Years ago, when I worked in commercial pest control, I remember driving my work truck through Medina and getting some interesting looks from the locals. I joked that driving a pest control truck through Medina apparently attracts about as much attention as driving a McLaren through Downtown Everett.

That should give you some idea of where we’re headed with this week’s Community Spotlight.

Welcome to Medina, where a $2 million home is the affordable option.

Let’s acknowledge the obvious. Most of us probably aren’t casually scrolling through $10 million homes while deciding which one to buy this weekend. But who isn’t a little curious about what life and real estate look like in one of Washington’s most exclusive communities?

So, for this week’s Community Spotlight, we’re taking a peek behind the hedges.

Lifestyle: Privacy, Lake Washington and Some Very Famous Neighbors

Sitting along the eastern shore of Lake Washington between Bellevue and Seattle, Medina is a small residential community known for privacy, large properties, mature landscaping and some truly spectacular homes.

And when I say small, I mean it. Medina has only around 3,000 residents and just over 1,000 homes.

This isn’t a community built around a bustling downtown district. The appeal is almost the opposite. Quiet residential streets, heavily landscaped properties and relatively little through traffic give Medina a much more secluded feel than you’d expect considering Downtown Bellevue is only about two miles away and Downtown Seattle is less than ten miles away.

Of course, there’s also the lake.

Some of Medina’s most spectacular properties sit directly on Lake Washington, with private docks, sweeping views and the kind of outdoor spaces that make you wonder whether anyone actually goes inside their house.

Away from the waterfront, large lots and mature evergreen trees create another layer of privacy throughout the community. The median lot size is more than 16,000 square feet, which is increasingly unusual this close to the region’s major employment centers.

Residents also have access to places like Medina Park, Medina Beach Park and the trails and tennis courts at Fairweather Nature Preserve. Overlake Golf & Country Club, established in 1927, sits right in the community as well.

And yes, Medina has had some recognizable residents over the years. Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have both owned property here.

So if you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “lifestyles of the rich and famous” applies locally, we’ve found it.

The Medina Real Estate Market

Okay. Here’s where things get fun.

I pulled recent Northwest Multiple Listing Service sales for Medina, and there were 41 closed sales in the data over the last 12 months.

The median sale price?

$4,925,000.

Not a typo.

The average sale price was even higher at approximately $5.37 million.

And here’s perhaps my favorite Medina statistic: the least expensive sale in the data was $1.92 million.

So yes, in Medina, a home selling for just under $2 million is apparently how you get your foot in the door.

At the other end of the spectrum, the highest closed sale in the data reached $11.55 million.

For perspective, the average single family home in Medina is nearly 3,800 square feet. But size alone doesn’t explain these prices. You’re buying location, land, privacy and, in some cases, Lake Washington waterfront.

And waterfront takes things to another level.

Among the waterfront sales in my MLS data, the median sale price was approximately $7.51 million.

Apparently the lake view isn’t included in the base model.

But Even Medina Homes Don’t Automatically Sell

This may actually be the most interesting part of Medina’s current market.

Homes.com currently reports roughly 9.8 months of housing supply and an average market time of about 56 days.

That’s a good reminder that expensive doesn’t automatically mean competitive.

At this level of the market, the buyer pool becomes dramatically smaller. A beautiful $5 million home can still sit. A $10 million property can still need the right pricing and marketing strategy. And when you’re dealing with highly unique properties, finding the right buyer can simply take time.

There’s also some serious inventory competing for attention right now.

Current Medina offerings include homes around $3 million, $6 million, $10 million, $15 million and beyond. One current waterfront estate is offered at $24.5 million.

So if you’ve been waiting for interest rates to drop before jumping into that $24.5 million lakefront estate, I completely understand. 😆

Thinking About a Move?

Medina obviously represents a tiny and very specialized slice of our regional housing market.

But that’s part of what makes looking at different communities so interesting.

Within a relatively short drive around the Puget Sound region, we can go from rural acreage and starter homes to suburban neighborhoods, waterfront communities, downtown condos and, occasionally, a place where the median home sale is approaching $5 million.

Real estate is incredibly local.

And while Medina probably isn’t making everyone’s weekend home tour list, it’s still fun to peek through the gates every once in a while.

If you are thinking about buying or selling anywhere around the Puget Sound region, I’m always happy to help you understand what the numbers actually look like in your market.

Question of the Week

If money were absolutely no object, would you rather have a massive Medina estate tucked behind the trees or a Lake Washington waterfront home with your own private dock?

I’m taking the dock.

Discover Maple Valley: Small Town Feel, Big Outdoor Lifestyle

If you’re looking for a community that blends natural beauty with modern conveniences, Maple Valley deserves a closer look. Located about 30 miles southeast of Seattle, Maple Valley has become one of the fastest growing communities in King County while still holding onto its small town atmosphere.

Outdoor recreation is a huge part of life here. Residents enjoy easy access to Lake Wilderness Park, Cedar River Trail, nearby hiking, fishing, kayaking, and countless neighborhood parks. Families appreciate the highly rated Tahoma School District, while commuters benefit from access to Highway 18, Highway 169, and nearby employment centers.

Shopping, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and community events continue to expand, making Maple Valley an increasingly popular destination for buyers looking for more space without giving up everyday conveniences.

Maple Valley Market Snapshot, 12 month span

Single Family Homes

• 372 homes sold
• 112 active listings
• Median sold price: $775,000
• Average Days on Market: 35 days

Inventory has improved compared to recent years, giving buyers more choices while well prepared homes continue to attract strong interest.

Townhomes

• 23 homes sold
• 2 active listings
• Median sold price: $500,000
• Average Days on Market: 44 days

Townhomes remain a limited segment of the market, making new listings worth watching for buyers looking for affordability.

Condominiums

• 11 homes sold
• 4 active listings
• Median sold price: $492,500
• Average Days on Market: 62 days

Condo inventory is still relatively small, but can provide an excellent entry point into the Maple Valley market.

Why Buyers Love Maple Valley

Maple Valley continues to attract buyers because it offers:

• Beautiful parks and outdoor recreation
• Excellent schools
• Larger lots than many neighboring communities
• A strong sense of community
• Convenient access to Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and Kent
• Growing retail and dining options

It’s easy to see why many homeowners move here and stay for years.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

Whether you’re considering making Maple Valley your next home or wondering what your current property is worth, I’d be happy to help you understand today’s market and create a strategy that’s right for you.

Question of the Week

If you could choose, would you rather have a larger backyard or be within walking distance of shops and restaurants? Why?

Small Town Living with Room to Breathe

Just a few minutes from Bothell, Monroe, and Woodinville, Maltby offers something that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find in the Seattle area: space. Known for its country roads, larger properties, and slower pace of life, this small Snohomish County community has long attracted those looking to enjoy a more rural lifestyle without giving up convenient access to everyday amenities.

If you’ve ever driven through Maltby, chances are you’ve noticed that it feels different. Instead of dense neighborhoods and busy commercial corridors, you’ll find horse properties, hobby farms, towering evergreens, and homes tucked away on generous lots.

Lifestyle

Life in Maltby is centered around the outdoors and a close knit community atmosphere. Many residents appreciate having room for gardens, RV parking, shops, or simply a little more privacy than what’s available in surrounding suburbs.

One of the area’s most recognizable destinations is the Maltby Café, a longtime local favorite known for hearty breakfasts and oversized cinnamon rolls that draw visitors from all over Western Washington.

Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy nearby Paradise Valley Conservation Area, offering miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through forests and wetlands. It’s easy to see why so many people who enjoy an active lifestyle are drawn to the area.

Despite its rural feel, Maltby is conveniently located near Highway 522, making commutes to Bothell, Woodinville, Everett, and even Bellevue surprisingly manageable.

The Market

Unlike larger cities, Maltby experiences relatively few home sales throughout the year. Because of that, market statistics can fluctuate more dramatically from month to month than they do in neighboring communities.

What remains consistent is the type of housing available. Buyers are often searching for:

• Larger lots and acreage
• Custom homes
• Horse properties
• Greater privacy
• Space for hobbies, workshops, or recreational vehicles

Limited inventory means well maintained homes with desirable land often generate strong interest when they become available. At the same time, every sale carries more weight in shaping market averages, making individual comparable sales far more valuable than broad market statistics when determining a home’s true value.

For buyers seeking room to spread out while remaining close to major employment centers, Maltby continues to be one of Snohomish County’s most unique housing markets.

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you’re dreaming of a little more land, looking for a quieter lifestyle, or wondering what your Maltby property might be worth in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.

Every community has its own story, and Maltby is a great reminder that not every homebuyer is looking for the same thing. Sometimes the perfect place isn’t the busiest neighborhood. It’s the one that gives you the space to live the way you want.

If you’d like to learn more about buying or selling in Maltby or anywhere in Snohomish or North King County, let’s have a conversation. I’d be happy to help you understand what today’s market means for your goals.

There are few Seattle neighborhoods that blend natural beauty, historic charm, and city convenience quite like Magnolia. Perched above Puget Sound, this sought after community offers sweeping water and mountain views, miles of parks and trails, quiet residential streets, and a welcoming neighborhood feel, all while sitting just minutes from downtown Seattle. Whether you’re looking for your forever home or simply curious about one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods, Magnolia continues to be a place that attracts buyers looking for something special.

Magnolia Lifestyle

Life in Magnolia moves at a different pace than much of Seattle. While downtown is just a short drive away, the neighborhood feels tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Residents enjoy spending time at Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest park, where miles of walking trails lead through forests, open meadows, beaches, and to the iconic West Point Lighthouse.

The heart of the neighborhood is Magnolia Village, where locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and neighborhood businesses create a true small town atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing coffee with friends, enjoying dinner at a neighborhood favorite, or attending one of the community events throughout the year, Magnolia has a strong sense of connection that’s hard to find in many urban neighborhoods.

Outdoor enthusiasts also appreciate the easy access to waterfront parks, marinas, and some of the best sunset views in the Seattle area. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can spend the morning hiking through Discovery Park and still be downtown for dinner in just a few minutes.

The Magnolia Housing Market

Magnolia continues to be one of Seattle’s premier housing markets, combining strong demand with a wide variety of home styles.

Overall, the median home price is approximately $1.24 million, while the average sale price sits around $1.39 million. Homes are also moving quickly, with a median market time of just 12 days, showing that well priced homes continue to attract strong buyer interest.

Breaking it down by home type paints an even clearer picture:

Single Family Homes

Magnolia’s classic homes remain the centerpiece of the neighborhood. Many buyers are drawn to the area’s timeless architecture, larger lots, and exceptional views. Most single family homes are selling between $1.4 million and over $2 million, depending on size, location, and view potential.

Condominiums

Condos provide one of the more affordable ways to enjoy everything Magnolia has to offer. Many one level units are selling around $475,000, while larger and updated condominiums commonly reach into the mid $800,000s.

Townhomes

Townhomes continue to be a popular option for buyers looking for newer construction and lower maintenance living. The average townhome is selling for just under $900,000, offering modern living in one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you’re considering buying your first home in Magnolia, upgrading to take advantage of the neighborhood’s incredible views, or thinking about selling your current property, understanding the local market is the first step toward making a confident decision.

If you’d like to explore available homes or learn what your Magnolia home could be worth in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.

Community Question of the Week

If you could live anywhere in Magnolia, where would you choose?

Would it be near Discovery Park, close to Magnolia Village, along the bluff overlooking Puget Sound, or tucked away on one of Magnolia’s quiet residential streets?

I’d love to hear your favorite spot in the neighborhood.