Community • March 13, 2026

Community Spotlight: University District

by Bill Jordan

Exploring Seattle’s University District

The University District, often simply called the U District, is one of Seattle’s most energetic and recognizable neighborhoods. Centered around the University of Washington campus, the area blends historic homes, vibrant student life, and a growing mix of modern condos and apartment buildings.

Located about five miles north of downtown Seattle, the neighborhood offers excellent walkability, strong transit connections, and a unique cultural mix that attracts students, professionals, investors, and longtime residents alike.

Real Estate Snapshot

Based on recent MLS data:

Residential Homes
Average sale price just over $1.07M

Condos
Average sale price around $525K

Single family homes in the U District often include larger floorplans with multiple bedrooms. Many of these properties are used as rental housing for students attending the nearby University of Washington, which helps push prices higher compared to other Seattle neighborhoods with similar square footage.

Condos provide a more attainable entry point for buyers who want to live close to the university, transit, and the neighborhood’s vibrant amenities.

Lifestyle and Local Attractions

One of the biggest draws of the University District is its walkable lifestyle. Residents enjoy easy access to restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment all within a few blocks.

The heart of the neighborhood is University Way, commonly known as “The Ave,” where you’ll find a wide range of international restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses that give the area its distinctive character.

Outdoor enthusiasts also appreciate the nearby Burke Gilman Trail, which runs along the north side of the neighborhood and provides miles of biking and walking paths connecting to other parts of Seattle.

Just to the east, University Village offers one of Seattle’s premier open air shopping centers with popular retail brands, restaurants, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Transportation and Accessibility

The neighborhood’s connectivity has improved significantly with the addition of the U District Light Rail Station, making it easy to travel quickly to downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, Northgate, and SeaTac Airport without needing a car.

Multiple bus routes also serve the area, and many residents take advantage of the neighborhood’s walkability and bike friendly infrastructure.

A Neighborhood with Energy and Character

From historic early twentieth century homes to modern condo buildings, the University District offers a wide variety of housing options. The constant flow of students, faculty, and professionals creates an atmosphere that is lively, diverse, and always evolving.

For buyers looking for strong rental potential, walkable living, or proximity to one of the region’s most prominent universities, the University District continues to be one of Seattle’s most interesting real estate markets.

Buyers • March 11, 2026

Should You Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates Before Buying?

by Bill Jordan

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard some version of this advice lately:

“Just wait until rates drop.”

It sounds logical. After all, mortgage rates have moved around quite a bit over the past couple of years. Earlier this year they even dipped briefly into the high-5% range before moving back into the low-6% range again.

So it’s understandable that many buyers are hoping the next move will be lower.

But here’s the real question: does waiting actually put you in a better position?

Rates May Not Drop Much From Here

One thing many buyers don’t realize is that most economists aren’t predicting a dramatic drop in mortgage rates this year.

The general expectation is that rates will hover somewhere around the low-6% range for much of 2026, moving slightly up and down depending on economic conditions.

In other words, we may see occasional dips into the 5s for short periods, but that doesn’t necessarily mean rates will settle there long term.

And if that’s the case, waiting months or even a year may not change the math as much as people expect.

The Real Risk of Waiting

While buyers focus on interest rates, they sometimes overlook another important factor: competition.

When mortgage rates drop, more buyers jump back into the market.

That usually means:

• More showings
• More multiple offer situations
• More upward pressure on prices

Here in Snohomish and North King County, we’ve already seen how quickly demand can return when affordability improves even slightly.

So the irony is that waiting for lower rates can sometimes make the buying process more competitive, not easier.

You Always Have the Option to Refinance

Another piece of the puzzle many buyers forget is that your mortgage rate today doesn’t have to be permanent.

If rates do fall in the future, homeowners can often refinance into a lower rate later. That means buyers who purchase now can potentially benefit from both:

• Owning a home sooner
• Taking advantage of lower rates later if they happen

This strategy is often described as “date the rate, marry the house.”

The Bigger Question to Ask

Instead of focusing entirely on mortgage rates, a better question might be:

Are you financially ready to buy, and does the move make sense for your life right now?

If the answer is yes, trying to perfectly time interest rates can become a distraction from the bigger opportunity of homeownership.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage rates will always move up and down. But most forecasts suggest they’ll stay somewhere around the low-6% range for the foreseeable future, not dramatically lower.

If you’re waiting for the “perfect” rate, you could end up sitting on the sidelines longer than expected.

A better approach is to focus on finding the right home, the right price, and the right timing for your personal situation.

If you’re thinking about buying in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Bothell, or surrounding communities, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk through your options and help you decide what makes the most sense in today’s market.

Buyers and Sellers • March 9, 2026

Weekly Market Update: South Snohomish & North King County March 2nd through March 8th

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 188 ⬆️ (156 last week)
Pending Sales: 193 ⬆️ (175 last week)
Homes Sold: 122 ⬇️ (150 last week)
Price Reductions: 115 ⬆️ (111 last week)

Weekly Trend Overview

The spring market is clearly gaining momentum across South Snohomish and North King County. New listings jumped significantly this week, giving buyers more options than we’ve seen in several weeks. At the same time, pending sales also climbed, showing that buyer demand remains strong as we move further into the early spring market.

Closed sales dipped slightly, which is fairly normal since closings typically lag behind pending activity by several weeks. With pending sales increasing again this week, we should expect sold numbers to rebound soon.

Price reductions also ticked up slightly. This is a typical signal that some sellers may have started slightly ahead of the market and are adjusting to meet buyer expectations.

Overall, the market is becoming more active on both sides as we head deeper into the spring buying season.

What This Means for You

Buyers

Inventory is starting to improve, which gives you more choices compared to earlier this year. However, the increase in pending sales shows that competition is still very real for well priced homes.

If you are planning to buy this spring, preparation is key. Having financing ready and being able to move quickly when the right home hits the market can make a big difference.

Sellers

More listings are hitting the market, which means competition between sellers is increasing. The good news is that buyer activity remains strong, as shown by the rise in pending sales.

Proper pricing and strong presentation are becoming more important as the number of homes for sale grows. Homes that are positioned well are still attracting serious buyer interest.

If you’re curious how these trends affect your home’s value or your plans to buy or sell this year, I’m always happy to help.

Uncategorized • March 3, 2026

Community Spotlight: Ballard

by Bill Jordan

Ballard continues to be one of Seattle’s most recognizable and vibrant neighborhoods. With its Scandinavian roots, walkable core, waterfront access, and a mix of modern condos and classic Craftsman homes, it offers a lifestyle that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the city.

Here is a quick look at the numbers:

Residential Homes
Average Sales Price: $975k

Condos
Average Sales Price: just over $670k

That gap between condos and single family homes creates opportunity depending on your goals. If you want lower maintenance living close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, the condo market in Ballard provides strong access at a more approachable price point. If you are looking for yard space, long term appreciation potential, and more privacy, single family homes continue to command a premium.

Why Buyers Love Ballard

• Walkability to Ballard Avenue, restaurants, breweries, and shops
• Easy access to waterfront parks and the Ballard Locks
• Strong sense of community and neighborhood identity
• Mix of historic charm and modern construction

What This Means for Sellers

Ballard remains highly desirable. Buyers often prioritize location over size here, and lifestyle plays a major role in decision making. Pricing correctly is key, especially as buyers compare condo affordability versus stretching for a detached home.

If you are curious what your Ballard home or condo could sell for in today’s market, let’s run the numbers.

Buyers • March 3, 2026

Renting vs. Buying in South Snohomish & North King County: The Numbers Might Be Closer Than You Think

by Bill Jordan

If you’re renting in Lynnwood, Bothell, Mill Creek, Edmonds, Shoreline, or nearby, you’ve probably wondered:

Should I just keep renting… or is it time to buy?

With interest rates higher than they were a few years ago, many renters assume buying no longer makes sense.

But locally, the gap between renting and owning is often smaller than people think.

What Renting Looks Like Right Now

A solid 1 bedroom apartment in our area can run close to $2,000 per month.

2 bedrooms regularly push well beyond that.

Townhome style rentals can climb into the $3,000 range without much effort.

And most leases reset every 12 months.

So the real question is not just what rent costs today.
It’s what you’ll be paying 3 to 5 years from now.

What Buying Looks Like Here

In South Snohomish and North King County, there are real entry points into ownership.

Townhomes can often be found in the mid $400s.
Single family homes can start around $600k and up depending on location and condition.

Yes, ownership comes with responsibility. There’s maintenance. There are property taxes. There’s insurance.

But there are also things renters do not get:

You lock in your principal and interest payment.
You build equity with every payment.
You participate in long term appreciation in a region that continues to see strong demand.

Ownership is not just about the monthly payment.
It’s about where that payment positions you 5 years from now.

The 5 Year Question

If you rent for 5 more years at $2,700 per month, that’s over $160,000 paid out.

If you own for 5 years, a portion of each payment reduces your loan balance. And if values rise even modestly over that time, that appreciation compounds your position.

You are not just paying for housing.
You are building something.

But What About Rates?

This is the hesitation I hear most.

Yes, rates are higher than the ultra low years.

If rates improve in the future, refinancing is an option.
If rent increases, there is no refinance.

When Renting Still Makes Sense

Buying is not right for everyone.

Renting can be smart if:

You plan to move within 1 to 2 years.
You need maximum flexibility.
You are still building credit or saving for a down payment.

But if you plan to stay in the area for several years, the financial conversation starts to shift.

What This Means for You Locally

South Snohomish and North King County continue to see strong demand because of location, access to major job centers, and overall quality of life.

Inventory remains competitive in well priced homes.

That means trying to perfectly time the market rarely works. Building a long term strategy does.

The key is not guessing.

It’s running your numbers.

Want to See What This Looks Like for You?

If you’re renting locally and wondering whether buying could make sense, let’s look at your situation.

We can review:

What you’re paying now
What ownership might look like
What down payment options exist
Whether waiting or moving forward makes more sense

Sometimes the answer is wait.

Sometimes the answer is you’re closer than you think.

Either way, clarity beats guessing.

Buyers and Sellers • March 2, 2026

Weekly Market Update: Feb 23rd through March 1st

by Bill Jordan

Here’s what we saw across South Snohomish and North King County this week:

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 156 ⬇️ from 168
Pending: 175 ⬆️ from 165
Sold: 150 ⬆️ from 112
Price Reductions: 111 ⬆️ from 54

Weekly Trend Overview

New listings dipped slightly, but buyer activity picked up in a big way. Pending sales increased and closed sales jumped significantly week over week. The most notable shift was in price reductions, which more than doubled compared to last week.

That tells us two things at the same time: buyers are active and motivated, but they are also price sensitive. Homes that are positioned well are moving. Homes that overshoot the market are adjusting quickly.

What This Means for You

Buyers

More homes are closing and pendings are strong, which means competition is still out there. However, the spike in price reductions is creating opportunity. If a home has been sitting or just reduced, there may be room for stronger terms or negotiations.

This is a market where strategy matters. Knowing which homes are likely to move quickly and which ones are overpriced can make a big difference.

Sellers

Buyers are absolutely in the market. One hundred fifty homes closed this week alone. That is a strong number.

But pricing right out of the gate is critical. With 111 reductions in just one week, the market is clearly correcting homes that missed the mark. The first 7 to 10 days on market are still the most important window.

If you’re thinking about making a move this spring, this is the time to start preparing. Positioning and presentation are everything right now.

If you want to know how your specific neighborhood is performing, or what your home might realistically sell for in today’s market, let’s connect.

Community • February 27, 2026

Community Spotlight: Lake City

by Bill Jordan

Lake City is one of North Seattle’s most underrated neighborhoods. It offers an approachable price point compared to many surrounding areas, while still giving you quick access to downtown Seattle, the Eastside, and outdoor recreation.

If you are looking for a mix of established residential streets, condos with convenience, and long term upside, Lake City deserves a closer look.

Lake City Real Estate Snapshot

Residential Homes
Average sold price: just under $985,000

Condos
Average sold price: just over $560,000

When you compare that to other North Seattle neighborhoods pushing well past the million dollar mark for single family homes, Lake City stands out as a more attainable entry point while still being within the Seattle city limits.

For buyers who feel priced out of nearby areas, this is often where we start the conversation.

What Makes Lake City Appealing?

1. Strong Value Within Seattle

You are still in Seattle proper, but the price per square foot often stretches further here than in places like Green Lake or Wallingford.

2. Accessibility

Lake City Way NE provides a direct corridor south toward downtown and north toward I-5 and 522. You are also within reasonable distance to:

Northgate Station
University of Washington
Lake Washington

3. Rental and Investment Potential

Because of its location and relative affordability, Lake City often attracts first time buyers and investors. Condos around the mid $500s can create opportunities for those wanting to stay in the city without crossing the $700k to $800k range.

Who Is Lake City a Good Fit For?

Lake City can be a strong match for:

• Buyers who want a Seattle address under the million dollar mark
• Condo buyers who want more space for their money
• Investors looking for long term appreciation in a city location
• Move up buyers who want proximity to both Seattle and the Eastside

Market Positioning

With residential averages just under $985k and condos just over $560k, Lake City sits in a strategic middle ground. It is not the lowest price point in King County, but within Seattle city limits, it offers one of the more balanced combinations of price and accessibility.

For sellers, this means buyers are often value driven and comparison shopping heavily across neighborhoods. Pricing and presentation matter.

For buyers, it means opportunity still exists here compared to some neighboring areas that have already surged.

If you are curious what your Lake City home is worth, or you want to explore what is currently available in the neighborhood, I would be happy to put together a custom breakdown.

General • February 25, 2026

Grateful and Honored: What These CENTURY 21 Awards Really Mean for My Clients

by Bill Jordan

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend our CENTURY 21 Real Estate Center annual awards event. I walked away incredibly grateful and proud to have received the following recognitions:

Centurion
President’s Award
Pinnacle Quality Service Award
Centurion Honor Society

First and foremost, these are not “Bill awards.”

They are a reflection of the trust people place in me across South Snohomish and North King County every single year.

But I also know that most consumers have no idea what these awards actually represent. So instead of just posting a photo with a caption, I want to explain what they mean and why they may matter to you.

Centurion Award

The Centurion Award recognizes a high level of closed production within the CENTURY 21 system.

In practical terms, it reflects a significant number of homes successfully bought and sold in one year.

Why this matters to you:

Experience compounds.

Every transaction involves negotiations, inspections, timelines, financing coordination, appraisal, and emotional decisions. The more transactions I successfully navigate, the sharper my instincts become and the more confidently I can protect each client’s position.

This award reflects consistent, high level production in our local market, not just a one off year.

Pinnacle Quality Service Award

This one is especially meaningful.

To even qualify for the Quality Service program:

• At least 80 percent of all transactions must be sent a client satisfaction survey
• At least 50 percent of those surveys must be returned

To earn the Pinnacle level, an agent must maintain a minimum 95 percent overall satisfaction score for two consecutive years.

This is not based on hand picked testimonials. It is based on verified survey feedback across the majority of transactions.

Why this matters to you:

High production is important. But high production with verified client satisfaction is what truly counts.

This award reflects consistency in communication, follow through, and overall client experience.

President’s Award

The President’s Award is presented to agents who achieve both:

Centurion level production
Pinnacle Quality Service Award

In the same year.

In simple terms:

High volume and high satisfaction at the same time.

It recognizes the balance between performance and client care, which I believe is the foundation of a sustainable real estate business.

Centurion Honor Society

This is absolutely the one I am most proud of.

The Centurion Honor Society recognizes individuals who have achieved Centurion production for a minimum of 5 of the past 7 years.

In my case, I have achieved Centurion level production five years in a row with no gaps. Only THREE agents in the 40 year history of my office have received this, and I am one of them!

Why that matters:

This is not about one strong year. It is about sustained performance through different market cycles.

Over the past several years, we have seen record highs, rapid appreciation, intense competition, rising interest rates, and shifting buyer behavior. Maintaining high level production consistently through all of that speaks to adaptability and staying power.

What This Means for You

If you are buying or selling in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, Mukilteo, Shoreline, or anywhere in South Snohomish and North King County, these awards represent three key things:

Experience
Verified client satisfaction
Long term consistency

Real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. My commitment is to combine strong negotiation and production with a client experience that earns repeat business and referrals year after year.

I am incredibly grateful to my clients, referral partners, and community for trusting me with that responsibility.

If you are considering buying, selling, or simply want to understand your home’s value in today’s market, I would be honored to help.

Buyers and Sellers • February 23, 2026

Weekly Market Update: February 16 through February 22, 2026

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 143 ⬇️ (168)
Pending Sales: 169 ⬆️ (165)
Closed Sales: 104 ⬇️ (112)
Price Reductions: 70 ⬆️ (54)

Weekly Trend Overview

Inventory pulled back this week with fewer new listings hitting the market compared to the week prior. At the same time, pending activity ticked up, which tells us buyers are still very active and writing offers.

Closed sales dipped slightly, which is normal as we move through seasonal shifts and contract timing cycles. What stands out most is the jump in price reductions. Seventy homes reduced their price this week, which is a noticeable increase and signals that some sellers may have started too aggressively.

We are seeing a market that is active, but sensitive to pricing.

What This Means for You

Buyers

More homes are going under contract even with fewer new listings coming on. That means competition still exists, especially for well priced homes in strong locations.

The increase in price reductions creates opportunity. If a home has been sitting for a few weeks or recently reduced, there may be room for negotiation. Strategic timing matters right now.

Sellers

Pending numbers rising is good news. Buyers are out there.

However, the spike in price reductions is your warning sign. The market is not forgiving on overpricing. Homes that come out strong and aligned with current buyer expectations are the ones that move quickly and avoid chasing the market down with reductions.

If you are thinking about selling this spring in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, Shoreline or surrounding areas, preparation and pricing strategy will make all the difference.

If you want to talk through your home’s position in today’s market, I am always happy to run the numbers and give you a clear plan.

Community • February 20, 2026

Community Spotlight: Bellevue, Washington

by Bill Jordan

If you’re looking for a city that blends luxury living, career opportunity, and everyday convenience, Bellevue continues to stand out as one of the most sought after markets in the Pacific Northwest.

Located just east of Seattle across Lake Washington, Bellevue has evolved into a true urban powerhouse while still offering quiet residential neighborhoods, lakefront estates, and walkable downtown living.

Let’s break it down.

📊 Bellevue Real Estate Market Snapshot

Here’s what the numbers look like right now:

Residential
Average home price: Nearly $2.3 million

Condominiums
Average condo price: About $895,000

Townhomes
Average townhome price: Around $970,000

These price points reflect Bellevue’s strong demand, high income job base, and limited inventory in many desirable neighborhoods.

💼 Why So Many Buyers Target Bellevue

Bellevue is a major employment hub on the Eastside. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and T-Mobile have a significant presence here, along with numerous tech startups and global firms.

That strong employment base helps support higher price points and keeps demand steady even when other markets cool.

🏙️ Neighborhood & Lifestyle Appeal

Bellevue offers a wide range of living options:

Downtown high rise condos with walkability to dining and shopping
Luxury estates in West Bellevue
Waterfront properties along Lake Washington
Established neighborhoods with tree lined streets
Newer townhome communities close to light rail and tech campuses

Bellevue Downtown Park is one of the city’s crown jewels, offering 20 acres of green space right in the urban core. The shopping and dining at The Bellevue Collection adds to the upscale, walkable lifestyle.

📈 What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Buyers
Bellevue is competitive, especially under $1 million in the condo and townhome space. Strategic offer writing, strong financing, and knowing the micro markets matter here.

Sellers
With an average residential price near $2.3M, proper positioning and marketing are critical. Presentation, pricing strategy, and high level exposure can make a significant difference in final sale price.

Thinking About Bellevue?

Whether you’re relocating for work, downsizing into a downtown condo, or exploring luxury neighborhoods, Bellevue offers long term stability and strong appreciation potential.

If you’d like to see what your home could sell for in today’s Bellevue market or explore current listings HERE, I’m happy to help.