lower rates in the coming weeks.

Wishing you all a restful and joy-filled holiday season! And big thank you to my dog Frankie (who I suspect doesn't even read these emails), for supervising the tree assembly...couldn't do it without you, girl!

* Pose for a sweet Santa photo (dogs are welcome, too!)

* Enjoy delicious holiday treats & cocoa

* Holiday craft activity for the kiddos

Choosing a favorite Hill Team event is impossible...but the Food Drive is extra special to us! In past years, our community has really come through supporting the West Seattle Food Bank, and we always aim to make this event even more fun than the year before.

Can't make it to the event? That's okay! If you'd like to support the food bank you can:

• reply to this email requesting a pick-up! The WSFB desperately needs non-perishable foods and also accepts baby diapers and unopened bags of cat/dog foods for their pet pantry
• donate online here!
• or drop-off donations starting Monday, Dec. 11th, at the West Seattle KW office during regular business hours

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