For the past few years, the housing market has felt anything but normal. We went from ultra-low mortgage rates, intense competition, and homes selling in a weekend to a market shaped by much higher rates and a lot more hesitation from both buyers and sellers. It was not a gradual adjustment. It felt more like the market snapped from one extreme to the other. What we are seeing now is something much healthier: a market that feels functional again. Mortgage rates in the low to

Possibly. A recent study found that neighborhoods where a Trader Joe’s opened saw home prices outperform the national average by 5.6% over the following three years . That was one of the strongest results in the study, just behind Sprouts at 6.4% . On the other end, neighborhoods with a new Walmart underperformed the national average by 3.8% . Target, Dollar General, and Aldi were also on the negative side, while Costco was nearly flat. The point is not that a grocery store a

If you are searching for a home for sale in Kenmore, WA , this exceptional new listing offers the space, updates, privacy, and long-term value that many buyers are hoping to find in today’s market. Located at 15919 NE 84th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 , this beautifully updated property is tucked away at the top of a quiet private cul-de-sac on a generous lot with peaceful territorial and sunset views to the northwest. Priced at $1,199,950 , this Kenmore home for sale  combines

Across both King and Snohomish Counties, the February numbers show more listings coming on, more buyers engaging, and more overall movement than we saw in January. Inventory is building, which is giving buyers more choices, but demand is still active enough that well-prepared and well-priced homes are getting attention. The bigger picture is this: the market feels more balanced than it did during the tightest stretches of the past few years, but it is not standing still. In m

As we move into spring here in the Pacific Northwest, many of us start noticing what winter left behind. Decks can look tired, fence boards may have loosened up, and all that exposed wood around the house starts showing the effects of months of rain, damp weather, and limited sun. This really is the time of year when we should be thinking about revitalizing our deck, freshening up fencing, or at least taking a closer look at the condition of the wood outside our home.   There

Last year, my client Doug was searching for a piece of land where he could build a family home. We arrived at a new vacant land listing in Woodinville and started walking the property. Pretty quickly, we had a few questions about the lot boundary, so I called the listing agent. His response caught me off guard. He said, “I’m so sorry, but the lot is not for sale, and we’re removing the for-sale sign.”  He had just discovered that someone had fraudulently claimed to be the own

If you’re searching for a home that blends classic character, thoughtful updates, and a highly convenient North Seattle location, this new listing in Pinehurst deserves a closer look. Located at 12629 10th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 , this beautifully updated 4-bedroom mid-century home  offers the kind of flexibility and livability that today’s buyers are looking for. Set on a desirable corner lot  and offered at $949,950 , the home combines timeless design with practical upgr

The insights below are based on the National Association of Realtors® “2025 Profile of Home Buyers.” If you haven’t been shopping for a home lately, the “typical buyer” might surprise you. Buyers today tend to be older, more equity-rich, and more selective—and that shows up in what they’re willing to pay a premium for (and what they’ll discount quickly). The buyer pool is tilted toward repeat buyers First-time buyers are a smaller slice of the market right now, which means ma

We’ve all had that sinking moment when a familiar hum goes quiet: the fridge stops cooling, the washer won’t spin, or the oven taps out right before dinner. When an appliance quits, the question comes fast: Do we repair it… or replace it? As per Angie's List, the best answer usually comes down to four things: age, repair cost, performance, and whether the fix buys you meaningful extra life. With a little strategy, you can avoid overspending and keep your home running smoothly

Three quick takeaways from January real estate sales: Buyers have more options than last year—especially in condos and in Snohomish single-family. Homes are taking longer to sell, so pricing & presentation matter more than they did in the tightest months. Single-family is still healthier than condos overall, but it’s no longer a “set it and forget it” market. January is when the market shakes off the holiday slow-down and stretches a little. More homes hit the market (new lis

If “walk everywhere, commute easily, and be close to the action” is your vibe, this is the kind of home that makes Seattle feel effortless. Welcome to 321 10th Ave S Unit #705, Seattle, WA 98104 (MLS#: 2467213) —a top-floor 1BR + den/office  at Pacific Center , perched above it all with sweeping city and stadium views  and the kind of location that’s hard to replicate. A Top-Floor Home That Feels Bright, Open, and Easy This home is all about livability. With south-facing wind

Welcome to your January 2026 real estate market update for Shoreline, Washington! In this video, local real estate agent Chris Byler reviews the final sales figures from December to show you exactly what is happening in the local housing market right now. Key Market Highlights for Shoreline: • Median Sales Price: $900,000 — This is a significant jump from $760,000 in November. • Inventory Trends: The absorption rate is currently 1.3 months, meaning it would take just under

Are you curious about how the Kenmore, Washington real estate market is performing as we enter 2026? In this video, I break down the latest sales figures from December to give you a clear picture of where the market stands right now. We are seeing some interesting shifts in the data, including a change in the median sales price to $913,000—a notable difference compared to the previous month. I also dive into what that price point actually buys you in Kenmore today, looking at

What is happening in the Snohomish County real estate market? In this January 2026 market update, Chris Byler breaks down the latest residential sales figures for Snohomish County, WA. Watch to find out how home prices, inventory levels, and buyer activity have shifted following the holiday season. Key Market Stats Covered in This Video: • Median Sales Price: $749,000 (Comparing December numbers to November). • Buying Power Example: A look at what $750,000 buys you today (f

Securing a low mortgage interest rate helps make your monthly payment more affordable and saves money over the life of your loan. Besides using a large down payment, here are the three things to do to secure a low mortgage interest rate:  Compare multiple lenders and meet with your top three. Review the application process and your credit report to start working on any issues you may have. The higher your credit score, the better prospect for a lender you will become. Lenders

Welcome to the January 2026 real estate market update for King County, WA! In this video, local real estate agent Chris Byler breaks down the latest housing data from December to help you navigate the current market. We represent a market that has definitely slowed down with noticeable seasonal effects. Watch to learn what the current median sales price of $910,000 looks like in terms of actual inventory—featuring a specific example of a home sold in Renton—and why buyers mig

The December Story (King + Snohomish) Single-Family Homes: The “Limited Edition” aisle King County:  The median sold price settled at $910,000  (a smidge softer than November, but higher than last December ). Inventory tightened to about 1.7 months , and homes took around 45 days  to sell—very normal for a cozy end-of-year market. King County residential Snohomish County:  Median sold price was about $749,000  (basically flat month-to-month, down year-over-year ). Inventory

Whether it’s a leaky skylight, a bathroom refresh, or finally tackling that deck, the best projects usually come down to one thing: managing the process, not just the work. Here’s a simple framework that keeps timelines tighter, costs clearer, and relationships intact. 1) Start with scope (before you talk price) Write a “one-page brief”: What you want done (and what you don’t) Materials you care about (tile, fixtures, paint brand, etc.) Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves Target sta

Quick “napkin math” using King County’s median sales price ($910,000): If a buyer puts 20% down, the loan amount is about $728,000. On a 30-year fixed, a rate that’s 1.0% lower can reduce the principal + interest payment by roughly $475–$500 per month. Example: If last year was 7.0% and today is 6.0% $728,000 loan → about $479/month less (principal + interest) Rule of thumb (easy shortcut): On a 30-year loan, a 1% rate change is about $66/month per $100,000 borrowed. (Princip

Most people are familiar with a “last will and testament,” even if they don’t know all the legal benefits and drawbacks. There are other options for estate planning, though, including a “living trust,” and it’s important to know the key differences so you can decide which is right for you. Wills Take effect only after your death. Let you name guardians for minor children. Serve as a back-up for anything not titled in your trust (often via a pour-over will). Don't help during