Community • June 12, 2026

Community Spotlight: Sultan

by Bill Jordan

This week we’re heading east to Sultan, a Skykomish Valley community that has been getting more attention lately, and for good reason.

Lifestyle

Sultan has that small-town foothills feel that is getting harder to find in Snohomish County. You have rivers, mountain views, local shops, parks, and easy access to outdoor recreation without being completely disconnected from Monroe, Everett, or the broader Eastside commute patterns.

It is a great fit for people who want a little more breathing room, a quieter pace, and quick access to hiking, fishing, rafting, skiing, and weekend drives into the Cascades.

The Market

Year to date, residential home prices in Sultan are averaging just over $600,000, with the median hovering around $585,000.

That price point is a big part of why Sultan keeps coming up in conversations with buyers. Compared to many parts of South Snohomish County and North King County, Sultan can offer more house, more yard, and more scenery for the money.

Why People Choose Sultan

Sultan works well for buyers who want a smaller community feel but still need access to Highway 2, Monroe, Everett, or the Eastside. You will find a mix of older homes, newer construction, subdivisions, and properties with more land as you move farther out.

It is not the right fit for everyone, especially if commute time is the top priority, but for buyers who value lifestyle, space, and affordability, Sultan deserves a serious look.

Thinking About a Move?

If you are considering a move farther east, Sultan may be one of the more interesting options in today’s market.

Buyers • June 10, 2026

Could Moving a Little Farther Out Be the Key to Affording Your Next Home?

by Bill Jordan

For many homebuyers in South Snohomish and North King Counties, the search for a home starts with a specific city in mind.

Maybe it is Edmonds for the waterfront charm and walkable downtown. Perhaps it is Shoreline for the schools and easy Seattle access. Or maybe it is Bothell, Kirkland, or another community that has always felt like the perfect fit.

But in today’s market, one of the most powerful strategies for buyers is surprisingly simple:

Expand your search area.

Not by hours. Not by counties. Sometimes by just 15 to 20 minutes.

That small adjustment can completely change what is available and what is affordable.

The Price Difference Can Be Eye Opening

Let’s look at median residential home prices year to date in some of our local communities:

City	Median Home Price
Edmonds	$1,000,000
Shoreline	$785,000
Lynnwood	$778,000
Lake Stevens	$700,000
Everett	$686,000
Marysville	$645,000
Arlington	$625,000

At first glance, these communities may not seem that far apart geographically. In many cases, they are separated by a relatively short drive.

However, the difference in home prices can be substantial.

A buyer focused solely on Edmonds could be looking at homes around the $1 million mark. Expanding the search to Lynnwood, Everett, Marysville, or Arlington could potentially reduce the purchase price by hundreds of thousands of dollars while still keeping them within reach of work, family, shopping, and recreation.

What Does That Difference Actually Buy?

The savings are not just numbers on paper.

A broader search area can mean:

An extra bedroom
A dedicated home office
A larger lot
A newer home
More garage space
A shorter list of repairs and updates
A lower monthly payment

For many buyers, these quality of life improvements have a bigger impact than a slightly longer commute.

Buyers Are Already More Flexible Than They Think

One thing I often see with clients is that they initially focus on a city name rather than the lifestyle they are trying to create.

For example, a buyer may tell me they want Edmonds. After some discussion, we discover what they really want is:

Good restaurants
Access to parks and trails
A reasonable commute
A neighborhood they feel comfortable in
Enough space for family, pets, or hobbies

Once we identify those priorities, additional communities often enter the conversation.

Suddenly Lynnwood, Everett, Lake Stevens, or Marysville become viable options that deliver many of the same lifestyle benefits at a different price point.

The Commute Equation Has Changed

The rise of hybrid work schedules has also changed how many buyers evaluate location.

When you are commuting five days per week, every minute matters.

When you are commuting two or three days per week, many buyers find they are willing to trade a slightly longer drive for significantly more home.

For some households, that trade-off creates opportunities they never considered when they first started searching.

The Goal Is Not Settling

Expanding your search area is not about settling for less.

It is about making sure you see all of your options before deciding what matters most.

Sometimes buyers discover they can stay in their preferred city and make the numbers work.

Other times they find a neighboring community that gives them more space, more comfort, and more financial flexibility than they expected.

Either outcome is a win.

Let’s Explore the Possibilities

If you are thinking about buying a home this year, it may be worth looking just a little beyond your original target area.

You might be surprised by what is available only a few miles down the road.

If you would like to compare neighborhoods, commute times, and pricing throughout South Snohomish and North King Counties, I’d be happy to help you explore the options and find the community that best fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Buyers and Sellers • June 8, 2026

Weekly Market Update: June 1st through June 7th

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 265 ↑ (262 last week)
Pending Sales: 225 ↑ (200 last week)
Sold Homes: 132 ↓ (178 last week)
Price Reductions: 211 ↑ (186 last week)

Weekly Trend Overview

The market continued to see a healthy flow of new inventory, with new listings increasing slightly from the previous week. Buyer activity also remained strong, as pending sales climbed to 225, a solid sign that buyers are still actively making offers despite interest rate challenges.

The biggest shift this week came from price reductions, which jumped to 211 homes. As inventory continues to build, sellers are facing more competition and some are adjusting pricing strategies to attract buyers.

Closed sales declined this week, though that is often more reflective of contracts written several weeks ago rather than current buyer demand. The increase in pending sales suggests future closing numbers could strengthen in the coming weeks.

What This Means for You

Buyers

You are seeing more choices hit the market and more sellers becoming flexible on pricing. If you’ve been waiting for better opportunities, the combination of increased inventory and higher price reductions may create favorable conditions.

Sellers

Homes that are priced correctly and presented well are still attracting buyers, but competition is increasing. With more inventory available, buyers have more options than they did earlier this spring. Strategic pricing and strong presentation remain critical to maximizing your results.

The South Snohomish and North King County market remains active, but we’re continuing to see signs of a market that is becoming more balanced between buyers and sellers.

Buyers and Sellers • Community • June 3, 2026

Pride of Home: Celebrating Pride Month and the Power of Belonging

by Bill Jordan

June is Pride Month, and while it is often celebrated with parades, festivals, and rainbow flags, I think it is also worth celebrating in a place that receives far less attention.

Home.

Because at its core, Pride is about being able to live authentically. It is about having the freedom to be yourself, to love who you love, and to build a life that reflects who you truly are.

And there is no place more personal than the home we create around ourselves.

As a real estate agent, I spend a lot of time talking about square footage, floor plans, neighborhoods, and market conditions. But those things are only part of the story.

What people are really searching for is a place where they can belong.

More Than Four Walls

When people begin looking for a home, they often start with a checklist.

Three bedrooms.

A bigger kitchen.

A shorter commute.

A backyard for the dog.

Those things matter, of course. But after years in real estate, I have learned that what people are really searching for goes much deeper.

They are looking for a place where they can exhale.

A place where they do not have to pretend to be someone else.

A place where they can build a life that feels authentically their own.

Home is where birthdays are celebrated, holidays are shared, and friendships are built. It is where we recover from hard days and dream about what comes next. It is where we surround ourselves with the people we love and the things that matter most.

That matters for everyone, but during Pride Month, it feels especially important to acknowledge the generations of LGBTQ+ individuals who have been denied that sense of belonging, whether in their communities, their workplaces, their families, or even in housing itself.

For many people, finding acceptance was not always guaranteed. In some cases, even finding housing without discrimination was/is a challenge. Pride Month gives us an opportunity to recognize both the progress worth celebrating and the work that still remains.

Why Belonging Matters

Pride Month is a reminder that belonging should never be something people have to earn.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome in their community.

Everyone deserves a place where they can be fully themselves.

As Real Estate Agents, we talk a lot about fair housing, equal opportunity, and access to homeownership. Those are not just industry buzzwords. They are reflections of a simple belief: where you live and who you are should never be at odds with one another.

Home should be a place of comfort, not compromise.

A place of acceptance, not judgment.

A place where your life can unfold exactly as it is.

Building Better Communities

The strongest neighborhoods are not defined by the homes within them. They are defined by the people.

They are places where neighbors look out for one another.

Places where diversity is viewed as a strength.

Places where people from different backgrounds, experiences, and identities contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping people from all walks of life find homes throughout South Snohomish County and North King County. Every client brings a unique story, and every story adds something valuable to the communities we share.

That is one of the things I love most about where we live.

Whether it’s Edmonds, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Mill Creek, or beyond, our communities are strongest when people feel welcome, connected, and valued.

The best neighborhoods are not built simply by new construction, rising home values, or great amenities. They are built by people who care about their neighbors and who help create a sense of belonging for everyone around them.

Pride of Home

At the end of the day, Pride Month is about more than a celebration.

It is about authenticity.

It is about dignity.

It is about the simple but powerful idea that every person deserves the freedom to live openly and honestly.

And when I think about what “home” should mean, those values feel pretty important there too.

A home should be a place of comfort, not compromise.

A place of acceptance, not judgment.

A place where your life can unfold exactly as it is.

Happy Pride Month.

Buyers and Sellers • June 1, 2026

Weekly Market Update: May 25th through May 31st

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 262 ⬆️ (197 last week)

Pending Sales: 200 ⬇️ (218 last week)

Sold Homes: 178 ⬆️ (166 last week)

Price Reductions: 186 ⬆️ (169 last week)

Weekly Trend Overview

Inventory took a noticeable jump this week, with new listings climbing from 197 to 262. That’s a significant increase in fresh opportunities for buyers heading into June.

Pending sales eased slightly from last week’s pace, but closed sales continued to move higher, suggesting many buyers who secured homes earlier in the spring are now reaching the closing table.

Price reductions also increased, which is a sign that some sellers are still adjusting expectations to match current buyer activity and competition levels.

What This Means for You

Buyers

More inventory is giving buyers additional choices and reducing some of the pressure we’ve seen in recent months. While well priced homes continue to attract attention, the increase in price reductions creates opportunities for buyers willing to be patient and selective.

Sellers

The market remains active, but buyers have more options than they did just a few weeks ago. Proper pricing, strong presentation, and strategic marketing are becoming increasingly important as inventory grows. Homes that are positioned correctly are still selling, while overpriced listings are more likely to see price adjustments.

As we move into June, it will be interesting to see whether the surge in new listings continues and whether buyer activity keeps pace with the growing selection of homes available across South Snohomish County and North King County.

Buyers and Sellers • Community • May 26, 2026

Community Spotlight: Fall City, WA

by Bill Jordan

Fall City is one of those places that still feels like a true small town, even though it sits within reach of Bellevue, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and the greater Eastside. Tucked near the Snoqualmie and Raging Rivers, Fall City offers a quieter lifestyle with open space, wooded lots, river access, and a strong connection to the outdoors.

Lifestyle

Fall City has a rural, relaxed feel with walkable streets, local restaurants, antique shops, coffee spots, and access to nearby recreation. It is close to Snoqualmie Falls, Tiger Mountain, local trails, golf, and I-90, making it appealing for buyers who want privacy and nature without feeling completely disconnected.

For many people, the draw is simple: more space, more trees, and a slower pace.

The Market

Fall City’s housing market is heavily influenced by lot size, privacy, and acreage.

Homes on over an acre are selling close to $1,725,000 on average, reflecting the premium buyers are willing to pay for space, privacy, and that classic East King County acreage lifestyle.

Homes in more traditional subdivision settings, especially those on a half acre or less, are hovering around $955,000. That is still a premium price point, but it shows how much value buyers place on land in this part of the market.

In short, Fall City is not a one size fits all market. A home on acreage can live in a very different price category than a neighborhood home just a few minutes away.

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you are looking for acreage, privacy, a small town feel, or a more traditional neighborhood setting, Fall City offers a unique mix of lifestyle and value within the East King County market.

Thinking about buying or selling in Fall City or anywhere across the Eastside, South Snohomish County, or North King County? I would be happy to help you understand the numbers and what they mean for your next move.

Buyers • May 26, 2026

What Many Veterans in Washington Don’t Realize About Their VA Home Loan Benefit

by Bill Jordan

For many Veterans across South Snohomish County and North King County, the idea of buying a home can feel overwhelming right now. Between rising home prices over the past several years and conversations about mortgage rates, some buyers assume homeownership is simply out of reach.

What surprises many Veterans is that one of the strongest home financing tools available today has been there all along: the VA home loan benefit.

And in our local market, where affordability can often feel like the biggest challenge, this program can make a massive difference.

The VA Loan Is More Powerful Than Most Buyers Realize

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that VA loans are difficult to use or somehow weaker than conventional financing. In reality, VA loans are designed specifically to help Veterans achieve homeownership with flexible and competitive financing options.

Some of the biggest advantages can include:

• No down payment requirement in many cases
• Competitive interest rates
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Flexible credit guidelines
• Limits on certain closing costs

For many first time buyers in areas like Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, Shoreline, and Mountlake Terrace, eliminating the need for a large down payment can completely change the conversation.

Instead of spending years trying to save tens of thousands of dollars, some buyers may already qualify much sooner than they think.

VA Loans Can Work Extremely Well in the Pacific Northwest

There is a lingering myth that VA loans are difficult to get accepted in competitive markets like ours. While that may have been more common years ago, today many listing agents and sellers regularly work with VA financed buyers throughout the Seattle metro area.

In fact, I have assisted in many successful VA financed purchases across both Snohomish and King County, representing both buyers and sellers.

The key is preparation.

Strong lender communication, proper expectations, and a clean offer strategy matter far more than simply the loan type itself. When buyers are properly prepared, VA financing can absolutely compete in today’s market.

Veterans Often Don’t Realize They Can Use the Benefit More Than Once

Another common misconception is that using a VA loan once means the benefit disappears forever.

That is not true.

Many Veterans can restore and reuse their VA eligibility again in the future after selling a home and paying off the previous VA loan. Some may even have remaining entitlement available while still owning another property.

This creates opportunities for:

• Moving up into a larger home
• Relocating for work
• Downsizing later in life
• Purchasing again after years of renting

I regularly meet homeowners who used their VA benefit years ago and had no idea they may still qualify today.

The Biggest Mistake Is Assuming You Don’t Qualify

Many Veterans count themselves out before ever speaking with a lender or real estate professional.

I have seen buyers assume:

• Their credit is not strong enough
• They need a huge down payment
• Their income is too limited
• They waited too long after military service
• The process will be too complicated

Sometimes those assumptions are incorrect.

Even if buying right now is not the perfect timing, understanding your options can help you build a game plan for the future.

The Pacific Northwest Continues To Be a Long Term Ownership Market

While headlines constantly focus on short term market shifts, the long term reality across many parts of Western Washington remains consistent: housing supply is still limited, and demand continues to be strong in desirable communities.

Areas throughout South Snohomish County and North King County continue to attract buyers because of:

• Access to Seattle and Bellevue employment centers
• Light rail expansion
• Outdoor lifestyle and recreation
• Strong local economies
• Desirable neighborhoods and schools

For many Veterans and military families, homeownership here can become both a lifestyle decision and a long term financial investment.

Final Thoughts

If you are a Veteran and have questions about your VA home loan benefit, it may be worth revisiting what is actually possible in today’s market.

You may qualify for more than you realize.

And if you have friends or family members who served, there is a good chance they may not fully understand their options either.

Whether you are thinking about buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or simply exploring possibilities, understanding how your VA benefit works is one of the smartest first steps you can take.

If you would like to talk through the market in South Snohomish County or North King County, or connect with trusted VA lenders who understand today’s market, I’m always happy to help.

Buyers and Sellers • May 25, 2026

South Snohomish & North King County Housing Market Update: May18th – May 24th

by Bill Jordan

This Week’s Stats

New Listings: 197 ↓ (last week: 278)

Pending Sales: 218 ↓ (last week: 222)

Closed Sales: 166 ↑ (last week: 144)

Price Reductions: 169 ↓ (last week: 185)

Weekly Trend Overview

The local real estate market experienced a classic pre holiday stabilization this past week as we headed into the Memorial Day weekend cycle. After a massive surge of new inventory mid month, new listings pulled back significantly to 197. Despite fewer new homes hitting the market, buyer demand remained incredibly resilient, with 218 properties moving into pending status across South Snohomish and North King County.

The fact that pending sales outpaced new listings this week shows that the pool of active buyers in areas like Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline remains highly motivated. We also saw closed sales climb to a seasonal high of 166, confirming that the high volume pipeline of contracts signed in April is consistently crossing the finish line.

Another encouraging sign is the drop in price reductions to 169. Following the inventory spike of the previous weeks, the market is beginning to absorb the available homes more efficiently. This data suggests that sellers who adjusted their expectations or entered the market with a more conservative initial price point are successfully capturing the attention of today’s value conscious buyers.

What This Means for You

Buyers

The drop in new listings back below the 200 mark means that the sudden surge of choices from last week was brief. Competition for fresh properties remains tight, as demonstrated by the strong pending numbers. However, with 166 closed sales and 169 price reductions still in play, there are solid opportunities to find motivated sellers on homes that have been on the market for more than a few weeks.

Sellers

Buyer demand is robust and absorbing properties at a very healthy clip. Since new listings dropped this week, your home will face slightly less fresh competition if you get it on the market immediately. The lower number of price reductions indicates that realistic pricing is working, so leaning into a competitive initial list price remains your best strategy to secure a clean contract quickly.

If you want to know how these latest numbers look for your specific neighborhood or if you are ready to plan your next real estate move, I am always here to give you a clear, honest look at the market.

Community • May 21, 2026

Community Spotlight: Duvall, WA

by Bill Jordan

Duvall has a rare mix of small town charm, scenic Snoqualmie Valley setting, and access to major Eastside job centers. Located in King County along the Snoqualmie River, it still feels distinct from the larger suburbs around it, with a walkable downtown, local restaurants, community events, and quick access to outdoor recreation.

Lifestyle

Duvall is known for its historic downtown, farm roots, and strong community feel. Local favorites include McCormick Park, Snoqualmie River access, the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Duvall Days, the Sandblast Festival, and a downtown business district filled with local restaurants and shops.

It is also a popular option for buyers who want more space without being too far from Redmond, Woodinville, Kirkland, or Bellevue.

The Market

Over the last 12 months, the average home price in Duvall is just over $1,015,000.

For homes on 3 acres or more, the average price is just over $1.3 million, showing how much buyers value acreage, privacy, and that classic Snoqualmie Valley lifestyle.

Townhomes in Duvall average just under $800,000, giving buyers another option to enjoy the community while often benefiting from newer construction and lower maintenance living.

Townhomes continue to offer a more accessible entry point into the area, while larger custom homes and estate properties continue seeing strong demand from buyers wanting space and privacy close to the Eastside.

Why Buyers Like Duvall

Duvall appeals to buyers who want:

A quieter setting with more room to breathe
Access to trails, parks, and the river
A community with local events and personality
Larger lots and acreage opportunities
Eastside access without living directly in the city

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you are looking for a home in town, a newer neighborhood, or acreage in the Duvall area, this is a market where local guidance matters.

Buyers • Community • May 20, 2026

Vacation Home vs. Short Term Rental: Is Owning Really Worth It in the Pacific Northwest?

by Bill Jordan

For years, owning a vacation home sounded like the ultimate dream. A cozy cabin in the mountains, a waterfront getaway near the San Juan Islands, or a modern retreat along the Washington coast. Somewhere you could escape to on weekends while also building wealth through real estate appreciation.

But in today’s market, many buyers are asking a very practical question:

Is owning a second home actually worth it anymore?

With rising home prices, higher insurance costs, fluctuating short term rental regulations, and changing travel habits, the answer is not always as simple as it used to be. Here in the Pacific Northwest, where destinations like Leavenworth, Cle Elum, Whidbey Island, and Seabrook remain incredibly popular, the decision deserves a closer look.

The Emotional Appeal Is Still Strong

There is something special about having “your place.”

Unlike a hotel or Airbnb, a second home becomes part of your family traditions. You know the coffee shop down the street. You know which trails are best at sunset. You leave your favorite blanket there and start building memories over time.

In the Pacific Northwest especially, buyers love the idea of escaping the daily grind without needing a flight. A two to four hour drive can completely change the scenery, whether that means evergreen forests, mountain views, or crashing ocean waves.

That lifestyle value is hard to measure financially, but for many people, it is the biggest reason to buy.

The Financial Side Has Changed

A few years ago, short term rentals felt like easy money. Buy a vacation property, furnish it nicely, list it online, and watch the bookings roll in.

Now, it is more complicated.

Many buyers underestimate the true costs of ownership, including:

• Higher interest rates for second homes or investment properties
• Furnishing and setup costs
• Cleaning and maintenance fees
• Property management expenses
• Insurance increases
• Local short term rental restrictions and permits
• Seasonal vacancy periods

In some Pacific Northwest vacation markets, homes may only see peak rental demand during certain seasons. A mountain cabin may thrive in winter and summer but slow dramatically during shoulder seasons. Coastal homes can see the same pattern depending on weather and tourism trends.

That does not mean owning cannot make sense. It simply means buyers need to approach these properties more like a business decision than a guaranteed passive income machine.

Vacation Home vs. Pure Investment Property

This is where many buyers get tripped up.

If your primary goal is maximizing cash flow, a long term investment property may outperform a vacation rental with far less stress.

But if your goal is a hybrid of lifestyle and long term wealth building, the equation changes.

A second home can potentially offer:

• Personal enjoyment
• Appreciation over time
• Rental income to offset costs
• Future retirement flexibility
• A hedge against rising vacation costs

The key is being honest about your goals before buying.

If you only plan to use the property once or twice per year, renting may simply make more financial sense. But if your family will regularly use the property and create lasting memories there, the value becomes much larger than just the monthly spreadsheet.

The Pacific Northwest Advantage

One thing working in favor of Pacific Northwest vacation properties is long term desirability.

People continue moving to Washington because of the lifestyle. Outdoor recreation, mild summers, scenic beauty, and strong job markets continue driving demand across many regions.

Areas like:

• Leavenworth
• Cle Elum
• Seabrook
• Whidbey Island
• Hood Canal
• Chelan
• Bellingham

continue attracting both tourists and second home buyers looking for a getaway that still feels accessible from Seattle and surrounding areas.

That long term demand can help support property values even during slower economic periods.

So… Is It Worth It?

The honest answer is: it depends on why you are buying.

If you are expecting easy passive income with little work, today’s market may feel disappointing.

But if you are looking for a property that combines lifestyle, flexibility, family memories, and long term ownership potential, a vacation home can still be an incredible investment in both your finances and your quality of life.

The biggest mistake buyers make is purchasing based on emotion alone without fully understanding the numbers. The second biggest mistake is focusing only on numbers and forgetting the lifestyle benefits entirely.

The sweet spot is finding a property that can realistically support both.

If you have been considering a vacation property anywhere in Washington or the Pacific Northwest, I would be happy to help you evaluate the opportunities, expected costs, rental potential, and long term value before you make the leap.