Buyers and Sellers • March 23, 2026

Weekly Market Update: March16th – March 22nd

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 201 ↑ (last week: 200)

Pending Sales: 189 ↑ (last week: 180)

Closed Sales: 110 ↓ (last week: 130)

Price Reductions: 128 ↑ (last week: 116)

Weekly Trend Overview

The local housing market is maintaining its upward climb as we move into the second half of March. For the second week in a row, new listings have crested the 200 mark, showing a consistent flow of inventory coming online in Shoreline, Edmonds, and Lynnwood. Buyers have responded immediately to these new options, with pending sales jumping to 189, signaling that demand is rising right alongside supply.

The most telling statistic this week is the jump in price reductions to 128. This tells us that while there is plenty of foot traffic and interest, buyers are not acting impulsively. They are being highly selective and are quick to bypass homes that feel overpriced compared to the new wave of competition. We are seeing a market that is very active but also very disciplined.

Supply and demand are currently moving in tandem. This creates a window of opportunity where the market feels “busy” without feeling “frantic.” In areas like Bothell and Mill Creek, well-maintained homes that hit the sweet spot of pricing are pending quickly, while others are having to adjust their expectations within the first 14 days to stay competitive.

What This Means for You

Buyers

The steady stream of over 200 new listings per week gives you more leverage than you had a month ago. With 128 sellers reducing prices this week, there is a clear opening to find value, especially among homes that have been on the market for more than two weeks. You have more room to breathe, but you should still be prepared to move decisively when a high-quality, correctly priced home hits your radar.

Sellers

The increase in pending sales is proof that buyers are ready to pull the trigger, but the rise in price reductions is a warning. Your first week on the market is your best chance to capture a premium offer. To avoid being part of the “price reduction” statistic, focus on sharp pricing and ensuring your home stands out against the growing number of similar listings in your immediate neighborhood.

If you want to know exactly how these trends are impacting home values in your specific neighborhood, I am here to provide the local expertise you need.

Buyers and Sellers • Community • March 20, 2026

Community Spotlight: Arlington, WA

by Bill Jordan

Tucked between the foothills of the Cascades and the Stillaguamish River, Arlington offers that balance a lot of buyers are chasing right now. More space, more privacy, and still within reach of everyday convenience.

📍 Why People Love Arlington

Arlington continues to gain traction for buyers who want to stretch out a bit without completely disconnecting from the region.

You’ll find
• A walkable, small-town style downtown with local shops and restaurants
• Easy access to hiking, fishing, and riverfront parks
• Larger lots, shop space, and room for RV or boat parking
• A strong community feel with local events throughout the year

For many buyers, it’s the point where affordability and lifestyle finally meet.

🏡 Arlington Real Estate Snapshot

Here’s where things get really interesting and why Arlington stands out right now:

• Homes on an acre or less are averaging just under $640K
• Homes on an acre or more are averaging just over $870K

That spread tells a pretty clear story. Buyers are placing real value on land, flexibility, and usable space.

Compared to tighter suburban markets, Arlington gives you options. Whether that’s a newer neighborhood home or a property where you can actually spread out and create something long term.

📈 What This Means for You

Buyers:
If you’ve been feeling squeezed out of nearby areas, Arlington is worth a serious look. You can still find relative value here, especially if you’re open to a bit more distance in exchange for space.

Sellers:
Properties with acreage are in a strong position. If you’ve got usable land, shop space, or something unique, that’s where buyers are willing to stretch.

To see what properties are for sale, click HERE.

Sellers • March 18, 2026

Can You Really Sell Your Home With ChatGPT? Here’s What Sellers Should Know

by Bill Jordan

A recent news story out of Florida is getting a lot of attention after a homeowner claimed he used ChatGPT to help sell his house. According to the report, the seller used artificial intelligence to guide decisions like pricing, suggested updates, and even the marketing description. The home reportedly received multiple offers quickly and went under contract within just a few days.

It’s a headline that naturally gets people thinking.

Can you really sell your home using AI instead of working with an agent?

The answer is not as simple as it sounds.

AI Is Already Being Used in Real Estate

Artificial intelligence is not new to real estate. In fact, many agents are already using AI tools behind the scenes to improve marketing and streamline the process.

AI can help with:

• generating listing descriptions
• brainstorming marketing strategies
• summarizing market trends
• creating social media content
• organizing and analyzing data

Used correctly, these tools can absolutely improve how a home is marketed and presented.

But AI is still just that. A tool.

AI Can Help Analyze Data But It Is Not the Data Source

One of the biggest misconceptions is that AI can replace the need for accurate market data.

In reality, AI is not the source of real estate data. It relies on information that is provided to it or publicly available, which may not always be current or specific to your neighborhood.

Home pricing depends on real time, hyper local data like:

• recent comparable sales
• active and pending listings
• price reductions and market trends

That information comes from the MLS and verified local records.

AI can help interpret and summarize data, but it does not replace the need to verify the source of that data.

Simply put, AI is only as good as the information it is given. If the data is off, the recommendations will be too.

What AI Cannot Do

Selling a home involves much more than creating a listing or analyzing numbers.

AI cannot:

• walk through your home and identify what today’s buyers will notice
• create a pricing strategy based on nuanced, hyper local trends
• generate competition between buyers in a multiple offer situation
• negotiate terms, timelines, or repairs
• guide you through inspection findings or appraisal challenges
• manage the moving parts of a transaction from contract to closing

These are the moments where experience matters most, and where the right strategy can directly impact your bottom line.

The Part the Headlines Don’t Show

While this story has gained attention, there’s limited detailed reporting on the full process behind the sale. And in real estate, those behind the scenes details often matter more than the headline itself.

Was the pricing based on accurate, local comparable sales?
Was there any professional guidance involved along the way?
How was the home actually exposed to buyers?

Those are the factors that truly drive results, and they are often left out of simplified headlines.

The Real Takeaway

The takeaway is not that artificial intelligence is replacing real estate professionals.

It’s that the professionals who understand how to use tools like AI effectively will have an advantage.

AI can help analyze information faster and enhance marketing. But successful home sales still come down to:

• accurate pricing
• strong negotiation
• local market expertise
• proven strategy

Technology is changing real estate, but expertise still matters.

Thinking About Selling?

If you’re considering selling your home and want a strategy that combines local expertise, proven marketing, and modern tools, I’d be happy to walk you through what that looks like in today’s market.

Buyers and Sellers • March 16, 2026

Weekly Market Update – March 9th through March 15th

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 200 ↑ (last week: 188)

Pending Sales: 180 ↓ (last week: 193)

Closed Sales: 130 ↑ (last week: 122)

Price Reductions: 116 ↑ (last week: 115)

Weekly Trend Overview

The local market is showing classic spring expansion as we hit a new milestone for inventory. For the first time in several weeks, new listings reached the 200 mark, showing that homeowners in areas like Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Mukilteo are feeling more confident about entering the market. While pending sales saw a slight dip compared to last week’s high, the overall volume remains strong, keeping pace with the new influx of homes.

We are seeing a healthy balance between supply and demand right now. The increase in closed sales reflects the strong contract activity we witnessed in February, while the marginal rise in price reductions reminds us that buyers are still being disciplined. They are willing to engage, but they are clearly favoring homes that are move-in ready and priced accurately for the current interest rate environment.

In South Snohomish and North King County, the “lock-in effect” seems to be easing slightly as more sellers realize that demand remains robust despite higher rates. This transition is creating a more fluid market where buyers actually have choices, a significant shift from the extreme scarcity we have seen in previous spring seasons.

What This Means for You

Buyers

The jump to 200 new listings is a win for your purchasing power. More inventory generally means less intense bidding wars on every single property, though the most desirable homes in Shoreline or Bothell still move very quickly. With more options on the table, you have a better opportunity to find a home that fits your needs without feeling forced to waive every contingency.

Sellers

With more neighbors putting their signs in the yard, your property needs to stand out more than it did a month ago. The rise in price reductions is a sign that the market is self-correcting for over-ambitious pricing. To secure a solid offer quickly, focus on “market-ready” condition and a pricing strategy that invites multiple viewers in the first weekend rather than testing the ceiling and waiting.

If you would like a deeper dive into the specific activity in your neighborhood or a custom evaluation of your home’s current value, please feel free to reach out.

Community • March 13, 2026

Community Spotlight: University District

by Bill Jordan

Exploring Seattle’s University District

The University District, often simply called the U District, is one of Seattle’s most energetic and recognizable neighborhoods. Centered around the University of Washington campus, the area blends historic homes, vibrant student life, and a growing mix of modern condos and apartment buildings.

Located about five miles north of downtown Seattle, the neighborhood offers excellent walkability, strong transit connections, and a unique cultural mix that attracts students, professionals, investors, and longtime residents alike.

Real Estate Snapshot

Based on recent MLS data:

Residential Homes
Average sale price just over $1.07M

Condos
Average sale price around $525K

Single family homes in the U District often include larger floorplans with multiple bedrooms. Many of these properties are used as rental housing for students attending the nearby University of Washington, which helps push prices higher compared to other Seattle neighborhoods with similar square footage.

Condos provide a more attainable entry point for buyers who want to live close to the university, transit, and the neighborhood’s vibrant amenities.

Lifestyle and Local Attractions

One of the biggest draws of the University District is its walkable lifestyle. Residents enjoy easy access to restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertainment all within a few blocks.

The heart of the neighborhood is University Way, commonly known as “The Ave,” where you’ll find a wide range of international restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses that give the area its distinctive character.

Outdoor enthusiasts also appreciate the nearby Burke Gilman Trail, which runs along the north side of the neighborhood and provides miles of biking and walking paths connecting to other parts of Seattle.

Just to the east, University Village offers one of Seattle’s premier open air shopping centers with popular retail brands, restaurants, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Transportation and Accessibility

The neighborhood’s connectivity has improved significantly with the addition of the U District Light Rail Station, making it easy to travel quickly to downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, Northgate, and SeaTac Airport without needing a car.

Multiple bus routes also serve the area, and many residents take advantage of the neighborhood’s walkability and bike friendly infrastructure.

A Neighborhood with Energy and Character

From historic early twentieth century homes to modern condo buildings, the University District offers a wide variety of housing options. The constant flow of students, faculty, and professionals creates an atmosphere that is lively, diverse, and always evolving.

For buyers looking for strong rental potential, walkable living, or proximity to one of the region’s most prominent universities, the University District continues to be one of Seattle’s most interesting real estate markets.

Buyers • March 11, 2026

Should You Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates Before Buying?

by Bill Jordan

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard some version of this advice lately:

“Just wait until rates drop.”

It sounds logical. After all, mortgage rates have moved around quite a bit over the past couple of years. Earlier this year they even dipped briefly into the high-5% range before moving back into the low-6% range again.

So it’s understandable that many buyers are hoping the next move will be lower.

But here’s the real question: does waiting actually put you in a better position?

Rates May Not Drop Much From Here

One thing many buyers don’t realize is that most economists aren’t predicting a dramatic drop in mortgage rates this year.

The general expectation is that rates will hover somewhere around the low-6% range for much of 2026, moving slightly up and down depending on economic conditions.

In other words, we may see occasional dips into the 5s for short periods, but that doesn’t necessarily mean rates will settle there long term.

And if that’s the case, waiting months or even a year may not change the math as much as people expect.

The Real Risk of Waiting

While buyers focus on interest rates, they sometimes overlook another important factor: competition.

When mortgage rates drop, more buyers jump back into the market.

That usually means:

• More showings
• More multiple offer situations
• More upward pressure on prices

Here in Snohomish and North King County, we’ve already seen how quickly demand can return when affordability improves even slightly.

So the irony is that waiting for lower rates can sometimes make the buying process more competitive, not easier.

You Always Have the Option to Refinance

Another piece of the puzzle many buyers forget is that your mortgage rate today doesn’t have to be permanent.

If rates do fall in the future, homeowners can often refinance into a lower rate later. That means buyers who purchase now can potentially benefit from both:

• Owning a home sooner
• Taking advantage of lower rates later if they happen

This strategy is often described as “date the rate, marry the house.”

The Bigger Question to Ask

Instead of focusing entirely on mortgage rates, a better question might be:

Are you financially ready to buy, and does the move make sense for your life right now?

If the answer is yes, trying to perfectly time interest rates can become a distraction from the bigger opportunity of homeownership.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage rates will always move up and down. But most forecasts suggest they’ll stay somewhere around the low-6% range for the foreseeable future, not dramatically lower.

If you’re waiting for the “perfect” rate, you could end up sitting on the sidelines longer than expected.

A better approach is to focus on finding the right home, the right price, and the right timing for your personal situation.

If you’re thinking about buying in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Bothell, or surrounding communities, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to talk through your options and help you decide what makes the most sense in today’s market.

Buyers and Sellers • March 9, 2026

Weekly Market Update: South Snohomish & North King County March 2nd through March 8th

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 188 ⬆️ (156 last week)
Pending Sales: 193 ⬆️ (175 last week)
Homes Sold: 122 ⬇️ (150 last week)
Price Reductions: 115 ⬆️ (111 last week)

Weekly Trend Overview

The spring market is clearly gaining momentum across South Snohomish and North King County. New listings jumped significantly this week, giving buyers more options than we’ve seen in several weeks. At the same time, pending sales also climbed, showing that buyer demand remains strong as we move further into the early spring market.

Closed sales dipped slightly, which is fairly normal since closings typically lag behind pending activity by several weeks. With pending sales increasing again this week, we should expect sold numbers to rebound soon.

Price reductions also ticked up slightly. This is a typical signal that some sellers may have started slightly ahead of the market and are adjusting to meet buyer expectations.

Overall, the market is becoming more active on both sides as we head deeper into the spring buying season.

What This Means for You

Buyers

Inventory is starting to improve, which gives you more choices compared to earlier this year. However, the increase in pending sales shows that competition is still very real for well priced homes.

If you are planning to buy this spring, preparation is key. Having financing ready and being able to move quickly when the right home hits the market can make a big difference.

Sellers

More listings are hitting the market, which means competition between sellers is increasing. The good news is that buyer activity remains strong, as shown by the rise in pending sales.

Proper pricing and strong presentation are becoming more important as the number of homes for sale grows. Homes that are positioned well are still attracting serious buyer interest.

If you’re curious how these trends affect your home’s value or your plans to buy or sell this year, I’m always happy to help.

Uncategorized • March 3, 2026

Community Spotlight: Ballard

by Bill Jordan

Ballard continues to be one of Seattle’s most recognizable and vibrant neighborhoods. With its Scandinavian roots, walkable core, waterfront access, and a mix of modern condos and classic Craftsman homes, it offers a lifestyle that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the city.

Here is a quick look at the numbers:

Residential Homes
Average Sales Price: $975k

Condos
Average Sales Price: just over $670k

That gap between condos and single family homes creates opportunity depending on your goals. If you want lower maintenance living close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife, the condo market in Ballard provides strong access at a more approachable price point. If you are looking for yard space, long term appreciation potential, and more privacy, single family homes continue to command a premium.

Why Buyers Love Ballard

• Walkability to Ballard Avenue, restaurants, breweries, and shops
• Easy access to waterfront parks and the Ballard Locks
• Strong sense of community and neighborhood identity
• Mix of historic charm and modern construction

What This Means for Sellers

Ballard remains highly desirable. Buyers often prioritize location over size here, and lifestyle plays a major role in decision making. Pricing correctly is key, especially as buyers compare condo affordability versus stretching for a detached home.

If you are curious what your Ballard home or condo could sell for in today’s market, let’s run the numbers.

Buyers • March 3, 2026

Renting vs. Buying in South Snohomish & North King County: The Numbers Might Be Closer Than You Think

by Bill Jordan

If you’re renting in Lynnwood, Bothell, Mill Creek, Edmonds, Shoreline, or nearby, you’ve probably wondered:

Should I just keep renting… or is it time to buy?

With interest rates higher than they were a few years ago, many renters assume buying no longer makes sense.

But locally, the gap between renting and owning is often smaller than people think.

What Renting Looks Like Right Now

A solid 1 bedroom apartment in our area can run close to $2,000 per month.

2 bedrooms regularly push well beyond that.

Townhome style rentals can climb into the $3,000 range without much effort.

And most leases reset every 12 months.

So the real question is not just what rent costs today.
It’s what you’ll be paying 3 to 5 years from now.

What Buying Looks Like Here

In South Snohomish and North King County, there are real entry points into ownership.

Townhomes can often be found in the mid $400s.
Single family homes can start around $600k and up depending on location and condition.

Yes, ownership comes with responsibility. There’s maintenance. There are property taxes. There’s insurance.

But there are also things renters do not get:

You lock in your principal and interest payment.
You build equity with every payment.
You participate in long term appreciation in a region that continues to see strong demand.

Ownership is not just about the monthly payment.
It’s about where that payment positions you 5 years from now.

The 5 Year Question

If you rent for 5 more years at $2,700 per month, that’s over $160,000 paid out.

If you own for 5 years, a portion of each payment reduces your loan balance. And if values rise even modestly over that time, that appreciation compounds your position.

You are not just paying for housing.
You are building something.

But What About Rates?

This is the hesitation I hear most.

Yes, rates are higher than the ultra low years.

If rates improve in the future, refinancing is an option.
If rent increases, there is no refinance.

When Renting Still Makes Sense

Buying is not right for everyone.

Renting can be smart if:

You plan to move within 1 to 2 years.
You need maximum flexibility.
You are still building credit or saving for a down payment.

But if you plan to stay in the area for several years, the financial conversation starts to shift.

What This Means for You Locally

South Snohomish and North King County continue to see strong demand because of location, access to major job centers, and overall quality of life.

Inventory remains competitive in well priced homes.

That means trying to perfectly time the market rarely works. Building a long term strategy does.

The key is not guessing.

It’s running your numbers.

Want to See What This Looks Like for You?

If you’re renting locally and wondering whether buying could make sense, let’s look at your situation.

We can review:

What you’re paying now
What ownership might look like
What down payment options exist
Whether waiting or moving forward makes more sense

Sometimes the answer is wait.

Sometimes the answer is you’re closer than you think.

Either way, clarity beats guessing.

Buyers and Sellers • March 2, 2026

Weekly Market Update: Feb 23rd through March 1st

by Bill Jordan

Here’s what we saw across South Snohomish and North King County this week:

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 156 ⬇️ from 168
Pending: 175 ⬆️ from 165
Sold: 150 ⬆️ from 112
Price Reductions: 111 ⬆️ from 54

Weekly Trend Overview

New listings dipped slightly, but buyer activity picked up in a big way. Pending sales increased and closed sales jumped significantly week over week. The most notable shift was in price reductions, which more than doubled compared to last week.

That tells us two things at the same time: buyers are active and motivated, but they are also price sensitive. Homes that are positioned well are moving. Homes that overshoot the market are adjusting quickly.

What This Means for You

Buyers

More homes are closing and pendings are strong, which means competition is still out there. However, the spike in price reductions is creating opportunity. If a home has been sitting or just reduced, there may be room for stronger terms or negotiations.

This is a market where strategy matters. Knowing which homes are likely to move quickly and which ones are overpriced can make a big difference.

Sellers

Buyers are absolutely in the market. One hundred fifty homes closed this week alone. That is a strong number.

But pricing right out of the gate is critical. With 111 reductions in just one week, the market is clearly correcting homes that missed the mark. The first 7 to 10 days on market are still the most important window.

If you’re thinking about making a move this spring, this is the time to start preparing. Positioning and presentation are everything right now.

If you want to know how your specific neighborhood is performing, or what your home might realistically sell for in today’s market, let’s connect.