The housing market roared back to life in 2013, to say the least. As we kick off February 2014, we see promising signs of activity, appreciation and an increase in real estate confidence nationwide.

A healthy stabilization trend is expected to continue throughout the New Year due to rising home prices, manageable increases in mortgage rates and steady movement among homeowners who were once underwater. Strong job growth and the return of equity are two main factors contributing to our thriving local economy. Here are additional positive points:

• Renewed interest in condominium and multi-family development
• Increase in existing-home sales
• High demand for new construction
• High demand for properly priced and positioned homes for sale
• Shorter # of days on market

If you didn’t make a move last year, consider doing so in 2014. Too many people are kicking themselves for waiting and the same will be true this coming December. The Pacific Northwest was recently noted as one of the top 10 best places to live in the nation, according to Forbes.com. This is such a great place to be; take the next step and DREAM BIGGER this year!