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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Fear of a recession can feel paralyzing—should it stop you from buying or selling a home? Let’s break down what history and experts really tell us.
📊 What the Data Shows
A June 2025 survey by John Burns Research and Consulting and Keeping Current Matters found that 68% of prospective buyers or sellers are delaying their plans due to economic uncertainty
This hesitation often stems from two assumptions:
Mortgage rates will drop during a recession.
Home prices will follow suit.
The first is often true—rates tend to fall in slowdowns as the Fed eases. But don’t count on falling home prices. According to data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), home prices actually rose in four of the last six U.S. recessions. And there’s some truth to the idea that a recession could bring about lower mortgage rates. History shows mortgage rates usually drop during economic slowdowns. That’s not guaranteed – but it is a common pattern. Looking at data from the last six recessions, you can see mortgage rates fell each time (see graph below):
While buyers often equate recession with discount real estate, it’s the exception—not the rule—that prices fall sharply (as in 2008). Today’s shortage of homes keeps prices from tanking, even amid economic slowdowns.
🛡️ Why Homes Usually Hold Value
Inventory shortages: With more buyers than sellers, prices stay elevated.
Recession dynamics: Mortgage rates fall, but sellers are less pressured to offload, limiting price dips.
Historical precedents: Only one recent recession saw steep price drops—2008.
Robert Frick of Navy Federal captures it well:
“Hopes that an economic slowdown will depress housing prices are wishful thinking at this point…”
According to data from Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), home prices went up in four of the last six recessions (see graph below)
💡 Broader Financial Context
Current financial experts are urging caution:
Business Insider highlights that uncertain conditions (tariffs, inflation, policy shifts) mean “stay put” is often advice for big decisions—housing included.
MarketWatch recommends building a 6–12 month emergency fund, keeping housing costs below 28% of income, and recalibrating investments for your life stage.
Other reputable sources (Washington Post, Time) echo the same: reduce debt, boost savings, and avoid making major purchases without strong financial protection and purpose.
🏡 Bottom Line: Move Sooner—If It Makes Sense for You
Waiting for rates? Could pay off—but timing is unpredictable.
Waiting for prices? Risky: the housing stock is tight, and prices don’t typically drop sharply.
What really matters? Your personal situation: job security, emergency funds, housing needs, and long-term plans.
If you’re ready—financially and in life—it might make more sense to act now than wait for a recession that may not deliver what you hope.
✅ Tips for Moving with Confidence
Secure your financial foundation
Build or maintain an emergency fund (6–12 months horizon).
Avoid over-stretching on housing costs—try to keep mortgage or rent under ~28% of gross income.
Collaborate with a trusted agent
Focus on market realities, not speculation.
Look at local trends: Are inventory shortages easing? Are supply/demand levels stable?
Strategize mortgage moves
If rates do drop post-purchase, refinancing could be a smart move—but don’t wait in hopes of hitting a perfect low.
Lock in when you can; be ready to revisit rates later.
Think long-term
Buying and selling homes are milestone events—not market games.
Focus on your personal needs, not timing the market.
✳️ Final Word
Don’t let fear or wishful thinking postpone your next move. Healthy recession talk isn’t a clear signal to delay—it’s a reminder to ground your decisions in your financial reality. If your budget, job, and life story align, now may be the smarter time to act—even in the face of economic uncertainty.
If you’re a homeowner in the Seattle area housing market, you may be wondering if now is really the time to make a move—especially with mortgage rates higher than we’ve seen in recent years. But despite those rates, more and more sellers are making the move. Why?
Real estate decisions are about more than just rates. Sure, interest rates are part of the equation—but they’re not the only thing that motivates a homeowner to sell. As Keeping Current Matters points out:
“While mortgage rates are still elevated compared to where they were a couple of years ago, that isn’t stopping homeowners from selling their houses. Some just can’t put their plans on hold any longer.”
Whether it’s a new job, growing family, retirement, or lifestyle change, many local homeowners in areas like Lynnwood and Edmonds are deciding that the cost of waiting outweighs the cost of higher monthly payments.
Equity gives sellers flexibility. If you’ve owned your home for several years, chances are you’ve built up a healthy amount of equity. That equity can be a powerful tool—whether you’re downsizing, moving closer to family, or looking for more space.
In the Lynnwood real estate market and surrounding areas, we’ve seen strong price appreciation over the past few years. That means many homeowners are in a great position to use their equity toward their next down payment—reducing the impact of today’s higher rates.
More choices are coming to market. One major concern for sellers thinking about buying again is inventory. But the good news? We’re finally seeing more homes for sale in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and throughout the Seattle suburbs.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to list, this might be it. Increased inventory means more options on the buying side and more interest from buyers who have been starved for selection.
Bottom Line If personal or financial goals are prompting you to consider a move, don’t let today’s rates hold you back. As a trusted local expert, I can help you run the numbers, assess your equity, and decide if now’s the time to list your home—or find the next one.
📍Thinking of buying or selling in Lynnwood, Edmonds, or the Seattle metro area? Let’s connect. I’m here to help you make a smart move.
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