New Listings: 130 ⬆️ (from 129 last week) Pending Sales: 158 ⬇️ (from 178) Sold Homes: 130 ⬆️ (from 128) Price Reductions: 133 ⬇️ (from 191)
📈 Weekly Trend Overview
This week saw nearly no change in new listings and closings, though pending sales dipped as buyers took a more measured approach heading into November. The number of price reductions fell notably, suggesting that recent pricing adjustments are starting to align with buyer expectations.
While activity has cooled from early fall levels, the market remains stable overall. Motivated buyers are still out there, just moving more deliberately, and sellers who’ve positioned their homes correctly are seeing results.
What This Means for You
For Buyers: With fewer price reductions and less competition, this is a great time to take a closer look at available homes. Sellers who’ve already adjusted pricing are more realistic and often ready to negotiate before year-end.
For Sellers: Inventory remains modest, and homes that show well and price right continue to move. As we shift toward the holiday season, preparation and presentation matter more than ever to attract serious buyers.
Located between the Cascade foothills and the shores of its namesake lake, Lake Stevens blends small-town charm with the energy of a fast-growing community. Once a quiet lakeside getaway, it’s now one of Snohomish County’s most sought-after places to call home.
The Lifestyle
At the heart of it all is Lake Stevens itself – a stunning 1,000-acre freshwater lake surrounded by trails, parks, and public boat launches. Residents enjoy boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing nearly year-round. The city’s community vibe shines through at local favorites like Lundeen Park, the Mill Spur Trail, and family-friendly events such as Aquafest, a summer festival that takes over the lakefront each July.
Beyond recreation, Lake Stevens offers strong schools, growing amenities, and convenient access to Highway 9 and I-5, making commutes to Everett, Seattle, and the Eastside a breeze.
The Market
Lake Stevens continues to attract both buyers and builders, and for good reason. The market offers a wide range of homes, from classic ramblers on tree-lined streets to custom estates with lake views.
Homes on over an acre average just over $1 million, often featuring expansive outdoor spaces, detached shops, and room to breathe.
Homes on less than an acre average just under $800,000, appealing to those who want a home and neighborhood amenities without the maintenance of larger lots.
Demand remains strong thanks to limited inventory, proximity to major employers, and the area’s reputation for outdoor living.
Local Favorites
Downtown Lake Stevens – Growing with coffee shops, taprooms, and local boutiques
The Mill on Lake Stevens – A lakeside hub for community gatherings and events
Frontier Village – The go-to spot for shopping and dining
Cavalero Hill Park – A massive playground and off-leash dog area loved by locals
Thinking About a Move?
Whether you’re looking for more elbow room, lake access, or a great community close to Everett and Snohomish, Lake Stevens has something for everyone. Browse Lake Stevens homes for sale: HERE
When interest rates rise, many buyers instinctively say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But waiting for that perfect “magic” rate could cost you more than you think.
On a $785,000 loan, the difference between a rate of about 6.2 percent and 5.99 percent is roughly $100 a month. That’s about what many people spend on coffee or takeout. Meanwhile, if prices continue climbing while you wait for a lower rate, that extra cost could easily offset any savings you hoped to gain from a small rate drop.
Why Acting Now Makes Sense
• Rates are still in a range where inventory is healthy and buyer competition is lower. Many buyers who take action now have more negotiating room and a wider selection of homes.
• Waiting for the “perfect” rate can backfire. Once rates dip below a psychological threshold, more buyers jump back in, driving prices and competition higher.
• Your personal readiness matters more than chasing the lowest possible rate. If the home fits your needs, the payments are comfortable, and your long-term plan aligns, then waiting might not be necessary.
What This Means for Our Local Market
In South Snohomish and North King County, the same idea applies. If you are financially ready and find a home that checks your boxes, locking in a mortgage now—even near 6 percent—could be smarter than waiting for a fraction of a percent lower only to face higher prices and multiple offers later.
As your local real estate professional with CENTURY 21 Real Estate Center, I can help you evaluate your financial readiness, compare your options, and identify the right timing for your move.
Bottom Line
Don’t let today’s mortgage rates scare you away. If you are ready and the home feels right, this may be the right moment before market dynamics shift again. The perfect rate may sound appealing, but the real savings could be in acting before everyone else does.
New Listings: 129 ↓ (from 158 last week) Pending Sales: 178 ↓ (from 212) Sold Homes: 128 (no change from 128) Price Reductions: 191 ↑ (from 167)
📈 Weekly Trend Overview
This week saw a continued seasonal cooldown in both new listings and pending sales. Fewer homes hit the market, and buyer activity slowed slightly, though the number of closings held steady. Price reductions rose again, showing that sellers are adjusting expectations as we move deeper into fall.
Even with softer numbers, the overall market remains balanced. Buyers are still out there and active, but they’re being more selective about what fits their needs and budget.
What This Means for You
For Buyers: Fresh inventory continues to appear each week, but not every home is connecting with ready buyers. This opens the door for negotiation and potential value, especially on listings that have been sitting for a while.
For Sellers: While demand remains steady, pricing strategy is more important than ever. Homes that show well and hit the market aligned with current conditions are still selling quickly. Overpriced homes, however, are finding their way to the reduction list.
Marysville continues to shine as one of Snohomish County’s most dynamic communities where small-town charm meets steady growth and opportunity. Just north of Everett and about 35 miles from Seattle, this rapidly growing city offers a balanced lifestyle with neighborhood parks, a revitalized downtown, and mountain views in nearly every direction.
Whether you’re exploring Ebey Waterfront Park, grabbing coffee downtown, or discovering one of the city’s many new neighborhoods, Marysville feels like the perfect mix of Northwest comfort and modern convenience.
Housing & Market Snapshot
Median home price (year to date): approximately $665,000
New construction homes: about 25 percent of all sales
Median price for new construction: approximately $770,000
Median days on market: 15
Average days on market: 31
Homes are selling quickly, especially when priced well and move-in ready. With roughly one in four sales being new construction, buyers can choose between well-established neighborhoods or brand-new communities with modern amenities.
Why Buyers Love Marysville
More value for your dollar: Marysville continues to offer greater affordability compared to King County communities, while still providing generous home sizes and strong resale potential.
Abundant new construction: Turnkey homes, fresh floorplans, and energy-efficient features make this area a top choice for those wanting something new.
Lifestyle and location: With more than 30 parks, access to trails, and close proximity to both I-5 and major employers, Marysville offers a balanced, accessible lifestyle.
Room to grow: As new retail, infrastructure, and residential developments expand, Marysville’s home values and community amenities continue to rise.
For Buyers and Sellers
Buyers: If you’re looking for a newer home or simply more space for your budget, Marysville’s mix of resale and new construction homes gives you solid options and quick-moving opportunities.
Sellers: With homes spending a median of just 15 days on the market, presentation and pricing matter. Staging, condition, and strategic marketing make all the difference in standing out among newer builds.
Investors: With ongoing population and infrastructure growth, Marysville remains a strong candidate for long-term appreciation in North Snohomish County.
The Bottom Line
Marysville is a city on the rise where affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity meet. With a median price around $665,000, new construction accounting for roughly a quarter of sales, and homes selling in just over two weeks on average, this market continues to prove its strength and appeal.
Thinking About a Move?
If you’re considering a move in or around Marysville, now is a great time to explore what’s available. From new construction to charming resale homes, there are incredible opportunities throughout the area.
Every few months, headlines start to swirl with one familiar question: “Is the housing market about to crash?” It’s an understandable concern, especially after years of rising home prices and higher mortgage rates. But when you look at what’s actually happening, both nationally and right here at home, the data tells a much different story.
Prices Aren’t Crashing. They’re Normalizing.
Nationally, home prices have continued to climb, not fall. While the pace of appreciation has cooled from the record-breaking levels of 2021 and 2022, experts at Keeping Current Matters report that prices are still trending higher, just at a more sustainable rate.
Here in our region, King and Snohomish Counties are showing steady appreciation that far outpaces the national average. According to NWMLS data:
King County: up 8.6% from 2023 to 2024, and up 2.6% from 2024 to 2025
Snohomish County: up 4.1% from 2023 to 2024, and up 2.6% from 2024 to 2025
That’s consistent, healthy growth, not the sign of a market on the verge of decline.
What Experts Are Saying Nationally
When we zoom out to the national picture, the forecasts remain optimistic. Experts across major financial and housing institutions expect continued appreciation through 2029, just at a modest pace.
The first chart below shows how economists are projecting cumulative price growth over the next few years – ranging from 4.9% on the pessimistic end to 25.8% on the optimistic side.
Even the most conservative outlook calls for steady gains. And the detailed annual forecast below shows that year-over-year appreciation is expected to continue through 2029, averaging around 2–3% per year.
How Our Local Market Compares
What stands out is that King and Snohomish Counties have consistently outperformed national averages. While national appreciation is expected to hover between 2–3% annually, our local market continues to post stronger growth year after year. This reflects high demand, limited supply, and a strong regional economy.
This pattern isn’t new. The greater Seattle area has historically run ahead of national trends due to:
A robust job market driven by tech, aerospace, and healthcare sectors
Ongoing population growth and migration from other regions
A persistent lack of new housing inventory
All of which point to stability and continued long-term value for homeowners.
The Bottom Line
The housing market isn’t crashing, it’s balancing. Prices are rising at a sustainable pace, and local homeowners continue to build equity faster than most of the country.
If you’ve been waiting for prices to drop before making your move, you may be waiting longer than you think. With steady appreciation and strong fundamentals in King and Snohomish Counties, the data shows a market that’s healthy, resilient, and still full of opportunity.
Want to know what your home is worth in today’s market? 👉 Get your free local home value update or reach out to talk about your goals for the year ahead.
The fall market is settling into its usual rhythm, with steady buyer activity and sellers continuing to make strategic adjustments to meet demand.
This week:
New Listings: 158
Pending Sales: 212
Sold Homes: 128
Price Reductions: 167
Over the past month, we’ve seen a consistent pattern: homes that are well-presented and priced correctly are moving quickly, while others are requiring price adjustments to attract attention. Buyer activity has held steady even as fresh inventory has tapered slightly, suggesting that demand is still outpacing supply in many parts of the market.
This balanced environment is creating opportunity for both sides. Sellers benefit from solid buyer interest, and buyers have a bit more room to negotiate on homes that have been sitting for a few weeks.
If you’re planning a move before the end of the year, it’s a great time to connect and talk strategy.
Located along the Snohomish River, this town blends small-town charm with wide-open rural living just minutes from Everett and Lake Stevens. Whether you’re drawn to the historic downtown lined with antique shops and cozy cafés or dreaming of sprawling acreage properties, Snohomish offers something truly special.
A Town with Character and Heart Downtown Snohomish feels like stepping back in time — full of boutiques, bakeries, and local favorites like Snohomish Pie Company (a favorite of mine too), a must-stop for anyone craving fresh, handmade pie. You’ll find locals strolling the sidewalks, browsing antique stores, and enjoying riverfront views that make this one of the most photographed small towns in Washington.
Lifestyle and Living Options Just beyond the charming downtown, Snohomish opens up to rolling hills, equestrian properties, and hobby farms that define the area’s rural appeal. For those seeking space to breathe — and maybe keep a few animals — this is the place.
Homes under an acre hold a median price around $815,000, while larger acreage properties average close to $1,150,000, reflecting the area’s growing popularity for both convenience and countryside living.
Things to Do From morning coffee on First Street to an afternoon walk along the Centennial Trail, there’s no shortage of local flavor. You can catch an event at Harvey Airfield, visit a nearby winery, or spend the day exploring Snohomish’s many antique markets. Each season brings its own rhythm — from summer river floats to the fall pumpkin patches that attract visitors from all over the region.
Why Locals Love It Snohomish offers a rare mix: a friendly, close-knit community feel paired with easy access to larger cities and major employers. Whether you’re looking for a turn-of-the-century home downtown or a peaceful estate with panoramic views, Snohomish is where heritage meets home.
Thinking About a Move? If Snohomish sounds like your kind of place, explore what’s available right now:
If you’ve been following the market, you’ve probably noticed that while home prices haven’t dropped much, affordability has quietly improved. Since early summer, mortgage rates have eased, giving buyers in Snohomish County a little more room in their budgets.
Back in June, the average 30-year fixed rate was around 6.85% — a number that stretched buyers to their limits. Fast-forward to mid-October, and rates are hovering closer to 6.23%, according to Mortgage News Daily.
That drop may seem small, but for a median-priced home in Snohomish County, it adds up to hundreds of dollars every month.
What Falling Rates Mean for a $735,000 Home
Assuming a 5% down payment and a 30-year fixed conventional loan, here’s how monthly principal and interest payments have shifted since June:
Month
Avg. 30-Year Fixed Rate
Monthly Payment (P&I)
Difference vs June
June
6.85%
$4,573
—
July
6.67%
$4,500
↓ $73
August
6.56%
$4,460
↓ $113
September
6.26%
$4,313
↓ $260
October
6.23%
$4,302
↓ $271
That’s roughly $271 per month in savings compared to early summer — nearly $3,250 a year back in a buyer’s pocket.
Why This Matters in Snohomish County
For many local buyers, affordability determines whether they can move forward with confidence or have to keep waiting. This fall’s rate improvement may be the breathing room some buyers have been waiting for.
Even though home prices have remained steady, lower rates mean more purchasing power. That can be the difference between qualifying for a single-family home in Lynnwood versus a townhome in Mill Creek.
For sellers, it’s a moment to note too. As affordability improves, more buyers return to the market, strengthening demand for homes that are priced and presented well.
What You Can Do Right Now
Buyers: Revisit your pre-approval. Even a half-point rate change can increase your buying power or reduce your monthly payment more than you think.
Sellers: Leverage this moment. Highlight affordability improvements when marketing your home, it helps buyers visualize their opportunity right now.
Homeowners: If you’ve been thinking about moving up or downsizing, this easing in rates could help you make the numbers work.
Final Thought
Affordability isn’t just about the price tag, it’s about your monthly comfort zone. The recent shift in rates is saving buyers hundreds each month and quietly reshaping what’s possible in our local market.
If you’re curious how these numbers impact your next move, I’m happy to walk through your options and local data in detail.
You’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are “flat.” It sounds simple enough, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. When you dig into what’s really happening in the market, it becomes clear that “flat” isn’t the right word at all.
National Headlines Don’t Tell the Local Story
Across the country, home price growth has slowed compared to the rapid increases we saw a few years ago. That moderation makes prices appear to be holding steady when averaged together, but it masks what’s happening beneath the surface. Some areas are still seeing steady appreciation, others are softening, and many are simply stabilizing after a few years of intense swings.
That’s why it’s risky to rely on national news when you’re making local real estate decisions. Your neighborhood could be moving in a completely different direction.
Our Market Isn’t Flat — It’s Evolving
Here in the Pacific Northwest, the data paints a more balanced picture. Median home prices have stayed relatively steady in recent months, but that’s only part of the story. Active listings are climbing, days on market are creeping up, and sellers are becoming more flexible on price and terms.
At the same time, overall supply is still below what most experts consider a balanced market. That means demand is strong enough to keep values from falling significantly, especially for well-presented homes in desirable areas. In short, the market is stabilizing — not stagnating.
Why It Feels “Flat”
It’s easy to think prices have stalled when the big moves up or down are behind us. But small changes can make a meaningful difference. A shift of even two or three percent can represent thousands of dollars for both buyers and sellers.
The perception of “flatness” also comes from how quickly the market moved before. When home prices rose double digits year after year, today’s steadier pace can feel slow — even when it’s still moving.
What This Means for You
For Sellers:
Proper pricing is critical. The market rewards accuracy, not guesswork.
Homes that show well and are priced right continue to move quickly.
Overpriced homes risk sitting longer and inviting price reductions later.
For Buyers:
More homes are available, which can mean more choice and negotiating power.
Well-priced properties in great condition still draw strong interest.
Acting decisively when you find “the one” remains important.
The Takeaway
“Flat” prices don’t mean the market is quiet — they mean it’s recalibrating. With more balance between buyers and sellers, opportunities exist on both sides for those who understand where the local momentum really is.
If you’d like a closer look at how your neighborhood is performing, I can provide a quick market snapshot to help you decide whether now is the right time to move.
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