Buyers and Sellers • August 11, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 166 ↓ (from 175 last week)
Pending Sales: 181 ↓ (from 200)
Sold Homes: 121 ↓ (from 162)
Price Reductions: 183 ↑ (from 161)

📉 Weekly Trend Overview

The market cooled across most key metrics this week. Fewer new listings and pendings suggest both buyer and seller activity has eased slightly. Closed sales had the sharpest decline this week, likely reflecting the slower pace of pending sales from earlier in the summer.

One standout change: price reductions jumped to 183, the highest we’ve seen this month. This points to increased price sensitivity and the need for strategic pricing from the start.

What This Means for You

For Buyers:
Inventory dipped slightly, but more price reductions mean increased opportunities to find value. With pendings slowing, you may have a bit more time to act, but well-priced homes will still move quickly.

For Sellers:
With buyer activity easing, competitive pricing and strong presentation are critical. More price drops in the market show that buyers are sensitive to overpricing. Position your home correctly from the start to sell faster and for the best price possible.

Buyers • General • August 6, 2025

Is a Second Home the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan?

by Bill Jordan

For many, retirement planning goes beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about designing the lifestyle you want to enjoy. One option that’s growing in popularity is purchasing a second home ahead of retirement. This isn’t just about a vacation getaway — it’s about creating flexibility, comfort, and long-term value.

Why a Second Home Might Make Sense

Vacation now, live there later
If you already enjoy spending time in a particular area, buying a home there gives you the freedom to visit when you like and gradually transition it into your full-time residence.

Create income potential
A second home can be more than a personal retreat. Renting it out while you’re not using it could provide extra income or help offset ownership costs.

Ease into your retirement lifestyle
Owning now allows you to become familiar with the area, connect with the community, and know exactly what to expect when you’re ready to move there full time.

Smart Considerations Before You Buy

Think long term about location
Beyond natural beauty or vacation vibes, consider things like healthcare access, walkability, and proximity to friends and family. Choose a place that will still suit you years down the road.

Make sure it fits your budget
Review your current financial picture, including available equity in your primary home, and explore options like rental income or co-ownership to make it more attainable.

Understand the local rules
Short-term rental restrictions, HOA guidelines, and tax implications can vary widely. Working with a knowledgeable local agent helps you avoid surprises.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

How often do I plan to use the property over the next few years?
Will this eventually become my main home?
What’s the long-term value and resale outlook in the area?
Who will manage the property when I’m not there?

Final Thought

A second home can be a meaningful part of your retirement plan — giving you freedom, stability, and even income potential. It’s not just about where you’ll live, but how you want to live.

If you’re thinking about a second home outside our local area, I have a trusted national network of real estate partners who can help. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach retreat, lake cabin, or desert hideaway, I can connect you with a local expert to guide the way.

Buyers • General • Sellers • August 4, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats:

New Listings: 175 ↑ (from 159 last week)
Pending Sales: 200 ↑ (from 178)
Sold Homes: 162 ↑ (from 152)
Price Reductions: 161 ↑ (from 157)

📈 Weekly Trend Overview

After last week’s slowdown, this week shows signs of a rebound. New listings rose slightly, giving buyers more fresh options, while pending sales saw a notable bump — up 12% week-over-week. That suggests strong buyer activity even as summer winds down.

Sold homes ticked up as well, and price reductions held steady. Sellers are still adjusting to meet buyer expectations, but the number of price drops rising only modestly suggests that homes are being priced more realistically from the start.

If you’re considering listing before fall, now’s a good time to jump in while demand remains high and inventory stays manageable.

Uncategorized • July 30, 2025

2025 Housing Market Outlook: National Trends and Local Perspective in Lynnwood

by Bill Jordan

The second half of 2025 brings a cautiously optimistic housing forecast. National experts agree: while we’re not in a boom, we’re not headed for a bust either. Home prices are expected to rise modestly—by 1.5% to 2%—and inventory levels are slowly improving, offering some relief to buyers without overwhelming the market.

What’s Driving the National Outlook?

Mortgage rates are expected to remain in the 6.5%–7% range through the end of the year. That may feel high compared to recent lows, but it’s still manageable for many buyers.
Inventory is projected to rise about 15% by year-end, which could ease some price pressure—but supply will still lag demand in most areas.
Price growth remains modest. While some markets may see a slight dip, most are expected to hold steady or see small increases, avoiding any dramatic downturn.

Despite concerns about affordability and rate volatility, most economists agree the fundamentals don’t point to a crash. Instead, they predict a slower, steadier market that favors well-informed decisions.

Lynnwood, WA: How the Local Market Compares

Here in Lynnwood and greater Snohomish County, we’re seeing many of these national trends play out with our own local nuances.

Home Prices

The median sale price in Lynnwood (for all property types) is currently hovering around $758,950, down just over 1% from last year.
On average, homes are selling for slightly less than list price at 98.8%, and price cuts are becoming more common as buyers gain negotiating power.
Zillow’s home value index for Lynnwood shows a 0.8% increase year-over-year, signaling that while we’re not in a rising-price environment, we’re not seeing major declines either.

Inventory & Competition

Inventory remains tight, especially in the $400K–$1M range, where most buyer activity is concentrated.
The market still leans toward sellers, with competitively priced homes typically receiving two to three offers and going under contract in about 25 days on average.
Higher-end properties are seeing slower activity unless priced aggressively or presented in move-in-ready condition.

Buyer Behavior

Buyers are rate-sensitive and selective, but still active—especially as more homes hit the market.
Demand is driven by location, updates, and price. Homes near light rail expansion and updated interiors continue to attract the most attention.
Financing remains a key factor; buyers who are pre-approved and ready to move quickly still have the edge.

National vs. Local: A Quick Comparison

Trend	National Outlook	Lynnwood Snapshot
Home Prices	+1.5% to +2% growth forecast	-1% to flat YOY change
Inventory	Gradually increasing	Tight in mid-range; competitive
Mortgage Rates	Holding between 6.5%–7%	Consistent with national rates
Buyer Activity	Softening, but stable	Competitive in core price tiers

What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Sellers:
Pricing strategically is key. Overpricing will likely lead to longer market times or price reductions. Focus on presentation, repairs, and smart updates to stand out—especially in the $750K+ tier.

Buyers:
There’s opportunity to negotiate, especially with motivated sellers and homes that have lingered. Get pre-approved, be clear on your budget, and stay alert for price reductions or favorable terms.

Both:
Don’t rely solely on national headlines. Real estate is local. While national trends offer helpful context, your decisions should be based on what’s happening in the Lynnwood area—right now.

Final Thought

As we move through 2025, the housing market is settling into a more balanced rhythm. If you’re buying or selling in Lynnwood, understanding both the big picture and your neighborhood dynamics will give you the confidence to act wisely.

Want a personalized look at your home’s value or local options? I’m happy to walk you through it. Let’s make the market work for you.

Buyers • General • Sellers • July 28, 2025

📊 Weekly Real Estate Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

Here’s how the market moved this past week:

New Listings: 159 ↓ (down from 213 last week)
Back on Market: 16 ↓ (down from 24)
Price Reductions: 157 ↓ (down from 177)
Pending Sales: 178 ↓ (down from 228)
Closed Sales: 152 (no change)

🧐 Weekly Trends

We saw a notable cooling this week, with fewer new listings and pendings compared to the previous week. This could signal seller hesitation or fewer new homes making it to market, while buyers remain cautious. The number of price reductions is still high, reinforcing how important pricing strategy is right now.

If you’re thinking about selling, make sure you’re pricing to move — not just to test. The right prep and pricing still lead to strong results.

Sellers • July 23, 2025

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selling Your Home

by Bill Jordan

Selling your home is a big decision, and doing it right makes all the difference. Since 2017, I’ve helped homeowners throughout Snohomish and North King County avoid the pitfalls that can cost time and money. As one of the top agents in my office, I bring the local knowledge and strategy you need to sell with confidence. Here are five mistakes I help sellers steer clear of:

1. Overpricing from the Start
Aiming high might seem smart, but setting the wrong price can lead to fewer showings and long days on market. I use hyper-local data and real-time buyer insights to position your home where it will get attention, without leaving money on the table.

2. Making the Wrong Upgrades
Not all improvements add value. Some updates impress buyers, while others go unnoticed. I help you focus on what buyers in our market actually care about so your investment pays off.

3. Overlooking Small Repairs
Little things like chipped paint or a leaky faucet may seem minor but can raise red flags. I’ll help you walk through your home like a buyer would and create a list of easy fixes that make a big difference.

4. Being Too Rigid in Negotiations
Buyers today want value and are willing to negotiate. Whether it’s price, timelines, or credits, I’ll help you stay flexible while protecting your bottom line.

5. Choosing the Wrong Agent
Who you hire matters. With years of full-time experience and hundreds of homes toured and sold, I go beyond the basics. You’ll get strategic pricing, strong marketing, clear communication, and trusted representation from start to finish.

Don’t just take it from me. Check out my Google reviews to see what past clients have to say about their experience.

Let’s Get Your Home Market-Ready
If you’re even thinking about selling, now is the time to talk strategy. I offer a no-pressure consultation to walk your property, talk timelines, and create a personalized plan that meets your goals.

Buyers • General • Sellers • July 22, 2025

📊 Weekly Real Estate Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

by Bill Jordan

The local housing market stayed active this past week, offering a clear view of what both buyers and sellers are navigating right now:

New Listings: 213 homes hit the market
Back on Market: 24 listings returned after falling out of contract
Price Reductions: 177 sellers adjusted their price
Pending Sales: 228 homes went under contract
Closed Sales: 152 homes officially sold

What Does This Mean?

We’re seeing nearly as many homes go pending as are being listed, keeping inventory tight. The 177 price drops indicate that sellers still need to be strategic with pricing, especially as buyers weigh more options. The pace of pendings shows continued buyer activity, especially for well-presented and well-priced homes.

If you’re thinking about listing, now is a good time to prep — homes that show well and are priced right are still moving quickly. Want help positioning your home for the market? Let’s talk.

Serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Mountlake Terrace, and surrounding communities.

Buyers • July 16, 2025

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing — What That Means for Snohomish & North King County Buyers

by Bill Jordan

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to settle down, there’s good news: rates have started to stabilize. And that shift is already having a ripple effect for homebuyers across Snohomish and North King County.

📉 Why Stable Mortgage Rates Matter

Over the past year, buyers have dealt with a lot of uncertainty. One day rates would rise, the next they’d fall—and that kind of volatility made it hard to plan a move confidently. But now, experts are seeing rates hold steady, hovering in the mid-6% range. For local buyers in places like Lynnwood, Bothell, Mountlake Terrace, and Shoreline, that means you can move forward with more predictability and less guesswork.

🛑 Less Rate Fluctuation = More Buying Power

Even though rates aren’t back in the 3s, the current consistency helps. If you’re pre-approved and ready to buy, you can lock in a rate with more confidence that it won’t suddenly spike before closing. This helps with budgeting and can give you an edge when competing for homes in our low-inventory market.

🏡 A Boost in Buyer & Seller Activity

As rates settle, more homeowners are gaining confidence to list their homes. That’s especially true in neighborhoods like Alderwood, Brier, and Kenmore, where sellers had been holding off. This shift could bring more inventory into the market, giving you more options and maybe even a little negotiating room.

📍 Local Mortgage Tip:

Work with a lender who understands Snohomish and King County loan limits and property taxes—especially if you’re shopping in areas with higher home values like Edmonds or Kirkland. A local lender can help you maximize affordability and navigate competitive offer situations.

✅ Key Takeaways for Homebuyers in Snohomish & North King County:

Get pre-approved now. With rates leveling off, you’ll want to be ready to act quickly when the right home hits the market.
Lock your rate strategically. Don’t wait too long—stability means fewer surprises, not no movement at all.
Keep an eye on local inventory. We’re seeing more sellers list as confidence grows. Watch your favorite neighborhoods closely.
Talk to a real estate expert (hi, that’s me!) who knows the local market trends and can guide you through offer strategies and timing.

Thinking of Buying This Summer?

If you’re planning to purchase a home in Lynnwood, Bothell, Shoreline, or surrounding areas, now is a great time to explore your options. Let’s talk about what’s happening in your price range—and how today’s steady mortgage rates can work in your favor.

📲 Ready to get started? I’d be happy to connect you with trusted local lenders and help you find the right home before rates move again.

Buyers • General • July 9, 2025

HUD 184: A Powerful Home Loan Option for Native American Buyers

by Bill Jordan

As a real estate agent, I’m committed to helping every family find the resources that best support their homeownership journey. For Native American and Alaska Native communities, one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—options is the HUD 184 Home Loan Program.

What is the HUD 184 Loan?

The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is designed specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native families, tribes, and housing entities. It provides an affordable path to homeownership with benefits that are hard to match:

✅ Low 2.25% down payment
✅ No mortgage insurance
✅ Lenient credit requirements
✅ No income limits
✅ Can be used for 1–4 unit homes or refinancing
✅ Can be combined with down payment assistance for no money down

Who’s Eligible?

To qualify, you must be:

A member of a federally recognized tribe
A Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE)
An Indian Housing Authority (IHA)

Where Is It Available?

HUD 184 is available throughout Washington State and in many other areas nationwide. Not all counties may qualify, so check eligibility based on location.

Why It Matters

For many Native families, this program can be a game-changer—offering a path to stable housing and wealth-building opportunities with flexible terms. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to refinance, HUD 184 deserves a serious look.

Let’s Talk

If you’re a member of a federally recognized tribe and are interested in learning more about HUD 184, I’d love to help guide you through the process. I work with loan officers who understand the ins and outs of this program and are here to support you every step of the way.

📞 Let’s connect today and get you one step closer to home!

Sellers • July 2, 2025

Why Your Home’s Asking Price Matters More Than Ever in Today’s Market

by Bill Jordan

If you’re planning to sell your home in the South Snohomish or North King County area, pricing it right from the start has never been more important.

According to recent data, the number of price reductions in May 2025 has surged back to normal levels—almost identical to what we saw in 2018 and 2019. Roughly 1 in 5 sellers are dropping their price, which signals a clear trend: many homes are hitting the market overpriced.

Why Are So Many Sellers Overpricing Their Homes?

Let’s talk about what’s happening and why pricing right matters:

✅ Not Paying Attention to the Current Market
Inventory is up, which means buyers have more options. When a home is priced too high, buyers simply move on to the next one. In this competitive climate, homes that stand out for value are the ones getting the showings—and the offers.

✅ Pricing Based on What You Want to Make
It’s natural to think about what you “need” to walk away with, especially if you’re using that equity for your next home. But buyers aren’t thinking about your goals—they’re looking at comparable homes and current values. If your asking price doesn’t line up, they’ll scroll right past.

✅ Leaving Room for Negotiation
Some sellers price high, expecting to leave wiggle room. But today’s buyers are savvy. If a home feels overpriced, many won’t even bother making an offer. Instead of negotiating down, they’ll just keep looking.

What’s the Best Way to Avoid a Price Cut?

The key is partnering with a local real estate expert like myself who understands our market. When hiring me, I will help you price your home based on:

The value of comparable homes in your neighborhood
The condition and updates of your property
Current buyer demand and seasonal trends
What’s selling fast—and what’s sitting

When your home is priced right from day one, it grabs attention, drives traffic, and can even spark multiple offers. Overpricing, on the other hand, risks sitting too long and ultimately selling for less after a cut.

Bottom Line

In today’s shifting real estate market, the asking price isn’t just a number—it’s a strategy. If you’re thinking about selling in Lynnwood, Edmonds, Shoreline, or anywhere in between, I’d be happy to provide a custom pricing strategy that works for today’s buyers.