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.

Uncategorized • August 20, 2025

Should You Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? The Strategic Tradeoff

by Bill Jordan

If you’re looking to buy a home in South Snohomish or North King County, you might be wondering if now is the right time or if you should wait for lower mortgage rates. Rates have recently dipped into the mid-6 % range, tempting many buyers to hold out for further drops. But in our local market, waiting could mean missing your best opportunity.

Why Buying Now Could Be Smarter

1. Homes Are Still Moving Here

In our area, homes are selling—often quickly—if they’re priced right and presented well. Overpriced or poorly staged properties tend to sit, but well-prepared homes attract strong buyer interest. That means you have a good chance of finding the right property without getting stuck in heavy bidding wars.

2. Price Growth Is Moderating

While home values continue to rise over time, the pace has slowed. Buyers today are finding more balance and opportunities to purchase without the runaway price jumps of recent years.

3. Refinancing Later Is an Option

Locking in a home now doesn’t mean you’re stuck with today’s rate forever. If rates decline further, refinancing can lower your monthly payment while you continue building equity in your home.

The Risks of Waiting for Lower Rates

1. Competition Will Heat Up

If rates dip under 6 %, buyer demand will likely surge again. That could mean fewer homes to choose from and more multiple-offer situations in South Snohomish and North King County.

2. Rates May Not Drop Significantly

Experts forecast that mortgage rates will hover in the mid-to-low 6 % range through 2026. Waiting may not deliver the “perfect rate” some buyers are hoping for, and in the meantime, local prices could climb.

Local Market Snapshot

Homes that are priced right and presented well are still moving quickly.
Buyers are enjoying more options than last year, but competition remains steady in desirable neighborhoods.
Sellers who overprice or skip preparation are the ones seeing their listings linger.

Conclusion: The Strategic Bottom Line

In South Snohomish and North King County, waiting on the sidelines may not pay off.

Buy now if you’re financially ready and want the advantage of today’s inventory and steady pricing. You can always refinance later if rates fall.
Wait only if you’re not prepared to buy yet—but know that competition and prices may work against you when rates shift lower.

Uncategorized • August 18, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 179 ↑ (from 166 last week)
Pending Sales: 219 ↑ (from 181)
Sold Homes: 141 ↑ (from 121)
Price Reductions: 139 ↓ (from 183)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

Momentum returned this week with increases across new listings, pending sales, and closed transactions. Buyers are clearly active again, pushing pendings up sharply from 181 to 219. Closed sales also rebounded, and fresh inventory ticked up to 179.

The biggest shift came from price reductions, which dropped from 183 down to 139, suggesting sellers are finding the right price point sooner or that stronger demand is reducing the need for adjustments.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
You’ll likely see more homes hitting the market, and demand appears to be heating up. You could see more competition on well-priced properties. The dip in price reductions means fewer “discount opportunities,” so be prepared to move quickly on the right home.

For Sellers:
This week’s uptick in pendings shows strong buyer demand. Homes that are priced and presented well are moving fast, while fewer sellers are needing to adjust their price. Now’s a good moment to list while momentum is on your side.

Uncategorized • August 13, 2025

Sweetening the Deal: How Concessions Can Help You Sell Faster

by Bill Jordan

As inventory grows and buyers gain more choices, sellers are finding creative ways to stand out. One strategy on the rise is offering concessions. These are small but meaningful incentives that can make a big difference in getting your home sold.

Why Sellers Are Offering More Concessions

With more homes available, buyers have the upper hand in negotiations. Nearly half of sellers today are including some form of concession to help their home stand out. These range from covering closing costs to agreeing to repairs or even making modest price adjustments.

What Concessions Can Look Like

Common examples include:

Paying a portion of the buyer’s closing costs
Offering a credit for repairs found during inspection
Including appliances or home warranties
Adjusting the price to offset needed updates

The right concession depends on your home, your market, and your goals.

Why This Matters for You

Stand Out in a Crowded Market
In a competitive environment, even a small concession can tip the scales in your favor.
Add Value Without Slashing the Price
Concessions can offer meaningful value to a buyer without taking a huge hit to your bottom line.
Leverage Local Market Knowledge
A local agent can guide you toward incentives that work best in your specific market and help you avoid giving away more than necessary.

The Bottom Line

Concessions are a powerful tool when used strategically. By offering the right incentive, you can make your home more appealing, speed up the sale, and still protect your net proceeds. Partner with an experienced local agent like myself to decide what works best for your situation and market conditions.

Buyers and Sellers • August 11, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 166 ↓ (from 175 last week)
Pending Sales: 181 ↓ (from 200)
Sold Homes: 121 ↓ (from 162)
Price Reductions: 183 ↑ (from 161)

📉 Weekly Trend Overview

The market cooled across most key metrics this week. Fewer new listings and pendings suggest both buyer and seller activity has eased slightly. Closed sales had the sharpest decline this week, likely reflecting the slower pace of pending sales from earlier in the summer.

One standout change: price reductions jumped to 183, the highest we’ve seen this month. This points to increased price sensitivity and the need for strategic pricing from the start.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
Inventory dipped slightly, but more price reductions mean increased opportunities to find value. With pendings slowing, you may have a bit more time to act, but well-priced homes will still move quickly.

For Sellers:
With buyer activity easing, competitive pricing and strong presentation are critical. More price drops in the market show that buyers are sensitive to overpricing. Position your home correctly from the start to sell faster and for the best price possible.

Buyers • General • August 6, 2025

Is a Second Home the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan?

by Bill Jordan

For many, retirement planning goes beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about designing the lifestyle you want to enjoy. One option that’s growing in popularity is purchasing a second home ahead of retirement. This isn’t just about a vacation getaway — it’s about creating flexibility, comfort, and long-term value.

Why a Second Home Might Make Sense

Vacation now, live there later
If you already enjoy spending time in a particular area, buying a home there gives you the freedom to visit when you like and gradually transition it into your full-time residence.

Create income potential
A second home can be more than a personal retreat. Renting it out while you’re not using it could provide extra income or help offset ownership costs.

Ease into your retirement lifestyle
Owning now allows you to become familiar with the area, connect with the community, and know exactly what to expect when you’re ready to move there full time.

Smart Considerations Before You Buy

Think long term about location
Beyond natural beauty or vacation vibes, consider things like healthcare access, walkability, and proximity to friends and family. Choose a place that will still suit you years down the road.

Make sure it fits your budget
Review your current financial picture, including available equity in your primary home, and explore options like rental income or co-ownership to make it more attainable.

Understand the local rules
Short-term rental restrictions, HOA guidelines, and tax implications can vary widely. Working with a knowledgeable local agent helps you avoid surprises.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

How often do I plan to use the property over the next few years?
Will this eventually become my main home?
What’s the long-term value and resale outlook in the area?
Who will manage the property when I’m not there?

Final Thought

A second home can be a meaningful part of your retirement plan — giving you freedom, stability, and even income potential. It’s not just about where you’ll live, but how you want to live.

If you’re thinking about a second home outside our local area, I have a trusted national network of real estate partners who can help. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach retreat, lake cabin, or desert hideaway, I can connect you with a local expert to guide the way.

Buyers • General • Sellers • August 4, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 175 ↑ (from 159 last week)
Pending Sales: 200 ↑ (from 178)
Sold Homes: 162 ↑ (from 152)
Price Reductions: 161 ↑ (from 157)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

After last week’s slowdown, this week shows signs of a rebound. New listings rose slightly, giving buyers more fresh options, while pending sales saw a notable bump — up 12% week-over-week. That suggests strong buyer activity even as summer winds down.

Sold homes ticked up as well, and price reductions held steady. Sellers are still adjusting to meet buyer expectations, but the number of price drops rising only modestly suggests that homes are being priced more realistically from the start.

If you’re considering listing before fall, now’s a good time to jump in while demand remains high and inventory stays manageable.

Uncategorized • July 30, 2025

2025 Housing Market Outlook: National Trends and Local Perspective in Lynnwood

by Bill Jordan

The second half of 2025 brings a cautiously optimistic housing forecast. National experts agree: while we’re not in a boom, we’re not headed for a bust either. Home prices are expected to rise modestly—by 1.5% to 2%—and inventory levels are slowly improving, offering some relief to buyers without overwhelming the market.

What’s Driving the National Outlook?

Mortgage rates are expected to remain in the 6.5%–7% range through the end of the year. That may feel high compared to recent lows, but it’s still manageable for many buyers.
Inventory is projected to rise about 15% by year-end, which could ease some price pressure—but supply will still lag demand in most areas.
Price growth remains modest. While some markets may see a slight dip, most are expected to hold steady or see small increases, avoiding any dramatic downturn.

Despite concerns about affordability and rate volatility, most economists agree the fundamentals don’t point to a crash. Instead, they predict a slower, steadier market that favors well-informed decisions.

Lynnwood, WA: How the Local Market Compares

Here in Lynnwood and greater Snohomish County, we’re seeing many of these national trends play out with our own local nuances.

Home Prices

The median sale price in Lynnwood (for all property types) is currently hovering around $758,950, down just over 1% from last year.
On average, homes are selling for slightly less than list price at 98.8%, and price cuts are becoming more common as buyers gain negotiating power.
Zillow’s home value index for Lynnwood shows a 0.8% increase year-over-year, signaling that while we’re not in a rising-price environment, we’re not seeing major declines either.

Inventory & Competition

Inventory remains tight, especially in the $400K–$1M range, where most buyer activity is concentrated.
The market still leans toward sellers, with competitively priced homes typically receiving two to three offers and going under contract in about 25 days on average.
Higher-end properties are seeing slower activity unless priced aggressively or presented in move-in-ready condition.

Buyer Behavior

Buyers are rate-sensitive and selective, but still active—especially as more homes hit the market.
Demand is driven by location, updates, and price. Homes near light rail expansion and updated interiors continue to attract the most attention.
Financing remains a key factor; buyers who are pre-approved and ready to move quickly still have the edge.

National vs. Local: A Quick Comparison

Trend	National Outlook	Lynnwood Snapshot
Home Prices	+1.5% to +2% growth forecast	-1% to flat YOY change
Inventory	Gradually increasing	Tight in mid-range; competitive
Mortgage Rates	Holding between 6.5%–7%	Consistent with national rates
Buyer Activity	Softening, but stable	Competitive in core price tiers

What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Sellers:
Pricing strategically is key. Overpricing will likely lead to longer market times or price reductions. Focus on presentation, repairs, and smart updates to stand out—especially in the $750K+ tier.

Buyers:
There’s opportunity to negotiate, especially with motivated sellers and homes that have lingered. Get pre-approved, be clear on your budget, and stay alert for price reductions or favorable terms.

Both:
Don’t rely solely on national headlines. Real estate is local. While national trends offer helpful context, your decisions should be based on what’s happening in the Lynnwood area—right now.

Final Thought

As we move through 2025, the housing market is settling into a more balanced rhythm. If you’re buying or selling in Lynnwood, understanding both the big picture and your neighborhood dynamics will give you the confidence to act wisely.

Want a personalized look at your home’s value or local options? I’m happy to walk you through it. Let’s make the market work for you.

Buyers • General • Sellers • July 28, 2025

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

by Bill Jordan

Here’s how the market moved this past week:

New Listings: 159 ↓ (down from 213 last week)
Back on Market: 16 ↓ (down from 24)
Price Reductions: 157 ↓ (down from 177)
Pending Sales: 178 ↓ (down from 228)
Closed Sales: 152 (no change)

🧐 Weekly Trends

We saw a notable cooling this week, with fewer new listings and pendings compared to the previous week. This could signal seller hesitation or fewer new homes making it to market, while buyers remain cautious. The number of price reductions is still high, reinforcing how important pricing strategy is right now.

If you’re thinking about selling, make sure you’re pricing to move — not just to test. The right prep and pricing still lead to strong results.

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.