Sellers • July 23, 2025

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selling Your Home

by Bill Jordan

Selling your home is a big decision, and doing it right makes all the difference. Since 2017, I’ve helped homeowners throughout Snohomish and North King County avoid the pitfalls that can cost time and money. As one of the top agents in my office, I bring the local knowledge and strategy you need to sell with confidence. Here are five mistakes I help sellers steer clear of:

1. Overpricing from the Start
Aiming high might seem smart, but setting the wrong price can lead to fewer showings and long days on market. I use hyper-local data and real-time buyer insights to position your home where it will get attention, without leaving money on the table.

2. Making the Wrong Upgrades
Not all improvements add value. Some updates impress buyers, while others go unnoticed. I help you focus on what buyers in our market actually care about so your investment pays off.

3. Overlooking Small Repairs
Little things like chipped paint or a leaky faucet may seem minor but can raise red flags. I’ll help you walk through your home like a buyer would and create a list of easy fixes that make a big difference.

4. Being Too Rigid in Negotiations
Buyers today want value and are willing to negotiate. Whether it’s price, timelines, or credits, I’ll help you stay flexible while protecting your bottom line.

5. Choosing the Wrong Agent
Who you hire matters. With years of full-time experience and hundreds of homes toured and sold, I go beyond the basics. You’ll get strategic pricing, strong marketing, clear communication, and trusted representation from start to finish.

Don’t just take it from me. Check out my Google reviews to see what past clients have to say about their experience.

Let’s Get Your Home Market-Ready
If you’re even thinking about selling, now is the time to talk strategy. I offer a no-pressure consultation to walk your property, talk timelines, and create a personalized plan that meets your goals.

Buyers • General • Sellers • July 22, 2025

📊 Weekly Real Estate Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

The local housing market stayed active this past week, offering a clear view of what both buyers and sellers are navigating right now:

New Listings: 213 homes hit the market
Back on Market: 24 listings returned after falling out of contract
Price Reductions: 177 sellers adjusted their price
Pending Sales: 228 homes went under contract
Closed Sales: 152 homes officially sold

What Does This Mean?

We’re seeing nearly as many homes go pending as are being listed, keeping inventory tight. The 177 price drops indicate that sellers still need to be strategic with pricing, especially as buyers weigh more options. The pace of pendings shows continued buyer activity, especially for well-presented and well-priced homes.

If you’re thinking about listing, now is a good time to prep — homes that show well and are priced right are still moving quickly. Want help positioning your home for the market? Let’s talk.

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Mountlake Terrace, and surrounding communities.

Buyers • July 16, 2025

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing — What That Means for Snohomish & North King County Buyers

by Bill Jordan

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to settle down, there’s good news: rates have started to stabilize. And that shift is already having a ripple effect for homebuyers across Snohomish and North King County.

📉 Why Stable Mortgage Rates Matter

Over the past year, buyers have dealt with a lot of uncertainty. One day rates would rise, the next they’d fall—and that kind of volatility made it hard to plan a move confidently. But now, experts are seeing rates hold steady, hovering in the mid-6% range. For local buyers in places like Lynnwood, Bothell, Mountlake Terrace, and Shoreline, that means you can move forward with more predictability and less guesswork.

🛑 Less Rate Fluctuation = More Buying Power

Even though rates aren’t back in the 3s, the current consistency helps. If you’re pre-approved and ready to buy, you can lock in a rate with more confidence that it won’t suddenly spike before closing. This helps with budgeting and can give you an edge when competing for homes in our low-inventory market.

🏡 A Boost in Buyer & Seller Activity

As rates settle, more homeowners are gaining confidence to list their homes. That’s especially true in neighborhoods like Alderwood, Brier, and Kenmore, where sellers had been holding off. This shift could bring more inventory into the market, giving you more options and maybe even a little negotiating room.

📍 Local Mortgage Tip:

Work with a lender who understands Snohomish and King County loan limits and property taxes—especially if you’re shopping in areas with higher home values like Edmonds or Kirkland. A local lender can help you maximize affordability and navigate competitive offer situations.

✅ Key Takeaways for Homebuyers in Snohomish & North King County:

Get pre-approved now. With rates leveling off, you’ll want to be ready to act quickly when the right home hits the market.
Lock your rate strategically. Don’t wait too long—stability means fewer surprises, not no movement at all.
Keep an eye on local inventory. We’re seeing more sellers list as confidence grows. Watch your favorite neighborhoods closely.
Talk to a real estate expert (hi, that’s me!) who knows the local market trends and can guide you through offer strategies and timing.

Thinking of Buying This Summer?

If you’re planning to purchase a home in Lynnwood, Bothell, Shoreline, or surrounding areas, now is a great time to explore your options. Let’s talk about what’s happening in your price range—and how today’s steady mortgage rates can work in your favor.

📲 Ready to get started? I’d be happy to connect you with trusted local lenders and help you find the right home before rates move again.

Buyers • General • July 9, 2025

HUD 184: A Powerful Home Loan Option for Native American Buyers

by Bill Jordan

As a real estate agent, I’m committed to helping every family find the resources that best support their homeownership journey. For Native American and Alaska Native communities, one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—options is the HUD 184 Home Loan Program.

What is the HUD 184 Loan?

The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is designed specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native families, tribes, and housing entities. It provides an affordable path to homeownership with benefits that are hard to match:

✅ Low 2.25% down payment
✅ No mortgage insurance
✅ Lenient credit requirements
✅ No income limits
✅ Can be used for 1–4 unit homes or refinancing
✅ Can be combined with down payment assistance for no money down

Who’s Eligible?

To qualify, you must be:

A member of a federally recognized tribe
A Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE)
An Indian Housing Authority (IHA)

Where Is It Available?

HUD 184 is available throughout Washington State and in many other areas nationwide. Not all counties may qualify, so check eligibility based on location.

Why It Matters

For many Native families, this program can be a game-changer—offering a path to stable housing and wealth-building opportunities with flexible terms. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, HUD 184 deserves a serious look.

Let’s Talk

If you’re a member of a federally recognized tribe and are interested in learning more about HUD 184, I’d love to help guide you through the process. I work with loan officers who understand the ins and outs of this program and are here to support you every step of the way.

📞 Let’s connect today and get you one step closer to home!

Sellers • July 2, 2025

Why Your Home’s Asking Price Matters More Than Ever in Today’s Market

by Bill Jordan

If you’re planning to sell your home in the South Snohomish or North King County area, pricing it right from the start has never been more important.

According to recent data, the number of price reductions in May 2025 has surged back to normal levels—almost identical to what we saw in 2018 and 2019. Roughly 1 in 5 sellers are dropping their price, which signals a clear trend: many homes are hitting the market overpriced.

Why Are So Many Sellers Overpricing Their Homes?

Let’s talk about what’s happening and why pricing right matters:

✅ Not Paying Attention to the Current Market
Inventory is up, which means buyers have more options. When a home is priced too high, buyers simply move on to the next one. In this competitive climate, homes that stand out for value are the ones getting the showings—and the offers.

✅ Pricing Based on What You Want to Make
It’s natural to think about what you “need” to walk away with, especially if you’re using that equity for your next home. But buyers aren’t thinking about your goals—they’re looking at comparable homes and current values. If your asking price doesn’t line up, they’ll scroll right past.

✅ Leaving Room for Negotiation
Some sellers price high, expecting to leave wiggle room. But today’s buyers are savvy. If a home feels overpriced, many won’t even bother making an offer. Instead of negotiating down, they’ll just keep looking.

What’s the Best Way to Avoid a Price Cut?

The key is partnering with a local real estate expert like myself who understands our market. When hiring me, I will help you price your home based on:

The value of comparable homes in your neighborhood
The condition and updates of your property
Current buyer demand and seasonal trends
What’s selling fast—and what’s sitting

When your home is priced right from day one, it grabs attention, drives traffic, and can even spark multiple offers. Overpricing, on the other hand, risks sitting too long and ultimately selling for less after a cut.

Bottom Line

In today’s shifting real estate market, the asking price isn’t just a number—it’s a strategy. If you’re thinking about selling in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Shoreline, or anywhere in between, I’d be happy to provide a custom pricing strategy that works for today’s buyers.

Buyers • Sellers • June 25, 2025

Think It’s Better to Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Read This.

by Bill Jordan

Fear of a recession can feel paralyzing—should it stop you from buying or selling a home? Let’s break down what history and experts really tell us.

📊 What the Data Shows

A June 2025 survey by John Burns Research and Consulting and Keeping Current Matters found that 68% of prospective buyers or sellers are delaying their plans due to economic uncertainty

This hesitation often stems from two assumptions:

Mortgage rates will drop during a recession.
Home prices will follow suit.

The first is often true—rates tend to fall in slowdowns as the Fed eases. But don’t count on falling home prices. According to data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), home prices actually rose in four of the last six U.S. recessions. And there’s some truth to the idea that a recession could bring about lower mortgage rates. History shows mortgage rates usually drop during economic slowdowns. That’s not guaranteed – but it is a common pattern. Looking at data from the last six recessions, you can see mortgage rates fell each time (see graph below):

While buyers often equate recession with discount real estate, it’s the exception—not the rule—that prices fall sharply (as in 2008). Today’s shortage of homes keeps prices from tanking, even amid economic slowdowns.

🛡️ Why Homes Usually Hold Value

Inventory shortages: With more buyers than sellers, prices stay elevated.
Recession dynamics: Mortgage rates fall, but sellers are less pressured to offload, limiting price dips.
Historical precedents: Only one recent recession saw steep price drops—2008.

Robert Frick of Navy Federal captures it well:

“Hopes that an economic slowdown will depress housing prices are wishful thinking at this point…”

According to data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), home prices went up in four of the last six recessions (see graph below)

💡 Broader Financial Context

Current financial experts are urging caution:

Business Insider highlights that uncertain conditions (tariffs, inflation, policy shifts) mean “stay put” is often advice for big decisions—housing included.
MarketWatch recommends building a 6–12 month emergency fund, keeping housing costs below 28% of income, and recalibrating investments for your life stage.

Other reputable sources (Washington Post, Time) echo the same: reduce debt, boost savings, and avoid making major purchases without strong financial protection and purpose.

🏡 Bottom Line: Move Sooner—If It Makes Sense for You

Waiting for rates? Could pay off—but timing is unpredictable.
Waiting for prices? Risky: the housing stock is tight, and prices don’t typically drop sharply.
What really matters? Your personal situation: job security, emergency funds, housing needs, and long-term plans.

If you’re ready—financially and in life—it might make more sense to act now than wait for a recession that may not deliver what you hope.

✅ Tips for Moving with Confidence

Secure your financial foundation
- Build or maintain an emergency fund (6–12 months horizon).
- Avoid over-stretching on housing costs—try to keep mortgage or rent under ~28% of gross income.
Collaborate with a trusted agent
- Focus on market realities, not speculation.
- Look at local trends: Are inventory shortages easing? Are supply/demand levels stable?
Strategize mortgage moves
- If rates do drop post-purchase, refinancing could be a smart move—but don’t wait in hopes of hitting a perfect low.
- Lock in when you can; be ready to revisit rates later.
Think long-term
- Buying and selling homes are milestone events—not market games.
- Focus on your personal needs, not timing the market.

✳️ Final Word

Don’t let fear or wishful thinking postpone your next move. Healthy recession talk isn’t a clear signal to delay—it’s a reminder to ground your decisions in your financial reality. If your budget, job, and life story align, now may be the smarter time to act—even in the face of economic uncertainty.

Buyers • Sellers • June 18, 2025

Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move (Even with Today’s Rates)

by Bill Jordan

If you’re a homeowner in the Seattle area housing market, you may be wondering if now is really the time to make a move—especially with mortgage rates higher than we’ve seen in recent years. But despite those rates, more and more sellers are making the move. Why?

Real estate decisions are about more than just rates.
Sure, interest rates are part of the equation—but they’re not the only thing that motivates a homeowner to sell. As Keeping Current Matters points out:

“While mortgage rates are still elevated compared to where they were a couple of years ago, that isn’t stopping homeowners from selling their houses. Some just can’t put their plans on hold any longer.”

Whether it’s a new job, growing family, retirement, or lifestyle change, many local homeowners in areas like Lynnwood and Edmonds are deciding that the cost of waiting outweighs the cost of higher monthly payments.

Equity gives sellers flexibility.
If you’ve owned your home for several years, chances are you’ve built up a healthy amount of equity. That equity can be a powerful tool—whether you’re downsizing, moving closer to family, or looking for more space.

In the Lynnwood real estate market and surrounding areas, we’ve seen strong price appreciation over the past few years. That means many homeowners are in a great position to use their equity toward their next down payment—reducing the impact of today’s higher rates.

More choices are coming to market.
One major concern for sellers thinking about buying again is inventory. But the good news? We’re finally seeing more homes for sale in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and throughout the Seattle suburbs.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to list, this might be it. Increased inventory means more options on the buying side and more interest from buyers who have been starved for selection.

Bottom Line
If personal or financial goals are prompting you to consider a move, don’t let today’s rates hold you back. As a trusted local expert, I can help you run the numbers, assess your equity, and decide if now’s the time to list your home—or find the next one.

📍Thinking of buying or selling in Lynnwood, Edmonds, or the Seattle metro area? Let’s connect. I’m here to help you make a smart move.

Buyers • Sellers • June 11, 2025

🏘️ Is Inventory Getting Back to Normal in the PNW?

by Bill Jordan

🏘️ Is Inventory Getting Back to Normal in the PNW?

The national housing market is returning to more balanced levels—but what’s happening here in Snohomish and North King Counties? Let’s break it down.

📊 What KCM Says

According to Keeping Current Matters, inventory levels are rising in many areas—helping shift markets from extreme sellers’ conditions toward a healthier balance. Still, mortgage rates and buyer demand play a big role in when and how this transition unfolds.

📈 Local Inventory Snapshot

King County

Active listings reached 7,996 in May 2025, up ~58% year-over-year and more than double compared to mid-winter
Inventory stands at about 1.9 months, still a sellers’ market, but inching closer to balance

Snohomish County

Active listings climbed to 2,481 in May 2025, a steep rise from 1,464 in January
That’s about 2,480 homes for sale, marking a significant shift for a county known for tighter inventory in previous years.
New listings rose too—May saw 1,737 added, bringing total active inventory to 1,815—a 64% jump YoY

💡 What This Means for You

For Buyers: More listings = more choice. You can take your time, tour thoughtfully, and negotiate from a better position—especially in Snohomish where buyer activity is still catching up to supply
For Sellers: This isn’t panic time—but competition is increasing. Homes still sell quickly if priced right, staged well, and professionally marketed.
If you’ve been waiting for inventory to improve, the moment is now.

📌 PNW Market Snapshot

County	Active Listings	YoY Change	Months of Inventory*	Median Price (≈)
King	~8,000	+58%	~1.9	$920K–$989K
Snohomish	~2,480	+70%+	~1.5–2.0	$745K–$833K

*Balanced market is 4–6 months of inventory.

📚 Your Local Takeaway

Buyers: You’re in a strong position with more homes to pick from and room for negotiation.
Sellers: The market remains favorable, but you need strategy—price smart, stage thoughtfully, and market creatively.
Everyone benefits from the shift—supply levels are improving, even if still on the tight side.

🔊 Want to Talk Strategy?

Whether you’re looking to buy in this market or thinking about selling, this is a turning point. I’d love to walk you through what this means for your specific neighborhood and goals. Let’s connect!

General • June 4, 2025

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month in the PNW: Quick Quips on Community, Home, and Belonging

by Bill Jordan

Pride Month is about more than rainbow flags — it’s about honoring authenticity, inclusion, and the right for everyone to feel safe and celebrated where they live. As a local real estate pro and community member, here are a few things I believe, support, and want to share this June.

🌈 🏡 Home Should Always Feel Like Belonging

Everyone deserves a home where they can be their full, unapologetic selves. Period.

🌈 🛑 Hate Has No Home Here

In my business — and in my personal values — love wins, and discrimination loses.

🌈 💼 Buying or Selling? You’re Safe With Me

LGBTQ+ clients, couples, and families: I’m here for you. Always. Respect, clarity, and advocacy included.

🌈 📍 The PNW Has Pride

From Seattle to Snohomish County, our communities show up — loud, proud, and welcoming.

Check out local events like:

Seattle Pride Parade (June 30)

Everett Pride in the Park (June 15)

Capitol Hill PrideFest (June 29)

🌈 🎉 More Than a Month

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community isn’t seasonal — it’s baked into how I do business and how I show up in life.

🌈 🏠 Real Estate Tip: Inclusion Sells

Homes in welcoming, diverse areas often hold stronger long-term appeal. Communities that care attract people who care.

🌈 ❤️ Let’s Keep Growing Together

If you or someone you love needs a trusted real estate ally who leads with empathy and local knowledge, I’m here — every step of the way.

Happy Pride, PNW.

Here’s to equity, community, and everyone having a place they truly call home.

Sellers • May 28, 2025

Thinking About Downsizing? Here’s What to Know Before You Do.

by Bill Jordan

Thinking About Downsizing? Here’s What to Know Before You Do.

For many homeowners in South Snohomish and North King County, the idea of downsizing isn’t just about finding a smaller space — it’s about starting a new chapter. Whether your kids have moved out, you’re looking for less maintenance, or just craving a simpler lifestyle, downsizing can bring a surprising amount of freedom.

But before you trade square footage for simplicity, there are a few important things to consider.

Why People Choose to Downsize

✅ Less upkeep: Smaller homes mean fewer chores and less yardwork.
✅ Lower costs: Utility bills, taxes, and insurance can all shrink with the home.
✅ More cash flow: Selling a larger home in today’s market can unlock equity to fund travel, retirement, or other goals.
✅ New lifestyle: Many downsizers are drawn to walkable neighborhoods, low-maintenance condos, or one-level living.

Things to Think About Before You Downsize

1. Do You Know What You Really Need?
Be realistic about your space needs. Will you host guests? Need a home office? Storage space? Downsizing doesn’t mean compromising on comfort — it means choosing the right space.

2. Will This Be Your Forever Home?
Consider future needs like accessibility, HOA rules, or long-term affordability. A smaller home should fit your lifestyle both now and later.

3. Are You Ready Emotionally?
It can be tough to leave a home full of memories. Take time to process it — and know that you’re not alone. A good real estate partner, such as myself, can help ease that transition.

4. What Will You Do With Your Equity?
Selling a larger home in today’s market can yield a strong return. Will you buy with cash? Invest? Save? Planning ahead ensures you make the most of it.

Downsizing Doesn’t Mean Downgrading

In fact, it often means upgrading your quality of life. With the right guidance, you can make a smart move that’s financially sound and personally fulfilling.

📍 Thinking about your next move?
Let’s connect to explore your options and get a personalized plan — whether you’re ready now or just starting to dream.