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Seller Concessions Explained: What Home Buyers and Sellers Should Know
Buying a home? You could save thousands. Selling? The right incentive could help close the deal. Seller concessions can be a win-win when negotiated strategically. From closing cost credits and repair allowances to mortgage rate buydowns, discover how concessions work and when to use them. Explore recent Redfin data, real-world examples, and practical tips to help buyers and sellers negotiate smarter in Snohomish, Skagit, and King counties and the greater Seattle area.
Oct 2212 min read


New Snohomish County Septic Inspection Rule: What Home Sellers Need to Know Before November 1, 2026
Beginning November 1, 2026, Snohomish County property sellers with septic systems must complete new inspection, record, and reporting requirements before closing. Learn what is required, when to begin, what it may cost, and how to avoid delays.
Sep 713 min read


Snohomish County Housing Market Update for August 2026: Prices Rebound Monthly, but Inventory Is Up 47%
Snohomish County’s August 2026 housing market sent mixed signals: the average sales price rose 2.0% from July to $807,000 but remained 5.6% below last year. Resale inventory increased 47.2% year over year, giving buyers more choices and negotiating room. See what the latest prices, mortgage rates, economic trends, and local data may mean for Snohomish County home buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
Sep 511 min read


Snohomish County Housing Market Update: June 2026 Inventory Hits a 10-Year High
Snohomish County housing market update for June 2026: inventory hit a 10-year high, average home prices softened, days on market increased, and buyers gained more options. See what this latest housing data and trends means for Snohomish County buyers, sellers, homeowners, mortgage affordability, and local home values over the next 3 to 6 months.
Jul 813 min read


There's a New Sheriff at the Fed - Here's What It Means for Your Mortgage
Mortgage rates are in flux as Kevin Warsh takes the reins at the Federal Reserve. With the Fed prioritizing inflation control - currently 4.2% - and ditching "forward guidance," the market faces new uncertainty. Whether you're buying or selling, the era of "higher for longer" rates means it's time to rethink your strategy. We break down what Warsh’s aggressive new approach means for your mortgage, your home search, and the volatile 2026 housing market.
Jun 225 min read


Snohomish County Housing Market Update – May 2026: More Choices, Resilient Prices & What Smart Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Right Now
Snohomish County's May 2026 housing market tells a compelling story: average home prices climbed 3.6% month-over-month to $855,000, while inventory surged 50% year-over-year — the highest level since July 2022. Homes are still selling in just 18 days at 99.2% of list price. With mortgage rates near 6.5% and global uncertainty keeping pressure on, buyers have more choices than they've had in years — and well-prepared sellers are still coming out on top.
Jun 1412 min read


Why Mortgage Rates Are Still So Stubborn — And What It Means for Buyers and Sellers
Mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, and many buyers and sellers are wondering why. The answer goes far beyond the Federal Reserve. In this article, we break down how the 10-year Treasury yield, inflation, global uncertainty, and mortgage spreads influence mortgage rates — and what it could mean for the housing market over the next 3 to 6 months. Learn what today’s market conditions may signal for buyers, sellers, and home values moving forward.
May 184 min read


How Comparing Mortgage Lenders (and rates & fees) Can Save Home Buyers Thousands
Shopping for a mortgage rate can save you tens of thousands of dollars — yet many buyers accept the first offer they receive. The good news? You can safely compare lenders without hurting your credit score when done within the credit “shopping window.” In this guide, we break down how to shop rates the smart way, explain hard vs. soft credit pulls in simple terms, compare banks, brokers, and online lenders, and share practical tips to help you secure the best loan for your ne
Feb 14 min read


The Mortgage Rate Lock-In Effect Is Finally Easing: What Realtor.com’s New Data Suggests for Buyers & Sellers in 2026
The Mortgage rate lock in effect, or “golden handcuffs” may be loosening. Realtor.com data suggests more listings ahead here’s what it means for WA buyers & sellers.
Jan 184 min read


Flood Plains, Flood Risk, and Buying a Home: What You Need to Know Before You Commit
Recent flooding across Washington State - especially in Snohomish and Skagit Counties - has underscored how important it is to understand flood risk before buying a home. Flood plains don’t automatically mean “don’t buy,” but they do require extra diligence. This guide explains flood zones, insurance requirements, key risks, and practical steps buyers and homeowners can take to better protect themselves, their investment, and their peace of mind.
Dec 28, 20256 min read


When Listing Photos Don’t Match Reality: A Homebuyer’s Guide to AI-Edited Listings
AI-enhanced listing photos can mislead buyers. Learn how to spot red flags & protect yourself before touring or buying a home sight unseen.
Dec 22, 20254 min read


Before You Buy: Check for Future Development Near Your Dream Home
Before buying a home that backs to open land, it’s important to know what could change nearby. That peaceful field or wooded view may one day become a housing development or commercial site. Learn how to research zoning, permits, and comprehensive plan maps to uncover potential future projects - and how working with a local real estate expert can help you make an informed, confident decision before you buy.
Oct 4, 20254 min read


September 2025 - Snohomish County Housing Market Update
Snohomish County’s housing market cooled in August 2025 but stayed steady. Average home prices rose to $854K, though still off May’s peak. Fewer listings and slightly lower inventory signal late-summer slowdown, while days on market climbed to 26 and sale-to-list ratios eased to 97.6%. Buyers now have more time and leverage; sellers succeed by pricing to today’s market, presenting homes well, and offering credits that ease buyer payments.
Sep 8, 20254 min read


Zillow’s New “Blacklist” Policy: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Zillow now hides listings not posted to the MLS within 1 day of public marketing. Here’s what that means for buyers & sellers in 2025.
Jun 30, 20254 min read


Are We in a Buyer’s Market? What Redfin’s Forecast Means for Snohomish and Skagit Counties
Redfin forecasts a 1% price drop, but WA markets vary. Some soften, others stay strong. Local trends matter more than national ones.
Jun 10, 20253 min read


Before You Buy: Why Peak Traffic Should Be on Your Home Buying Checklist
Heavy traffic near homes can impact daily life with noise, stress, and long commutes. Consider this when choosing your dream neighborhood!
Dec 20, 20245 min read


Why 2025 Could Be the Year for Your Next Move: Zillow’s Housing Predictions Explained
Zillow predicts a more balanced 2025 housing market with falling mortgage rates, more inventory, & stable home prices. Here’s what to expect
Dec 7, 20244 min read


Why Families Are Choosing Snohomish County: A Smart Move from Seattle and the Eastside
Escape Seattle and Bellevue’s high costs! Discover why Snohomish County offers bigger homes, larger lots, and a better lifestyle for less.
Dec 5, 20244 min read


Creative Home Financing: Top 7 Options to Make Homeownership Possible
Discover 7 popular creative home financing options, from seller financing to IRAs, and how they can make homeownership possible for you!
Dec 5, 20245 min read


Silver Squatters: A Growing Trend in Creative Senior Living
Learn how ‘silver squatters’—seniors sharing homes or moving in with family—are reshaping senior living. Tips for families to make it work!
Nov 20, 20243 min read
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