If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of homes for sale over the past few years in King and Snohomish Counties, here’s some good news: inventory is finally starting to open up, and it might be the perfect time to jump back into your home search.

According to Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin:

“Now is the best time to buy in the last two years. Mortgage rates are comparable to what they were two years ago, and prices remain high. However, there is significantly more inventory . . .”

Locally, we’re seeing that firsthand. Both King County and Snohomish County have posted significant increases in the number of homes hitting the market compared to last year. And while it’s typical for spring to bring more activity, this year feels different — and that’s a good thing for buyers.

New Listings Are Picking Up Steam

Across King and Snohomish Counties, new listings have been steadily climbing each month. In fact, according to the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service), new listings were up by over 25% in March 2025 compared to the same time last year in Snohomish County, and King County saw a similar boost.

That’s the strongest listing pace we’ve seen since the spring of 2021. Sellers who may have been sitting on the sidelines are finally deciding to make a move — whether they’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating. As a result, buyers have more options, less competition, and a better shot at finding the right fit.

Why This Matters for You

If you’ve been waiting for a wider selection of homes in cities like Lynnwood, Bothell, Kirkland, Seattle, Everett, or Shoreline, now is your window of opportunity.

More inventory means:

• More choices — It’s easier to find a home that checks your boxes.

• Less pressure — With more listings, you may face fewer multiple-offer situations.

• A better buying experience — The right home might be waiting for you without the rushed feeling we’ve seen over the past few years.

Of course, the best way to stay on top of the newest listings is to work with a local real estate expert who knows the King and Snohomish County markets inside and out.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home this spring in King County or Snohomish County, now could be the best time we’ve seen in years.
With more fresh listings hitting the market every week, there are more opportunities to find the home that fits your lifestyle — before the summer market heats up even more.

Ready to restart your home search? Let’s connect and talk about the newest homes for sale in your favorite neighborhoods!

Are Wall Street Investors Really Driving Up Home Prices? Here’s the Truth About Buying a Home in Today’s Market

Are you struggling to buy a home because you feel like deep-pocketed Wall Street investors are buying up every property? Many prospective homeowners believe that large institutional investors are inflating housing prices and dominating the real estate market, making it nearly impossible for regular buyers to compete.

But the reality is different. Investor activity is on the decline, and the biggest players aren’t as active as you might think. Let’s break down the facts and clear up this misconception.

Most Real Estate Investors Are Small, Not Corporate Giants

A common myth is that large-scale investors are taking over the market. In truth, most real estate investors are individuals or small businesses, not massive corporations purchasing entire neighborhoods. According to The Mortgage Reports:

“On average, small investors account for around 18% of the market, while institutional investors make up just about 1%.”

These small-scale investors are typically everyday people, like your neighbors, who may own a few rental properties or vacation homes. They aren’t the big Wall Street firms often portrayed in the news.

Investor Purchases Are Declining: The Numbers Don’t Lie

So, what about the big investors you hear about in the media? The reality is that institutional investors have been pulling back. At the peak of their activity in Q2 2022, institutional investors (those owning 1,000+ single-family homes) represented just 2.4% of the market. By Q3 2024, this number dropped dramatically to only 0.3% — a clear sign that fewer investors are actively competing for homes.

This decrease in investor activity is a direct result of rising mortgage rates and elevated home prices, making it less attractive for large-scale investors to purchase real estate.

The Wall Street Investor Myth Debunked

Despite the headlines, the idea that Wall Street investors are snapping up all the available homes is simply not true. While some investors remain in the market, they are far less active than in previous years. This means that there are more opportunities for homebuyers like you to find and secure a property.

What Does This Mean for You as a Homebuyer?

Big institutional investors are not cornering the market — in fact, they are buying less than ever before. If you’ve been feeling discouraged about your chances of buying a home, it’s time to take another look at the current market conditions. Connect with a local real estate agent to get insights into your specific area, and you may find more opportunities than you realize.

How does knowing that investors are buying fewer homes change your perspective on buying a home in today’s market?