Buyers and Sellers September 2, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. Stand Out in a Crowded Market
    In a competitive environment, even a small concession can tip the scales in your favor.

  2. Add Value Without Slashing the Price
    Concessions can offer meaningful value to a buyer without taking a huge hit to your bottom line.

  3. 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.

Buyers and Sellers August 11, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

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.

BuyersGeneral August 6, 2025

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

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.

BuyersGeneralSellers August 4, 2025

📊 Weekly Market Snapshot – South Snohomish & North King County

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.