Buyers and Sellers • Community • May 26, 2026

Community Spotlight: Fall City, WA

by Bill Jordan

Fall City is one of those places that still feels like a true small town, even though it sits within reach of Bellevue, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and the greater Eastside. Tucked near the Snoqualmie and Raging Rivers, Fall City offers a quieter lifestyle with open space, wooded lots, river access, and a strong connection to the outdoors.

Lifestyle

Fall City has a rural, relaxed feel with walkable streets, local restaurants, antique shops, coffee spots, and access to nearby recreation. It is close to Snoqualmie Falls, Tiger Mountain, local trails, golf, and I-90, making it appealing for buyers who want privacy and nature without feeling completely disconnected.

For many people, the draw is simple: more space, more trees, and a slower pace.

The Market

Fall City’s housing market is heavily influenced by lot size, privacy, and acreage.

Homes on over an acre are selling close to $1,725,000 on average, reflecting the premium buyers are willing to pay for space, privacy, and that classic East King County acreage lifestyle.

Homes in more traditional subdivision settings, especially those on a half acre or less, are hovering around $955,000. That is still a premium price point, but it shows how much value buyers place on land in this part of the market.

In short, Fall City is not a one size fits all market. A home on acreage can live in a very different price category than a neighborhood home just a few minutes away.

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you are looking for acreage, privacy, a small town feel, or a more traditional neighborhood setting, Fall City offers a unique mix of lifestyle and value within the East King County market.

Thinking about buying or selling in Fall City or anywhere across the Eastside, South Snohomish County, or North King County? I would be happy to help you understand the numbers and what they mean for your next move.

Buyers • May 26, 2026

What Many Veterans in Washington Don’t Realize About Their VA Home Loan Benefit

by Bill Jordan

For many Veterans across South Snohomish County and North King County, the idea of buying a home can feel overwhelming right now. Between rising home prices over the past several years and conversations about mortgage rates, some buyers assume homeownership is simply out of reach.

What surprises many Veterans is that one of the strongest home financing tools available today has been there all along: the VA home loan benefit.

And in our local market, where affordability can often feel like the biggest challenge, this program can make a massive difference.

The VA Loan Is More Powerful Than Most Buyers Realize

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that VA loans are difficult to use or somehow weaker than conventional financing. In reality, VA loans are designed specifically to help Veterans achieve homeownership with flexible and competitive financing options.

Some of the biggest advantages can include:

• No down payment requirement in many cases
• Competitive interest rates
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Flexible credit guidelines
• Limits on certain closing costs

For many first time buyers in areas like Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, Shoreline, and Mountlake Terrace, eliminating the need for a large down payment can completely change the conversation.

Instead of spending years trying to save tens of thousands of dollars, some buyers may already qualify much sooner than they think.

VA Loans Can Work Extremely Well in the Pacific Northwest

There is a lingering myth that VA loans are difficult to get accepted in competitive markets like ours. While that may have been more common years ago, today many listing agents and sellers regularly work with VA financed buyers throughout the Seattle metro area.

In fact, I have assisted in many successful VA financed purchases across both Snohomish and King County, representing both buyers and sellers.

The key is preparation.

Strong lender communication, proper expectations, and a clean offer strategy matter far more than simply the loan type itself. When buyers are properly prepared, VA financing can absolutely compete in today’s market.

Veterans Often Don’t Realize They Can Use the Benefit More Than Once

Another common misconception is that using a VA loan once means the benefit disappears forever.

That is not true.

Many Veterans can restore and reuse their VA eligibility again in the future after selling a home and paying off the previous VA loan. Some may even have remaining entitlement available while still owning another property.

This creates opportunities for:

• Moving up into a larger home
• Relocating for work
• Downsizing later in life
• Purchasing again after years of renting

I regularly meet homeowners who used their VA benefit years ago and had no idea they may still qualify today.

The Biggest Mistake Is Assuming You Don’t Qualify

Many Veterans count themselves out before ever speaking with a lender or real estate professional.

I have seen buyers assume:

• Their credit is not strong enough
• They need a huge down payment
• Their income is too limited
• They waited too long after military service
• The process will be too complicated

Sometimes those assumptions are incorrect.

Even if buying right now is not the perfect timing, understanding your options can help you build a game plan for the future.

The Pacific Northwest Continues To Be a Long Term Ownership Market

While headlines constantly focus on short term market shifts, the long term reality across many parts of Western Washington remains consistent: housing supply is still limited, and demand continues to be strong in desirable communities.

Areas throughout South Snohomish County and North King County continue to attract buyers because of:

• Access to Seattle and Bellevue employment centers
• Light rail expansion
• Outdoor lifestyle and recreation
• Strong local economies
• Desirable neighborhoods and schools

For many Veterans and military families, homeownership here can become both a lifestyle decision and a long term financial investment.

Final Thoughts

If you are a Veteran and have questions about your VA home loan benefit, it may be worth revisiting what is actually possible in today’s market.

You may qualify for more than you realize.

And if you have friends or family members who served, there is a good chance they may not fully understand their options either.

Whether you are thinking about buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or simply exploring possibilities, understanding how your VA benefit works is one of the smartest first steps you can take.

If you would like to talk through the market in South Snohomish County or North King County, or connect with trusted VA lenders who understand today’s market, I’m always happy to help.

Buyers and Sellers • May 25, 2026

South Snohomish & North King County Housing Market Update: May18th – May 24th

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 197 ↓ (last week: 278)

Pending Sales: 218 ↓ (last week: 222)

Closed Sales: 166 ↑ (last week: 144)

Price Reductions: 169 ↓ (last week: 185)

Weekly Trend Overview

The local real estate market experienced a classic pre holiday stabilization this past week as we headed into the Memorial Day weekend cycle. After a massive surge of new inventory mid month, new listings pulled back significantly to 197. Despite fewer new homes hitting the market, buyer demand remained incredibly resilient, with 218 properties moving into pending status across South Snohomish and North King County.

The fact that pending sales outpaced new listings this week shows that the pool of active buyers in areas like Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline remains highly motivated. We also saw closed sales climb to a seasonal high of 166, confirming that the high volume pipeline of contracts signed in April is consistently crossing the finish line.

Another encouraging sign is the drop in price reductions to 169. Following the inventory spike of the previous weeks, the market is beginning to absorb the available homes more efficiently. This data suggests that sellers who adjusted their expectations or entered the market with a more conservative initial price point are successfully capturing the attention of today’s value conscious buyers.

What This Means for You

Buyers

The drop in new listings back below the 200 mark means that the sudden surge of choices from last week was brief. Competition for fresh properties remains tight, as demonstrated by the strong pending numbers. However, with 166 closed sales and 169 price reductions still in play, there are solid opportunities to find motivated sellers on homes that have been on the market for more than a few weeks.

Sellers

Buyer demand is robust and absorbing properties at a very healthy clip. Since new listings dropped this week, your home will face slightly less fresh competition if you get it on the market immediately. The lower number of price reductions indicates that realistic pricing is working, so leaning into a competitive initial list price remains your best strategy to secure a clean contract quickly.

If you want to know how these latest numbers look for your specific neighborhood or if you are ready to plan your next real estate move, I am always here to give you a clear, honest look at the market.

Community • May 21, 2026

Community Spotlight: Duvall, WA

by Bill Jordan

Duvall has a rare mix of small town charm, scenic Snoqualmie Valley setting, and access to major Eastside job centers. Located in King County along the Snoqualmie River, it still feels distinct from the larger suburbs around it, with a walkable downtown, local restaurants, community events, and quick access to outdoor recreation.

Lifestyle

Duvall is known for its historic downtown, farm roots, and strong community feel. Local favorites include McCormick Park, Snoqualmie River access, the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Duvall Days, the Sandblast Festival, and a downtown business district filled with local restaurants and shops.

It is also a popular option for buyers who want more space without being too far from Redmond, Woodinville, Kirkland, or Bellevue.

The Market

Over the last 12 months, the average home price in Duvall is just over $1,015,000.

For homes on 3 acres or more, the average price is just over $1.3 million, showing how much buyers value acreage, privacy, and that classic Snoqualmie Valley lifestyle.

Townhomes in Duvall average just under $800,000, giving buyers another option to enjoy the community while often benefiting from newer construction and lower maintenance living.

Townhomes continue to offer a more accessible entry point into the area, while larger custom homes and estate properties continue seeing strong demand from buyers wanting space and privacy close to the Eastside.

Why Buyers Like Duvall

Duvall appeals to buyers who want:

A quieter setting with more room to breathe
Access to trails, parks, and the river
A community with local events and personality
Larger lots and acreage opportunities
Eastside access without living directly in the city

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you are looking for a home in town, a newer neighborhood, or acreage in the Duvall area, this is a market where local guidance matters.

Buyers • Community • May 20, 2026

Vacation Home vs. Short Term Rental: Is Owning Really Worth It in the Pacific Northwest?

by Bill Jordan

For years, owning a vacation home sounded like the ultimate dream. A cozy cabin in the mountains, a waterfront getaway near the San Juan Islands, or a modern retreat along the Washington coast. Somewhere you could escape to on weekends while also building wealth through real estate appreciation.

But in today’s market, many buyers are asking a very practical question:

Is owning a second home actually worth it anymore?

With rising home prices, higher insurance costs, fluctuating short term rental regulations, and changing travel habits, the answer is not always as simple as it used to be. Here in the Pacific Northwest, where destinations like Leavenworth, Cle Elum, Whidbey Island, and Seabrook remain incredibly popular, the decision deserves a closer look.

The Emotional Appeal Is Still Strong

There is something special about having “your place.”

Unlike a hotel or Airbnb, a second home becomes part of your family traditions. You know the coffee shop down the street. You know which trails are best at sunset. You leave your favorite blanket there and start building memories over time.

In the Pacific Northwest especially, buyers love the idea of escaping the daily grind without needing a flight. A two to four hour drive can completely change the scenery, whether that means evergreen forests, mountain views, or crashing ocean waves.

That lifestyle value is hard to measure financially, but for many people, it is the biggest reason to buy.

The Financial Side Has Changed

A few years ago, short term rentals felt like easy money. Buy a vacation property, furnish it nicely, list it online, and watch the bookings roll in.

Now, it is more complicated.

Many buyers underestimate the true costs of ownership, including:

• Higher interest rates for second homes or investment properties
• Furnishing and setup costs
• Cleaning and maintenance fees
• Property management expenses
• Insurance increases
• Local short term rental restrictions and permits
• Seasonal vacancy periods

In some Pacific Northwest vacation markets, homes may only see peak rental demand during certain seasons. A mountain cabin may thrive in winter and summer but slow dramatically during shoulder seasons. Coastal homes can see the same pattern depending on weather and tourism trends.

That does not mean owning cannot make sense. It simply means buyers need to approach these properties more like a business decision than a guaranteed passive income machine.

Vacation Home vs. Pure Investment Property

This is where many buyers get tripped up.

If your primary goal is maximizing cash flow, a long term investment property may outperform a vacation rental with far less stress.

But if your goal is a hybrid of lifestyle and long term wealth building, the equation changes.

A second home can potentially offer:

• Personal enjoyment
• Appreciation over time
• Rental income to offset costs
• Future retirement flexibility
• A hedge against rising vacation costs

The key is being honest about your goals before buying.

If you only plan to use the property once or twice per year, renting may simply make more financial sense. But if your family will regularly use the property and create lasting memories there, the value becomes much larger than just the monthly spreadsheet.

The Pacific Northwest Advantage

One thing working in favor of Pacific Northwest vacation properties is long term desirability.

People continue moving to Washington because of the lifestyle. Outdoor recreation, mild summers, scenic beauty, and strong job markets continue driving demand across many regions.

Areas like:

• Leavenworth
• Cle Elum
• Seabrook
• Whidbey Island
• Hood Canal
• Chelan
• Bellingham

continue attracting both tourists and second home buyers looking for a getaway that still feels accessible from Seattle and surrounding areas.

That long term demand can help support property values even during slower economic periods.

So… Is It Worth It?

The honest answer is: it depends on why you are buying.

If you are expecting easy passive income with little work, today’s market may feel disappointing.

But if you are looking for a property that combines lifestyle, flexibility, family memories, and long term ownership potential, a vacation home can still be an incredible investment in both your finances and your quality of life.

The biggest mistake buyers make is purchasing based on emotion alone without fully understanding the numbers. The second biggest mistake is focusing only on numbers and forgetting the lifestyle benefits entirely.

The sweet spot is finding a property that can realistically support both.

If you have been considering a vacation property anywhere in Washington or the Pacific Northwest, I would be happy to help you evaluate the opportunities, expected costs, rental potential, and long term value before you make the leap.

Buyers and Sellers • May 18, 2026