Affordability Strategies: House Hacking Tips to Help Overcome Monthly Payment Barriers

While we are seeing the market show signs of improvement and uptick in activity in Q4 2025, the biggest challenge we see in the real estate market is affordability. Prices in our area have remained stable after many years of appreciation, and interest rates, while improving, are hovering around 6.25%. This combination has monthly payments expensive, […]
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Do 50-Year Mortgages Really Help Buyer Affordability? Carefully consider your options and other house hacking tricks.

The recently announced proposal of implementing a 50-year mortgage product had tongues wagging last week. There were countless articles, posts and news stories that jumped on the story. There was lots of debate about whether this type of product would be a smart choice in the long term, even though it provides a lower monthly payment. It is not a mystery that […]
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Let’s Celebrate: Equity & Inventory

As we round out 2025, we wanted to share some aspects of the current real estate market worth celebrating: equity and inventory! Below, you will see a 10-year equity study for Snohomish and King Counties, based on Single-Family Residential and Condos, along with a current assessment of inventory levels and their effects on the climate […]
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QUARTERLY REPORTS Q3 2025

The market is showing encouraging signs of balance and stability, thanks to increased inventory after years of constriction. While the pace has softened, the market is not faltering; it’s simply resetting after rapid price growth. Even with more homes to choose from, the median sale price remains steady year-over-year, and homeowner equity levels are at […]
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Data Over Drama: Why This Market Is a Reset, Not a Recession

The numbers tell us we’re steady, not sinking. Let’s replace uncertainty with perspective and see how stability sets the stage for opportunity and long-term success. After years of rapid appreciation, the market is simply taking a breath. Prices are holding steady, inventory is at its healthiest level in over a decade, and interest rates are […]
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Interest Rates Ease: Why Now is a Smart Time to Buy

Two unique opportunities have lined up for buyers: Lower Interest Rates – With rates down almost three-quarters of a point, a $500,000 mortgage costs $232 less per month than it would have just a short time ago. That’s nearly $84,000 saved over 30 years. More Homes to Choose From – We’re seeing the highest inventory in […]
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