Buyers and Sellers • September 15, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 181 ↓ (from 205 last week)
Pending Sales: 196 ↑ (from 193)
Sold Homes: 137 ↑ (from 108)
Price Reductions: 169 ↑ (from 152)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

After last week’s post-holiday surge in listings, new inventory eased back to 181. Pending sales picked up slightly, showing buyers are still active. Closed sales also improved, rebounding from the slower numbers we saw right after Labor Day.

Price reductions rose again to 169, which is a clear sign that buyers are being choosy and sellers who overshoot on pricing are being forced to adjust.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
You’ve got consistent choices, and with more price reductions in play, negotiating opportunities are increasing. Well-priced homes still move quickly, but patience may pay off with deals.

For Sellers:
Buyer demand is steady, but price sensitivity is real. Homes that come out too high are winding up in the reduction column. Position your home competitively to sell faster and for the best results.

Buyers and Sellers • General • September 12, 2025

🏡 Community Spotlight: Living in Edmonds, WA

by Bill Jordan

Welcome to Edmonds

Edmonds, WA is one of the most charming waterfront cities in Snohomish County. Known for its small-town feel, stunning Puget Sound views, and vibrant arts and dining scene, Edmonds combines natural beauty with everyday convenience. It’s no wonder Edmonds WA real estate is some of the most sought-after in the region.

A Bit of History

Founded in 1890, Edmonds began as a logging and shingle mill town before evolving into a cultural hub on the Sound. Today, its historic downtown, ferry terminal, and marina make it both a commuter-friendly location and a destination in its own right.

Lifestyle in Edmonds

Life in Edmonds blends coastal charm with modern amenities:

Waterfront Access: Stroll Edmonds Beach, Brackett’s Landing, or Marina Beach Park (and off-leash dog area!) and take in Olympic Mountain sunsets.
Shopping & Dining: A walkable downtown filled with boutique shops, cafes, and award-winning restaurants.
Commute Advantage: Easy access to I-5, Highway 99, and the Edmonds-Kingston ferry terminal — plus Sounder commuter rail directly into Seattle.
Arts & Culture: The Edmonds Center for the Arts, annual Edmonds Arts Festival, and thriving local galleries make this a creative hub.

Community Events in Edmonds

Edmonds Arts Festival — A premier regional arts event each June, showcasing local and national talent.
Edmonds Summer Market — A weekly farmers market running May through October with fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods.
Edmonds Waterfront Festival — A celebration of boating, food, and live music each summer.
Edmonds Holiday Tree Lighting — A winter tradition that draws the community downtown for festivities and cheer.

Housing Snapshot

Edmonds WA real estate offers everything from charming downtown condos and mid-century ramblers to luxury waterfront estates. Reflecting the city’s strong demand and coastal appeal, median home prices year to date are around $1,090,000, while Edmonds Bowl median home prices year to date are aound $1,275,000. You can expect to pay between $2 million and $6 million for luxury waterfront views.

Local Insider Tip

Head to Brackett’s Landing North for tidepooling at low tide as it’s one of the best-kept secrets for families and nature lovers.

Thinking About a Move?

If you’re considering buying or selling in Edmonds, you’re not alone. Explore the latest homes for sale in Edmonds HERE and let Bill Jordan and the Jordan Real Estate Group at Century 21 help you find your perfect spot on the Sound.

Uncategorized • September 11, 2025

Will Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates Actually Save You Money?

by Bill Jordan

Lots of buyers are wondering: “Should I wait until rates come down before buying?” The answer depends heavily on how much you expect rates and home prices to move in the meantime. Here in South Snohomish / North King County the margins can get pretty thin. Using up-to-date numbers helps show why.

Current Rate Snapshot

30-year fixed mortgage rate: 6.29% per Mortgage News Daily. Mortgage News Daily
For comparison, many buyers have been using 7% as a benchmark “high rate” in past scenarios.

Example: $800,000 Home — Comparing 7% vs Today’s 6.29%

Let’s do the math for a typical scenario; adjust for real numbers so clients can see clearly what waiting might cost vs what it might save.

Scenario	Home Price	Down Payment (20%)	Interest Rate	Monthly Principal & Interest*
A. Using “old high-rate” assumption	$800,000	$160,000	7.00%	~$4,326
B. Using today’s rate	$800,000	$160,000	6.29%	~$4,107

*These are approximate monthly payments for principal + interest, not including taxes, insurance, maintenance, or HOA fees.

So in Scenario B vs Scenario A, you’re saving about $220 /month just from the lower interest rate, assuming price and down payment are the same.

But What If You Wait & Prices Go Up?

Waiting isn’t free. If you expect home prices to rise (which is reasonable in many parts of North King / South Snohomish), a rate drop might be partially or fully offset.

Let’s imagine that in the future:

Rate drops to 6.00% (from today’s 6.29%)
But home prices increase 5% in that period → price goes from $800,000 to $840,000

Then:

Scenario	Home Price	Down Payment (20%)	Interest Rate	Monthly P&I*
C. Waited	$840,000	$168,000	6.00%	~$4,249

Compare Scenario B (buy now at 6.29%) vs Scenario C (wait, price up 5%, rate down to 6.00%):

Scenario B monthly ≈ $4,107
Scenario C monthly ≈ $4,249

That’s about $140/month more in the waiting scenario, plus a higher down payment.

Local Implications for Buyers

Today’s rate of 6.29% gives a noticeable benefit over a 7% rate, all else equal.
If you believe prices will increase by more than ~3-5% while rates drop slightly (to ~6.0-6.5%), waiting could cost more over time.
Sellers in many parts of King / Snohomish are more open to concessions now, which helps offset affordability pressures.

Bottom Line

If you find a home you like, buying now (even at 6.29%) likely beats waiting for slightly lower rates + higher prices. The savings in monthly payment might be modest, but the risk of higher purchase price often outweighs it.

Buyers and Sellers • September 8, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 205 ↑ (from 117 last week)
Pending Sales: 193 ↓ (from 206)
Sold Homes: 108 ↓ (from 161)
Price Reductions: 152 ↑ (from 110)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

The post-holiday rebound is here. New listings more than doubled after the Labor Day dip, as expected when sellers who held off hit the market. Pending sales eased slightly from last week’s strong showing, and closed sales dropped, likely reflecting the lighter pending activity during late August.

Price reductions rose to 152, showing that even as activity picks up, buyers remain price-conscious and are not chasing overpriced listings.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
More fresh inventory hit the market this week, giving you new options. But with price reductions rising, there may also be opportunities to negotiate on homes that linger.

For Sellers:
Listing activity surged after the holiday, competition is back. To stand out, focus on pricing right and making your home shine. Overpricing leads to reductions, which costs time and leverage.

Buyers and Sellers • General • September 5, 2025

🏡 Community Spotlight: Living in Lynnwood, WA

by Bill Jordan

Welcome to Lynnwood

Lynnwood, WA is one of Snohomish County’s most connected and fast-growing communities. Just 16 miles north of Seattle and minutes from Everett, this city is perfectly positioned for convenience, lifestyle, and opportunity. With a strong housing market and the arrival of light rail in summer 2024, it’s no surprise Lynnwood WA real estate is on so many buyers’ radars.

A Bit of History

Originally farmland in the early 1900s, Lynnwood transformed rapidly in the post-WWII era when suburban growth expanded north of Seattle. Alderwood Mall, which opened in 1979, cemented Lynnwood as the region’s retail and business hub. Today, Lynnwood blends that commercial energy with a growing sense of community — new parks, cultural centers, and residential neighborhoods are reshaping its identity.

Lifestyle in Lynnwood

Life in Lynnwood offers something for everyone:

Shopping & Dining: Alderwood Mall is a destination with top restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Outdoor Spaces: Residents enjoy Scriber Lake Park’s boardwalks, Lynndale Park’s trails and playfields, and Meadowdale Beach Park’s Puget Sound shoreline.
Commute Advantage: With the Lynnwood Link light rail station opening in summer 2024, residents now enjoy a fast connection to downtown Seattle in under 30 minutes. Easy access to I-5, I-405, and Highway 99 makes commuting even more flexible.
Community Events: From outdoor theater to cultural festivals, Lynnwood hosts events that bring neighbors together throughout the year.

Community Events in Lynnwood

Celebrate! at Alderwood Mall — A lively summer event featuring live music, food trucks, and a beer & wine garden.
Shakespeare in the Park — Outdoor performances of classic plays at Lynndale Park Amphitheater each summer.
Fair on 44th — A family-friendly community block party with fire and police demonstrations, food trucks, and health & safety activities.
Heritage Days — Experience Lynnwood’s history with trolley rides, museum tours, and exhibits at Heritage Park.

Housing Snapshot

Lynnwood WA real estate is diverse — you’ll find classic mid-century homes, spacious ramblers, modern townhomes, and brand-new construction communities. The median home price is around $725,000, which makes Lynnwood more affordable than many Seattle neighborhoods while still offering outstanding amenities and connectivity.

Local Insider Tip

Skip the mall crowds and head to Scriber Lake Park for a peaceful walk along the boardwalks — it’s a hidden oasis right in the heart of the city.

Thinking About a Move?

If you’re considering buying or selling in Lynnwood, you’re not alone. Explore the latest homes for sale in Lynnwood WA and let Bill Jordan and the Jordan Real Estate Group at Century 21 help you navigate the market with local expertise.

Sellers • September 3, 2025

Should You Rent Out Your Home Instead of Selling? What You Need to Know

by Bill Jordan

If you’re a homeowner in South Snohomish County or North King County, you may be wondering if renting out your property could be a better move than selling. It’s a question I hear often in today’s market, especially with many homeowners locked into historically low mortgage rates. While renting can sometimes make sense, it isn’t always the win people expect.

Here are three important things to weigh before deciding:

1. Is Your Home Truly a Good Rental?

Not every house is built for the rental market. Ask yourself:

Does the neighborhood appeal to renters?
Does the home need major repairs before tenants move in?
If you’re relocating, can you manage the property long-distance?

If the answers raise concerns, selling may provide a cleaner path forward.

2. Are You Ready to Be a Landlord?

Renting sounds like “passive income,” but it’s rarely hands-off. You’ll need to handle:

Late-night repair calls
Tenant disputes
Regular upkeep on systems like plumbing and HVAC
Potential damage to home, requiring replacement of items unplanned for (such as carpet/flooring, paint & drywall, doors, cabinets)

Even with a property manager, you’ll carry responsibility—and management fees usually run about 10% of monthly rent.

3. What Are the Real Costs?

Beyond the mortgage, landlords face:

Higher insurance premiums (often 25% more than standard policies)
Vacancy periods where you cover the full payment (especially if there’s unforseen damage at tenant move out)
Marketing and turnover costs every time tenants move out

These expenses often surprise new landlords and can wipe out the income they expected.

When Renting Can Be a Smart Move

While there are challenges, there are also times when holding on to your home and renting it out may be the right fit:

Building Long-Term Wealth: If your mortgage is low and rent comfortably covers expenses, you could grow equity over time while tenants help pay down your loan.
Tax Benefits: Certain deductions—like depreciation, insurance, and repair costs—may reduce your taxable income. Always confirm with a tax professional.
Flexibility for the Future: If you think you might move back to the area, renting allows you to keep your home as an option down the road.
Diversifying Investments: A rental property can become part of your financial strategy, giving you both real estate appreciation and cash flow potential.

The Bottom Line

If your home isn’t selling at your current price, it may make more sense to adjust your pricing strategy than to take on the risks of renting. For some homeowners, leasing works as a short-term plan. For others, a well-timed sale unlocks equity and reduces stress.

If you’re weighing the choice between renting and selling in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Shoreline, Everett, or the surrounding areas, let’s talk. I’ll help you run the numbers and see what makes the most sense for your goals.

Buyers and Sellers • September 2, 2025

📅 August 2025 Market Recap – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

The August market reflected steady demand with some late-summer seasonality showing up around Labor Day. Buyers stayed active, and while sellers adjusted pricing early in the month, by September fewer reductions were needed.

August Snapshot

Average New Listings per Week: ~164 (down from July’s ~182)
Average Pending Sales per Week: ~201 (up from July’s ~189)
Average Sold Homes per Week: ~149 (steady vs July’s ~150)
Average Price Reductions per Week: ~152 (down from July’s ~168)

August vs. July – Key Trends

Inventory Flow: Fewer new listings came to market in August compared to July, especially during the Labor Day dip. This tightening inventory is typical for late summer.
Buyer Demand: Pending sales actually increased compared to July, showing that motivated buyers are still making offers despite fewer new homes.
Closings: Sold homes stayed steady month-over-month, which means buyers are following through to close.
Pricing Pressure: Price reductions eased compared to July, suggesting sellers are pricing more accurately and buyers are responding.

Takeaways

For Buyers:
Even with fewer new listings, demand stayed strong in August. Expect more competition on well-priced homes, but also know that late-summer sellers are more realistic on pricing.

For Sellers:
Pending sales outpaced new listings in August — a good sign that demand is absorbing inventory. If you’re planning a fall listing, take advantage of this balance. Position your home right from day one to avoid reductions and stand out as more listings come online.

Buyers and Sellers • September 1, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 117 ↓ (from 183 last week)
Pending Sales: 206 ↑ (from 201)
Sold Homes: 161 ↓ (from 162)
Price Reductions: 110 ↓ (from 166)

🏡 Weekly Trend Overview

The numbers shifted noticeably this week, and the Labor Day holiday likely played a role.

New listings dropped sharply to 117 — the lowest in weeks — which is typical as many sellers hold off during a long holiday weekend. Pending sales, however, remained strong, climbing slightly to 206, showing that buyers are still out there writing offers.

Closed sales dipped slightly, while price reductions fell to 110, suggesting fewer sellers felt pressure to adjust over the holiday week.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
With fewer new listings, competition may feel tighter this week. Still, pendings rising shows that well-priced homes are still moving — so don’t wait too long if you find the right one.

For Sellers:
If you held off listing during Labor Day, you weren’t alone. Expect a bounce in new listings in the coming weeks as the market picks back up. Fewer price reductions are a sign that homes priced right are selling without adjustment.

Buyers and Sellers • August 28, 2025

Why More New Homes Doesn’t Mean Another Housing Crash

by Bill Jordan

Lately, you may have seen headlines claiming that new construction inventory is at its highest levels since 2008. It’s true that new-home numbers are up, but here’s where the story often gets misread: we’re not back in 2008. Not even close.

Back then, the market was flooded with both new and existing homes. Today, while new construction has grown, total inventory (new plus resale) still doesn’t compare to the massive oversupply that triggered the housing crash nearly two decades ago.

Here in South Snohomish County and North King County, inventory is improving but the pace remains balanced, not bloated. Buyers finally have more options, yet sellers aren’t facing a glut of competition. That’s a very different market dynamic from what national headlines suggest.

What’s Happening in Our Local Market

More Choices for Buyers: Neighborhoods like Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline are seeing more active listings compared to last year. This gives buyers breathing room to shop without the frenzied pace of 2021–2022.
Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels: Even with new homes coming online in communities like Mill Creek and Mukilteo, overall inventory is still lower than what we saw in the 2017–2019 market.
Not a 2008 Situation: The increase in new construction is helping to balance the market, but combined supply isn’t anywhere near the “too much inventory” conditions of the last housing crash.
Days on Market Creeping Up: Homes in Everett and nearby areas are taking a bit longer to sell compared to last summer. This gives buyers some negotiating power, while sellers need to focus on presentation and pricing.

Why This Matters for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers: More inventory means you don’t always have to rush into a decision or waive contingencies. You’ve got a bit more leverage than just a year ago.
For Sellers: Don’t panic at the word “more inventory.” Homes are still moving, but buyers are choosier. Pricing right and making your home shine are what set you apart.

Bottom Line

National headlines can make it sound like we’re heading back into a housing crisis. The truth in South Snohomish County and North King County real estate is much steadier. More inventory is a good thing—it brings balance to the market.

If you’re curious how this shift affects your specific neighborhood in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Shoreline, or Everett, I’d be happy to break down the numbers for you.

Buyers and Sellers • August 25, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 183 ↑ (from 179 last week)
Pending Sales: 201 ↓ (from 219)
Sold Homes: 162 ↑ (from 141)
Price Reductions: 166 ↑ (from 139)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

Inventory ticked up slightly this week with 183 new listings, while pending sales pulled back to 201 after last week’s surge. Closed sales climbed to 162, showing stronger follow-through from earlier pending activity.

Price reductions also rose to 166, highlighting that buyers are still sensitive to overpricing even as demand holds steady.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
More homes are available, but buyer competition is still steady. The rise in price reductions creates opportunities for value, especially if you’re patient and flexible.

For Sellers:
Homes are selling — closed sales rose this week — but pricing remains critical. The jump in price reductions shows buyers won’t chase inflated prices. Proper pricing and strong presentation remain the winning formula.