Buyers and Sellers • September 8, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 205 ↑ (from 117 last week)
Pending Sales: 193 ↓ (from 206)
Sold Homes: 108 ↓ (from 161)
Price Reductions: 152 ↑ (from 110)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

The post-holiday rebound is here. New listings more than doubled after the Labor Day dip, as expected when sellers who held off hit the market. Pending sales eased slightly from last week’s strong showing, and closed sales dropped, likely reflecting the lighter pending activity during late August.

Price reductions rose to 152, showing that even as activity picks up, buyers remain price-conscious and are not chasing overpriced listings.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
More fresh inventory hit the market this week, giving you new options. But with price reductions rising, there may also be opportunities to negotiate on homes that linger.

For Sellers:
Listing activity surged after the holiday, competition is back. To stand out, focus on pricing right and making your home shine. Overpricing leads to reductions, which costs time and leverage.

Buyers and Sellers • General • September 5, 2025

🏡 Community Spotlight: Living in Lynnwood, WA

by Bill Jordan

Welcome to Lynnwood

Lynnwood, WA is one of Snohomish County’s most connected and fast-growing communities. Just 16 miles north of Seattle and minutes from Everett, this city is perfectly positioned for convenience, lifestyle, and opportunity. With a strong housing market and the arrival of light rail in summer 2024, it’s no surprise Lynnwood WA real estate is on so many buyers’ radars.

A Bit of History

Originally farmland in the early 1900s, Lynnwood transformed rapidly in the post-WWII era when suburban growth expanded north of Seattle. Alderwood Mall, which opened in 1979, cemented Lynnwood as the region’s retail and business hub. Today, Lynnwood blends that commercial energy with a growing sense of community — new parks, cultural centers, and residential neighborhoods are reshaping its identity.

Lifestyle in Lynnwood

Life in Lynnwood offers something for everyone:

Shopping & Dining: Alderwood Mall is a destination with top restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Outdoor Spaces: Residents enjoy Scriber Lake Park’s boardwalks, Lynndale Park’s trails and playfields, and Meadowdale Beach Park’s Puget Sound shoreline.
Commute Advantage: With the Lynnwood Link light rail station opening in summer 2024, residents now enjoy a fast connection to downtown Seattle in under 30 minutes. Easy access to I-5, I-405, and Highway 99 makes commuting even more flexible.
Community Events: From outdoor theater to cultural festivals, Lynnwood hosts events that bring neighbors together throughout the year.

Community Events in Lynnwood

Celebrate! at Alderwood Mall — A lively summer event featuring live music, food trucks, and a beer & wine garden.
Shakespeare in the Park — Outdoor performances of classic plays at Lynndale Park Amphitheater each summer.
Fair on 44th — A family-friendly community block party with fire and police demonstrations, food trucks, and health & safety activities.
Heritage Days — Experience Lynnwood’s history with trolley rides, museum tours, and exhibits at Heritage Park.

Housing Snapshot

Lynnwood WA real estate is diverse — you’ll find classic mid-century homes, spacious ramblers, modern townhomes, and brand-new construction communities. The median home price is around $725,000, which makes Lynnwood more affordable than many Seattle neighborhoods while still offering outstanding amenities and connectivity.

Local Insider Tip

Skip the mall crowds and head to Scriber Lake Park for a peaceful walk along the boardwalks — it’s a hidden oasis right in the heart of the city.

Thinking About a Move?

If you’re considering buying or selling in Lynnwood, you’re not alone. Explore the latest homes for sale in Lynnwood WA and let Bill Jordan and the Jordan Real Estate Group at Century 21 help you navigate the market with local expertise.

Sellers • September 3, 2025

Should You Rent Out Your Home Instead of Selling? What You Need to Know

by Bill Jordan

If you’re a homeowner in South Snohomish County or North King County, you may be wondering if renting out your property could be a better move than selling. It’s a question I hear often in today’s market, especially with many homeowners locked into historically low mortgage rates. While renting can sometimes make sense, it isn’t always the win people expect.

Here are three important things to weigh before deciding:

1. Is Your Home Truly a Good Rental?

Not every house is built for the rental market. Ask yourself:

Does the neighborhood appeal to renters?
Does the home need major repairs before tenants move in?
If you’re relocating, can you manage the property long-distance?

If the answers raise concerns, selling may provide a cleaner path forward.

2. Are You Ready to Be a Landlord?

Renting sounds like “passive income,” but it’s rarely hands-off. You’ll need to handle:

Late-night repair calls
Tenant disputes
Regular upkeep on systems like plumbing and HVAC
Potential damage to home, requiring replacement of items unplanned for (such as carpet/flooring, paint & drywall, doors, cabinets)

Even with a property manager, you’ll carry responsibility—and management fees usually run about 10% of monthly rent.

3. What Are the Real Costs?

Beyond the mortgage, landlords face:

Higher insurance premiums (often 25% more than standard policies)
Vacancy periods where you cover the full payment (especially if there’s unforseen damage at tenant move out)
Marketing and turnover costs every time tenants move out

These expenses often surprise new landlords and can wipe out the income they expected.

When Renting Can Be a Smart Move

While there are challenges, there are also times when holding on to your home and renting it out may be the right fit:

Building Long-Term Wealth: If your mortgage is low and rent comfortably covers expenses, you could grow equity over time while tenants help pay down your loan.
Tax Benefits: Certain deductions—like depreciation, insurance, and repair costs—may reduce your taxable income. Always confirm with a tax professional.
Flexibility for the Future: If you think you might move back to the area, renting allows you to keep your home as an option down the road.
Diversifying Investments: A rental property can become part of your financial strategy, giving you both real estate appreciation and cash flow potential.

The Bottom Line

If your home isn’t selling at your current price, it may make more sense to adjust your pricing strategy than to take on the risks of renting. For some homeowners, leasing works as a short-term plan. For others, a well-timed sale unlocks equity and reduces stress.

If you’re weighing the choice between renting and selling in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Shoreline, Everett, or the surrounding areas, let’s talk. I’ll help you run the numbers and see what makes the most sense for your goals.

Buyers and Sellers • September 2, 2025

📅 August 2025 Market Recap – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

The August market reflected steady demand with some late-summer seasonality showing up around Labor Day. Buyers stayed active, and while sellers adjusted pricing early in the month, by September fewer reductions were needed.

August Snapshot

Average New Listings per Week: ~164 (down from July’s ~182)
Average Pending Sales per Week: ~201 (up from July’s ~189)
Average Sold Homes per Week: ~149 (steady vs July’s ~150)
Average Price Reductions per Week: ~152 (down from July’s ~168)

August vs. July – Key Trends

Inventory Flow: Fewer new listings came to market in August compared to July, especially during the Labor Day dip. This tightening inventory is typical for late summer.
Buyer Demand: Pending sales actually increased compared to July, showing that motivated buyers are still making offers despite fewer new homes.
Closings: Sold homes stayed steady month-over-month, which means buyers are following through to close.
Pricing Pressure: Price reductions eased compared to July, suggesting sellers are pricing more accurately and buyers are responding.

Takeaways

For Buyers:
Even with fewer new listings, demand stayed strong in August. Expect more competition on well-priced homes, but also know that late-summer sellers are more realistic on pricing.

For Sellers:
Pending sales outpaced new listings in August — a good sign that demand is absorbing inventory. If you’re planning a fall listing, take advantage of this balance. Position your home right from day one to avoid reductions and stand out as more listings come online.

Buyers and Sellers • September 1, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 117 ↓ (from 183 last week)
Pending Sales: 206 ↑ (from 201)
Sold Homes: 161 ↓ (from 162)
Price Reductions: 110 ↓ (from 166)

🏡 Weekly Trend Overview

The numbers shifted noticeably this week, and the Labor Day holiday likely played a role.

New listings dropped sharply to 117 — the lowest in weeks — which is typical as many sellers hold off during a long holiday weekend. Pending sales, however, remained strong, climbing slightly to 206, showing that buyers are still out there writing offers.

Closed sales dipped slightly, while price reductions fell to 110, suggesting fewer sellers felt pressure to adjust over the holiday week.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
With fewer new listings, competition may feel tighter this week. Still, pendings rising shows that well-priced homes are still moving — so don’t wait too long if you find the right one.

For Sellers:
If you held off listing during Labor Day, you weren’t alone. Expect a bounce in new listings in the coming weeks as the market picks back up. Fewer price reductions are a sign that homes priced right are selling without adjustment.

Buyers and Sellers • August 28, 2025

Why More New Homes Doesn’t Mean Another Housing Crash

by Bill Jordan

Lately, you may have seen headlines claiming that new construction inventory is at its highest levels since 2008. It’s true that new-home numbers are up, but here’s where the story often gets misread: we’re not back in 2008. Not even close.

Back then, the market was flooded with both new and existing homes. Today, while new construction has grown, total inventory (new plus resale) still doesn’t compare to the massive oversupply that triggered the housing crash nearly two decades ago.

Here in South Snohomish County and North King County, inventory is improving but the pace remains balanced, not bloated. Buyers finally have more options, yet sellers aren’t facing a glut of competition. That’s a very different market dynamic from what national headlines suggest.

What’s Happening in Our Local Market

More Choices for Buyers: Neighborhoods like Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline are seeing more active listings compared to last year. This gives buyers breathing room to shop without the frenzied pace of 2021–2022.
Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels: Even with new homes coming online in communities like Mill Creek and Mukilteo, overall inventory is still lower than what we saw in the 2017–2019 market.
Not a 2008 Situation: The increase in new construction is helping to balance the market, but combined supply isn’t anywhere near the “too much inventory” conditions of the last housing crash.
Days on Market Creeping Up: Homes in Everett and nearby areas are taking a bit longer to sell compared to last summer. This gives buyers some negotiating power, while sellers need to focus on presentation and pricing.

Why This Matters for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers: More inventory means you don’t always have to rush into a decision or waive contingencies. You’ve got a bit more leverage than just a year ago.
For Sellers: Don’t panic at the word “more inventory.” Homes are still moving, but buyers are choosier. Pricing right and making your home shine are what set you apart.

Bottom Line

National headlines can make it sound like we’re heading back into a housing crisis. The truth in South Snohomish County and North King County real estate is much steadier. More inventory is a good thing—it brings balance to the market.

If you’re curious how this shift affects your specific neighborhood in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Shoreline, or Everett, I’d be happy to break down the numbers for you.

Buyers and Sellers • August 25, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 183 ↑ (from 179 last week)
Pending Sales: 201 ↓ (from 219)
Sold Homes: 162 ↑ (from 141)
Price Reductions: 166 ↑ (from 139)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

Inventory ticked up slightly this week with 183 new listings, while pending sales pulled back to 201 after last week’s surge. Closed sales climbed to 162, showing stronger follow-through from earlier pending activity.

Price reductions also rose to 166, highlighting that buyers are still sensitive to overpricing even as demand holds steady.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
More homes are available, but buyer competition is still steady. The rise in price reductions creates opportunities for value, especially if you’re patient and flexible.

For Sellers:
Homes are selling — closed sales rose this week — but pricing remains critical. The jump in price reductions shows buyers won’t chase inflated prices. Proper pricing and strong presentation remain the winning formula.

Uncategorized • August 20, 2025

Should You Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? The Strategic Tradeoff

by Bill Jordan

If you’re looking to buy a home in South Snohomish or North King County, you might be wondering if now is the right time or if you should wait for lower mortgage rates. Rates have recently dipped into the mid-6 % range, tempting many buyers to hold out for further drops. But in our local market, waiting could mean missing your best opportunity.

Why Buying Now Could Be Smarter

1. Homes Are Still Moving Here

In our area, homes are selling—often quickly—if they’re priced right and presented well. Overpriced or poorly staged properties tend to sit, but well-prepared homes attract strong buyer interest. That means you have a good chance of finding the right property without getting stuck in heavy bidding wars.

2. Price Growth Is Moderating

While home values continue to rise over time, the pace has slowed. Buyers today are finding more balance and opportunities to purchase without the runaway price jumps of recent years.

3. Refinancing Later Is an Option

Locking in a home now doesn’t mean you’re stuck with today’s rate forever. If rates decline further, refinancing can lower your monthly payment while you continue building equity in your home.

The Risks of Waiting for Lower Rates

1. Competition Will Heat Up

If rates dip under 6 %, buyer demand will likely surge again. That could mean fewer homes to choose from and more multiple-offer situations in South Snohomish and North King County.

2. Rates May Not Drop Significantly

Experts forecast that mortgage rates will hover in the mid-to-low 6 % range through 2026. Waiting may not deliver the “perfect rate” some buyers are hoping for, and in the meantime, local prices could climb.

Local Market Snapshot

Homes that are priced right and presented well are still moving quickly.
Buyers are enjoying more options than last year, but competition remains steady in desirable neighborhoods.
Sellers who overprice or skip preparation are the ones seeing their listings linger.

Conclusion: The Strategic Bottom Line

In South Snohomish and North King County, waiting on the sidelines may not pay off.

Buy now if you’re financially ready and want the advantage of today’s inventory and steady pricing. You can always refinance later if rates fall.
Wait only if you’re not prepared to buy yet—but know that competition and prices may work against you when rates shift lower.

Uncategorized • August 18, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 179 ↑ (from 166 last week)
Pending Sales: 219 ↑ (from 181)
Sold Homes: 141 ↑ (from 121)
Price Reductions: 139 ↓ (from 183)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

Momentum returned this week with increases across new listings, pending sales, and closed transactions. Buyers are clearly active again, pushing pendings up sharply from 181 to 219. Closed sales also rebounded, and fresh inventory ticked up to 179.

The biggest shift came from price reductions, which dropped from 183 down to 139, suggesting sellers are finding the right price point sooner or that stronger demand is reducing the need for adjustments.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
You’ll likely see more homes hitting the market, and demand appears to be heating up. You could see more competition on well-priced properties. The dip in price reductions means fewer “discount opportunities,” so be prepared to move quickly on the right home.

For Sellers:
This week’s uptick in pendings shows strong buyer demand. Homes that are priced and presented well are moving fast, while fewer sellers are needing to adjust their price. Now’s a good moment to list while momentum is on your side.

Uncategorized • August 13, 2025

Sweetening the Deal: How Concessions Can Help You Sell Faster

by Bill Jordan

As inventory grows and buyers gain more choices, sellers are finding creative ways to stand out. One strategy on the rise is offering concessions. These are small but meaningful incentives that can make a big difference in getting your home sold.

Why Sellers Are Offering More Concessions

With more homes available, buyers have the upper hand in negotiations. Nearly half of sellers today are including some form of concession to help their home stand out. These range from covering closing costs to agreeing to repairs or even making modest price adjustments.

What Concessions Can Look Like

Common examples include:

Paying a portion of the buyer’s closing costs
Offering a credit for repairs found during inspection
Including appliances or home warranties
Adjusting the price to offset needed updates

The right concession depends on your home, your market, and your goals.

Why This Matters for You

Stand Out in a Crowded Market
In a competitive environment, even a small concession can tip the scales in your favor.
Add Value Without Slashing the Price
Concessions can offer meaningful value to a buyer without taking a huge hit to your bottom line.
Leverage Local Market Knowledge
A local agent can guide you toward incentives that work best in your specific market and help you avoid giving away more than necessary.

The Bottom Line

Concessions are a powerful tool when used strategically. By offering the right incentive, you can make your home more appealing, speed up the sale, and still protect your net proceeds. Partner with an experienced local agent like myself to decide what works best for your situation and market conditions.