The Washington realtors have April numbers out. "Home sales in western Washington dropped 8.6 percent in April from a year ago, as prices posted yet another month of double-digit growth, according to the latest figures from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service."

"'I assure you we would have more sales if we had more inventory,' proclaimed Mike Skahen, a board member of the Northwest MLS in reaction to April results. Just-released figures show pending sales slipped about 9 percent last month compared to a year ago."

"The inventory picture brightened in several areas last month. Members added 12,594 new listings to inventory, improving on the year-ago total of 12,116, and falling just shy of the March figure of 12,639."

"With those additions, the inventory at month end totaled 25,215 listings, a jump of almost 21 percent from the same month a year ago. Only three counties, King, Cowlitz and Grant, reported having fewer listings than 12 months ago, with only a slight drop in all three areas."

"Six counties had inventory gains of 25 percent of more, led by Grays Harbor (up 63.4 percent). Other counties with sizable increases were Thurston (up 60.9 percent), Kitsap (up 35.2 percent), Pierce (up 29.2 percent), Island (up 26.6 percent) and Kittitas (up 25 percent)."

"Despite having more choices in some areas, would-be homebuyers 'should not foot drag right now,' advises Dick Beeson, a broker in Tacoma. Noting a pause in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, he urges buyers to 'make a move while the movin’ is good.' He also cautions sellers to take the time and effort to price their property correctly, emphasizing, 'They stand head and shoulders above the hopefuls who overprice.'"