Quadrant is the biggest and one of the most well-known builders in the state. They typically make basic-looking houses in good locations and priced in the lower to middle price range. Affordable prices and good service attracted lots of buyers in the strong times of the RE market.

Like most other builders, though, they are going through harder times. Too much unsold inventory has lead to reduced housing starts and less demand for labor.

This was in the paper yesterday. I sold several units here nearly 2 years ago. The remaiining units have been around for ages. Problems are: layout of the units, prices and where they are situated within the building. BUT, for the new prices, they are a steal.

What people should remember is that one or two units sellig this way will not adversely affect comps on the prices. In this economic climate, it's not going to be uncommon to see some unit owners of large condo buildings get foreclosed on, meaning good deals there as well.

Quoted: A year ago, the condominiums at Press on Capitol Hill were selling in the $300,000s or $400,000s, but at an auction later this month, some of them will start at roughly half their original price.

DIY sushi

The release of federal money to help the credit crunch may provide some relief, but it alone may not be enough.

Quoted: With nationwide sales of existing homes falling more than expected last month and the median sales price plunging to $183,000, the U.S. housing market keeps ...

Quoted: The company still hasn't moved into the 7.2-acre spread on Sixth Street, which was largely finished last summer. It's now planning to occupy just two of its three buildings when it moves its 500-plus engineers sometime next year from rented space in downtown Kirkland.

The city's budget is being hurt most by a decline in housing sale revenues, AKA excise tax. At sale, every owner pays 1.78% tax, based upon the sales price of the property. Part of the funds goes to the state, part of it goes to the city.

Decreased property tax revenues from homes that are losing value or will be re-assessed at a lower figure will lead to reduced revenues in the future.

Quoted: In addition, the city is facing a $14 million shortfall in the real estate excise tax. The money comes largely from single-family home sales, which ...

As the corrections continue, Seattle begins to feel more of the economic effects. Thankfully, as Leslie Williams remarked, we have many projects that did not get started. Otherwise, oversupply would be an even bigger problem that would affect housing prices and rental rates.

Quoted: Finally, Portland economist Joe Cortright agreed that the Seattle area was lagging 12 to 15 months behind the national cycle but also noted that its run-up was notably smaller. "You were late to the party, you didn't get as drunk and you're less hung over," he said.

It's definitely not over yet

Quoted: The median condo price in King County held up better last month than that of single-family homes, dipping 1.8 percent below the October 2007 level, to $275,000

Bhutan is still at the top of my exotic vacations list.