Community • January 9, 2026

Community Spotlight: Kirkland

by Bill Jordan

Located on the eastern shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland blends upscale waterfront living with a lively downtown, strong schools, and easy access to major Eastside employers. With miles of shoreline, walkable neighborhoods, and a thriving arts and dining scene, Kirkland continues to be one of the most sought after communities in King County.

Why People Love Living in Kirkland

Kirkland offers a rare mix of lifestyle and convenience. Residents enjoy waterfront parks, beaches, marinas, and trails alongside a downtown core filled with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and local events. The city feels vibrant yet relaxed, making it appealing to professionals, families, and downsizers alike.

Its central location provides quick access to Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle, while still maintaining a strong neighborhood feel. From Juanita and Rose Hill to downtown and waterfront enclaves, each area of Kirkland offers its own distinct character.

Housing and Neighborhoods

Kirkland features a wide range of housing options, from luxury waterfront estates and modern new construction to townhomes and condominiums close to amenities. Buyers are drawn to the variety of home styles, strong resale values, and long term desirability of the area.

Kirkland Real Estate Snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Kirkland home prices reflect its premium location and consistent demand.

Average residential home price is just under $2,000,000
Average condo price is around $760,000
Average townhome price is just under $920,000

These numbers highlight Kirkland’s position as a high value Eastside market with options across multiple property types.

Is Kirkland Right for You

If you are looking for waterfront access, walkability, top tier amenities, and long term investment stability, Kirkland deserves a closer look. Whether you are buying your first condo, moving up into a single family home, or considering a lifestyle change closer to the lake, Kirkland offers opportunities at multiple price points.

If you would like to explore specific neighborhoods, current listings, or understand how Kirkland compares to nearby Eastside communities, I am always happy to help. To see what’s currently for sale, click HERE.

Sellers • January 7, 2026

Thinking About Selling Your Home As Is in South Snohomish and North King County? Read This First!

by Bill Jordan

If you have been thinking about selling your home as-is you are not alone. I am hearing this question more often from homeowners across South Snohomish and North King County especially with homes that need a little updating or have a few deferred maintenance items.

Selling as-is can sound appealing. No prep. No repairs. No hassle. But in our local market that decision deserves a closer look because it can directly impact how much you walk away with and how smoothly the transaction goes.

Here is what you should know before deciding.

According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two-thirds of sellers (65%) completed minor repairs or improvements before selling (the blue and the green in the chart below). And only one-third (35%) sold as-is:

What Selling As-Is Really Means

Selling a home as-is simply means you are not committing to make repairs for the buyer. It does not mean disclosures go away or that buyers will ignore issues. Inspections still happen. Buyers still factor condition into their offers. Buyers can, and often will, still ask for repairs or credits. Lenders still have minimum requirements, and FHA and VA lending many times have additional requirements.

In many cases an as-is listing attracts a smaller pool of buyers and often stronger investors who price repairs into their offer plus a margin for risk.

Why Some Homes Sell Better With Strategic Prep

In our local market buyers are still willing to pay a premium for homes that feel well cared for even if they are not fully updated. Small improvements often make a bigger difference than sellers expect.

Examples that commonly matter to buyers here include
Fresh interior paint and carpet
Addressing obvious deferred maintenance
Minor electrical or plumbing fixes
Simple exterior clean up and curb appeal

On the flip side there are upgrades that rarely return dollar for dollar value and are often not worth doing right before listing.

This is where strategy matters.

How I Help Sellers Decide What Is Worth It and What Is Not

One of the biggest advantages of working with me is that I do not take a one size fits all approach. Before you list I walk through your home with a buyer focused lens and help you prioritize.

I can help you answer questions like
What will buyers notice immediately
What may come up during inspection
What repairs could impact financing
What items buyers may overlook or plan to change anyway

Just as important I have trusted local handymen and contractors who can help with exactly what makes sense. That means you are not scrambling to find help or guessing where to spend money. It also means projects get done efficiently and cost effectively.

When Selling As-Is Can Make Sense

There are absolutely situations where selling as-is is the right move. These can include major renovation needs, estate situations, or sellers who value speed and simplicity over maximizing price.

If that is the case my job is still to price and position the home correctly so expectations are clear and you attract the right buyer from day one.

The Bottom Line

Selling as-is is not always the shortcut it sounds like. In many cases a small amount of guidance and targeted prep can lead to a smoother sale and a stronger result.

If you are thinking about selling and are unsure whether to make repairs or list as-is I am happy to walk you through the options. Even a short conversation can help you feel confident that you are spending money the right way or not at all.

If you want a no pressure opinion on your home and what buyers in our local market are really looking for just reach out.

Buyers and Sellers • January 5, 2026

Weekly Market Update (Dec 29 to Jan 5)

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats
New Listings: 47 ↑ (from 19)
Pending Sales: 94 ↑ (from 72)
Sold Homes: 90 ↑ (from 70)
Price Reductions: 44 ↑ (from 14)

Weekly Trend Overview

With the holidays behind us, this week brought a clear reawakening in market activity across South Snohomish and North King Counties. New listings more than doubled compared to last week, signaling sellers are beginning to step back into the market after the Christmas slowdown.

Buyer activity followed suit, with pending sales climbing to 94. This is an encouraging early January sign that buyers who paused in late December are now re engaging and making decisions. Closed sales also rose to 90, reflecting deals that were already in motion before the holiday break.

Price reductions increased as well, which is common as sellers reset expectations and fine tune pricing for the new year. Overall, this week feels like a market turning the corner and gaining momentum heading into January.

What This Means for You

For Buyers
More inventory is coming online, giving you better selection than just a week ago. At the same time, the jump in pending sales shows competition is returning quickly. If you are planning to buy early this year, getting fully prepared now can make a real difference as activity continues to build.

For Sellers
Buyer engagement is clearly picking up, which is a positive signal if you are considering listing soon. With price reductions increasing, strategic pricing from day one will be key. Homes that are positioned correctly are already attracting attention as buyers re enter the market after the holidays.

Community • January 2, 2026

Community Spotlight: Lake Forest Park, Washington

by Bill Jordan

Located along the northern edge of Lake Washington, Lake Forest Park is known for its peaceful atmosphere, lush greenery, and strong sense of community. This small city offers a tucked away feel while remaining conveniently close to Seattle, Shoreline, and the Eastside, making it a favorite for buyers who want privacy without feeling disconnected.

Lake Forest Park is especially appealing to those who value outdoor access and everyday livability. Residents enjoy parks, waterfront areas, and easy connections to the Burke Gilman Trail. The Lake Forest Park Town Center serves as a true community hub, bringing together local restaurants, shops, the library, and year round events in a walkable setting.

Lake Forest Park Housing Market Snapshot

Based on the most recent 12 month data, Lake Forest Park continues to show strong pricing and consistent demand across both residential and condo properties.

Residential Homes
The average home price over the past 12 months is over $1,250,000, reflecting the area’s limited inventory, established neighborhoods, and long term desirability.

Condos
The average condo price over the past 12 months is just over $380,000, offering a more attainable entry point into Lake Forest Park while still enjoying proximity to amenities, transit routes, and green space.

Why Buyers and Sellers Are Watching Lake Forest Park

For buyers, Lake Forest Park offers a rare combination of natural surroundings, larger lots, and access to major employment centers. For homeowners, current pricing trends highlight the stability and lasting appeal of this community, even as market conditions continue to shift.

When you are considering a move, exploring condo options, or simply curious about what homes are available, you can see them all HERE.

Buyers • January 2, 2026

Not Sure If You’re Ready to Buy a Home? Start With These 5 Questions

by Bill Jordan

Not Sure If You’re Ready to Buy a Home? Start With These 5 Questions

The start of a new year has a way of putting big life decisions back on the table. For many people across South Snohomish and North King Counties, buying a home is one of them.

If you have been quietly wondering whether this is the year you finally make a move, you are not alone. The good news is you do not need to have everything figured out today. The best place to start is simply asking yourself the right questions.

Here are five that can help you gain clarity and confidence before taking the next step.

1. Do I want the lifestyle that comes with homeownership?

Buying a home is about more than the purchase price. It is about how you want to live.

Would you enjoy having more space, a yard, or a place to truly make your own? Are you thinking about planting roots in a specific community like Edmonds, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, or Bothell?

Homeownership brings responsibility, but it also brings stability, pride, and the ability to shape your environment. If that lifestyle feels appealing, it may be a sign you are closer than you think.

2. Does buying make sense for my long term plans?

This is less about timing the market and more about timing your life.

If you expect to stay in the area for several years, buying can often make sense even if conditions are not perfect. Over time, homeownership allows you to build equity and benefit from appreciation, especially in a region with strong long term demand like ours.

If your plans include staying put, buying becomes a lifestyle decision, not a short term bet.

3. Am I financially prepared, even if I am not perfect?

Many buyers delay because they think they need flawless finances. In reality, preparation matters more than perfection.

This includes understanding your credit, knowing what monthly payment feels comfortable, and having a realistic sense of your cash position. There are many loan programs available, and options vary more than most people realize.

A quick conversation with a trusted local lender can provide clarity without pressure. Knowledge alone often removes a lot of anxiety.

4. Am I ready to start the process, even slowly?

You do not need to jump straight into house tours.

Being ready can simply mean gathering information, watching how homes are priced in your target areas, or understanding what different price points look like in today’s market.

Many of my clients start months before they buy. The goal early on is education, not urgency.

5. Do I have the right guidance?

This might be the most important question.

The buying process feels very different when you have a local expert helping you interpret the market, evaluate opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes. Especially in a competitive and nuanced region like South Snohomish and North King Counties, local insight matters.

You should never feel rushed or uninformed. The right guidance brings clarity and confidence at every stage.

So, Are You Ready?

If you answered yes to some of these questions but not all of them, that is completely normal. Readiness is not a single moment. It is a process.

The smartest next step is often a simple conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just clarity around where you stand and what options make sense right now.

If buying a home is on your radar for 2026 or beyond, I am always happy to be a resource.

Buyers and Sellers • December 29, 2025

Weekly Market Update (Dec 22 to Dec 29)

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 19 ↓ (from 48)
Pending Sales: 72 ↓ (from 146)
Sold Homes: 70 ↓ (from 111)
Price Reductions: 14 ↓ (from 55)

Weekly Trend Overview

With Christmas Day landing midweek, a slowdown across all categories was fully expected and clearly reflected in the data. New listings dropped to just 19 as many sellers paused activity during the holiday stretch. Buyer movement also eased, with pending sales settling at 72, which is typical for this time of year.

Closed sales came in at 70, continuing the seasonal trend of lower volume tied more to timing than demand. Price reductions fell sharply to 14, signaling that sellers currently on the market are largely comfortable holding their pricing rather than making adjustments during the holidays.

Overall, this week reflects a classic end of year pause rather than a shift in market fundamentals.

What This Means for You

For Buyers
Less competition and fewer active listings can actually work in your favor. Sellers who remain on the market right now are often more motivated, which can create opportunities for stronger negotiations before activity ramps back up in January.

For Sellers
While activity is quieter, serious buyers are still watching closely. Listings that are priced correctly and well presented continue to stand out. Many sellers are choosing to wait until the new year, which could lead to a surge of competition once January arrives.

Buyers and Sellers • December 22, 2025

Weekly Market Update (December 15 to December 22)

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats
New Listings: 40 → (from 40)
Pending Sales: 125 → (from 125)
Sold Homes: 133 → (from 133)
Price Reductions: 26 → (from 26)

Weekly Trend Overview

This past week brought a steady and predictable pattern across South Snohomish and North King Counties as we moved fully into the Christmas holiday window. All major metrics held flat week over week, which is very typical for this time of year.

New listings remained limited as many sellers chose to wait until after the holidays. At the same time, pending and closed sales stayed consistent, showing that buyers who are active right now are serious and prepared to move forward despite fewer choices.

Price reductions also held steady, suggesting that most sellers currently on the market are either priced appropriately or comfortable waiting until early January to make any adjustments.

Overall, this week reflects a seasonal pause rather than a change in market direction, with activity expected to remain similar through year end.

What This Means for You

For Buyers
With fewer new listings coming online, the right homes can still attract attention quickly. Buyers who are prepped, paying attention, and ready to act have an advantage in this quieter window, especially when sellers are motivated to keep things moving before the end of the year.

For Sellers
Even during the holiday slowdown, buyer activity has not disappeared. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well continue to sell. Sellers planning a move in early 2026 can use this period to prepare strategically and enter the new year positioned ahead of the spring market.

If you’d like to see how these trends are playing out in your specific neighborhood or want to talk through timing for the new year, I’m always happy to walk through the local numbers with you.

Community • December 19, 2025

Community Spotlight: Brier, Washington

by Bill Jordan

Tucked between Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, and Bothell, Brier offers a quieter residential feel while staying closely connected to major commuter routes, shopping, and employment centers. With tree lined streets, larger lots, and a strong sense of neighborhood pride, Brier continues to attract buyers looking for space, privacy, and long term livability.

Lifestyle in Brier

Brier is known for its low density layout and suburban atmosphere. Many homes sit on generous lots, often with mature landscaping and room to spread out. Residents enjoy easy access to nearby parks, walking trails, and everyday conveniences without the congestion found in larger neighboring cities.

Popular nearby amenities include
• Brier Park and surrounding neighborhood trails
• Quick access to Alderwood, Bothell, and Mill Creek shopping and dining
• Close proximity to I 5, I 405, and major transit routes

Brier is especially appealing to buyers who want a peaceful setting while remaining well connected to the rest of South Snohomish and North King County.

The Brier Housing Market

Brier continues to perform as one of the stronger residential markets in the area, driven by limited inventory and consistent buyer demand.

Year to date market highlights include
• Average sales price near $1,225,000
• Homes selling for an average of 101.7 percent of list price

These numbers reflect how competitive the Brier market remains. Homes that are well prepared and priced appropriately are often seeing strong interest and favorable terms for sellers.

Why Buyers Love Brier

Buyers are drawn to Brier for a combination of space, stability, and location. The city offers a residential feel that is increasingly hard to find while still being close to major employers, schools, and retail corridors.

Key buyer draws include
• Larger lots and established neighborhoods
• Limited turnover which helps support long term values
• Central access to Lynnwood, Bothell, and Edmonds

Thinking About a Move to or from Brier

Whether you are considering selling your home in Brier or exploring the area as a buyer, understanding local pricing trends and neighborhood dynamics is key. The combination of strong sale prices and above list performance makes this an important market to watch.

If you would like a personalized home value, neighborhood market breakdown, or help navigating a move in or around Brier, I am always happy to help. To see what’s for sale in Brier, you can click HERE!

Buyers and Sellers • General • December 17, 2025

When the Holidays Spark Thoughts About What Comes Next

by Bill Jordan

The week before Christmas is not the time to make big decisions. It is a time to slow down, reflect, and quietly think about what the next year might bring. For many homeowners across South Snohomish and North King County, that includes the question of whether a move might make sense in 2026.

If that thought has crossed your mind, here are a few simple and pressure free things you can do right now that will make next year much easier.

Take Stock of How Your Home Fits Your Life Today

This is not about paint colors or projects. It is about daily living.
Does your home still support how you live, work, and relax?
Have your space needs changed over the past few years?
Is your layout helping you or fighting you?

These quiet observations often shape the best decisions later.

Get Clear on Your Equity Without Making It a Big Deal

You do not need to be planning a move to understand your equity. Knowing what your home could sell for today gives you clarity and options.
In our local market, many homeowners have gained more equity than they realize over the past few years. I’m happy to provide clarity here!

Understanding that number now removes stress later and allows you to plan thoughtfully rather than react quickly.

Pay Attention to What You Like When You Visit Other Homes

During the holidays, many people visit friends and family. Notice what stands out to you.
Open kitchens
Main level living
Office space
Guest rooms
Lower maintenance yards

These details are often more revealing than scrolling listings online.

Think About Timing Not Urgency

Moving does not need to happen fast to be smart. In fact, the best moves are usually planned months in advance.
Winter is an ideal time to think, not act.
Spring is when preparation pays off.
Summer and fall are when options open up.

A calm timeline almost always leads to better outcomes.

Have One Low Pressure Conversation

You do not need a plan, a timeline, or a commitment. Sometimes one honest conversation is all it takes to bring clarity.
That might be about your equity.
It might be about your neighborhood.
It might be about whether staying put actually makes the most sense.

There is value in knowing your options even if you choose not to use them.

A Simple Holiday Note

As the year winds down, I am grateful for the trust my clients and community continue to place in me. Whether you are staying right where you are or thinking about what comes next, I am always here as a resource.

Uncategorized • December 15, 2025

Weekly Market Update (December 8th to December 15th)

by Bill Jordan

Weekly Market Update (Dec 8 to Dec 15)

This Week’s Stats
New Listings: 48 ↓ (from 103)
Pending Sales: 146 ↑ (from 136)
Sold Homes: 111 ↓ (from 119)
Price Reductions: 55 ↓ (from 97)

Weekly Trend Overview

This week delivered a noticeable shift across South Snohomish and North King Counties as new inventory slowed while buyer activity picked up. New listings dropped to 48 which is typical as we move deeper into December. Despite fewer fresh options, buyers stayed active and pushed pending sales up to 146 which is a strong signal of continued demand.

Closed sales eased slightly to 111 which reflects timing more than momentum, while price reductions fell sharply to 55. That drop suggests fewer sellers are making adjustments right now and many listings are either already positioned correctly or waiting until after the holidays.

Overall, this week shows motivated buyers still stepping forward even as inventory tightens.

What This Means for You

For Buyers
Fewer new listings means competition can heat up quickly on the right homes. Buyers who are prepared and decisive are still winning opportunities, especially when sellers are motivated to keep things moving before year end. Watching closely and acting quickly matters right now.

For Sellers
Even with fewer new listings, buyer activity remains strong. Pending sales rising while inventory drops is a good sign for well prepared homes. Sellers who price accurately and present well continue to stand out, even in a quieter seasonal window.

If you want to see how these trends are showing up in your specific neighborhood or are considering a move before the end of the year, I am always happy to walk through the local numbers with you.