Design • May 14, 2026

How to Eradicate Bamboo without Toxic Chemicals

by Don Koonce

When we bought our house 22 years ago, there were several clumps of black bamboo planted in various spots around the property. For 15 years, the clumps sat seemingly well-behaved. On year 16, some of them really took off running and I started to find it coming up far from the original clump.

It quickly grew past my fence into the alley, which potentially could be in the right of way, and I found myself knocking down new growth daily.

I tried to dig it up, but it was like trying to dig in cement. Finally, I contacted a bamboo removal company that quoted me $7,500 and said that I would have to remove my fence and replace it when they were done.

No, thank you!

I did some research and found the following method which has so far worked.

First, I want to mention that it is not chemical free, but it is poison free. The fertilizer and the heat from the sun will burn the bamboo rhizomes. If it can’t photosynthesize, it will die.

I don’t like using any chemicals on my property, but I feel that this fertilizer will just add nitrogen to the soil when it breaks down. The nitrogen will also help the clump of rhizomes decompose.

Good luck!

Cut down all bamboo as short as possible.
Soak the entire clump with water.
Cover clump with a thick layer of a high nitrogen chemical fertilizer.
Lightly sprinkle water on the fertilizer taking caution not to wash it away.
Cover with thick, clear plastic sheeting and weigh it down with rocks or bricks so that the wind will not catch it.
You shouldn’t get any sprouts if you apply the fertilizer heavily enough the first time, but if you do, just peel back the plastic sheeting, cut the new sprouts and add more fertilizer to the area where the sprouts grew.
If you see any sprouts outside of the main clump, you can either dig up the runner and cut it off, or just keep the sprouts cut down.
Leave the plastic on until you no longer see any sprouts. Depending on the amount of bamboo, this process can take up to three seasons.
Once you remove the plastic, you may need to wait a season or two for the nitrogen to dissipate.
I recommend testing the area with an expendable plant before planting a valuable one.

Now, on to the next clump!

Real Estate News & Information • May 12, 2026

Local Market Update – May 2026

by Don Koonce

Halfway through the spring season, and the story across our four markets is one of transition. Conditions look different than they did just 12 months ago: more homes are on the market, prices have pulled back from their peaks, and buyer-seller dynamics are quietly shifting. The opportunity is real on both sides, but geopolitical and economic uncertainty has potential buyers staying close to the sidelines, and affordability overall remains a compounding concern for many.

KING COUNTY

King County found a degree of balance in April, though fragile. The median residential sold price came in at $960K, down roughly 2% from March and 7% below where it was a year ago. On the supply side, active listings surged 37% year over year, but buyer demand didn’t keep pace. Pending sales edged down 2% and closed sales slipped 1%, suggesting buyers are taking more time and being more selective as their options expand. For the homes that did sell, 81% sold within 30 days and 32% closed above asking, signs that well-positioned homes are still moving quickly. King County’s condo market tells a similar story: the median price fell 7% year over year to $539K as active listings grew 19%.

SEATTLE

In April, Seattle remained one of the more competitive markets in the region, though the landscape is gradually shifting. The median sold price of a single-family home was $998,899 in April, down 3% from $1,025,000 a year ago. Despite the softening prices, 38% of homes still sold above asking, indicating that well-priced listings continued to attract strong interest. Active listings climbed 28% year over year, giving buyers considerably more options than they’ve had in recent years. That leverage is showing up in behavior: buyers are looking with more discerning eyes, and pending sales declined 3% year over year as a result. Though, closed sales held steady from April 2025, pointing to a market that is slower to start but still completing transactions. The condo market echoed these trends, with prices dipping 4% to $575K and active listings rising 10%.

EASTSIDE

The Eastside continued to navigate a meaningful market reset in April. Active listings soared 51% year over year, pushing inventory to nearly three months, the highest level of monthly supply the market has seen in over a decade. Buyers now have real choice, and they are using it. Last month, 44% of homes sold at or above list price, a striking contrast to 73% just one year ago. Much like Seattle’s market, that shift in leverage reflects a buyer pool that is much more deliberate in decision-making. As such, closed sales fell 13% year over year in April and pending sales dropped 2%. The median residential sold price settled at $1,612,000, down 5% from a year ago. The condo market followed suit, with the median sold price dropping 7% to $700K while active listings grew 28%. For sellers across the Eastside, pricing and presentation have never mattered more.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

In Snohomish County, the year-over-year median sold price of a single-family home was essentially flat in April, sitting at $799,992. But stability at the price level is masking significant movement underneath. Active listings surged 56% year over year, flooding the market with options at a pace buyers have not absorbed. Closed sales fell 15% year over year, and while 31% of homes still closed above asking, 26% required a price reduction before selling. This combination is another signal that proper positioning is key in today’s market. For condos, the median price declined 5% year over year to $490K, while inventory jumped 65%, the sharpest supply increase for our four regions in April.

The window of opportunity is open for those ready to act. Buyers who have been waiting for more choices and better positioning now have both. Sellers who approach this moment with the right pricing and preparation are still winning. Whether the current momentum continues through peak season will likely depend on how consumer confidence and interest rates influence buyer engagement. In a market shaped by high inventory and affordability concerns, a Windermere advisor can provide the industry insights and local expertise you need to make confident real estate decisions.

Spring Cleaning Checklist for a Cleaner, Healthier Home

by Don Koonce

Many of us spend a significant amount of time at home, and as spring arrives with longer days and fresh air, it’s often the moment when small things start to stand out. A little dust here, some clutter there—it all adds up. Spring cleaning is an opportunity to reset your space in a way that supports both your home and your overall well-being.

Whether you’re preparing to list your home, settling into a new one, or simply refreshing your space, a thoughtful approach to cleaning can make a noticeable difference. Here are some tips to guide you through your spring cleaning this year.

First clean, then disinfect

General cleaning removes dirt and buildup, while disinfecting targets bacteria and germs. Both play an important role in maintaining a healthy home, especially in high-use areas.

Focus on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, light switches, and faucets. Devices like phones, laptops, and tablets should also be included, as they’re among the most frequently handled items in your home.

When possible, opt for cleaners with plant or mineral-based ingredients. Many homeowners today are choosing low-toxicity options that are effective without introducing harsh chemicals into their living space.

Work top to bottom

Working from ceiling to floor helps prevent re-cleaning the same areas and keeps dust moving in one direction.

Ceiling and upper surfaces
- Spring is peak allergy season, so dusting is especially important. Pay attention to ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, and corners where cobwebs collect. Curtains, blinds, and even the tops of cabinets often go overlooked but can hold a surprising amount of dust.
Walls and windows
- A quick wipe-down of walls—especially in kitchens and high-traffic areas—can instantly freshen a space. Clean windows inside and out to maximize natural light. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your home feel brighter and more open.
Floors
- Different flooring materials require different care. Vacuum or sweep first, then follow with the appropriate method, whether that’s mopping sealed wood floors or dry mopping laminate and vinyl. Taking the extra step to use the right technique will help preserve your flooring over time.

Don’t forget your appliances

Appliances are some of the hardest-working features in your home, but they’re often overlooked during routine cleaning.

Refrigerator and freezer
- Toss expired items, wipe down shelves, and vacuum coils if accessible
Dishwasher
- Run an empty cycle with a cleaning solution to remove buildup and odors
Oven and microwave
- Deep clean interiors to eliminate grease and food residue
Washer and dryer
- Clean the washing machine drum and thoroughly clear the dryer vent and lint trap.

Keeping appliances clean not only improves performance but can also extend their lifespan.

Declutter with intention

Decluttering can feel overwhelming but breaking it into smaller steps makes it more manageable. Approach your home room by room and set realistic goals for each space. As you go, sort items into clear categories like keep, donate, and store, which helps streamline decision-making and keeps things moving. Group donation items together so they can be dropped off in one trip, rather than lingering in your space. For anything you plan to store, consider accessibility: items you use more frequently, like tools or seasonal essentials, should be easy to reach.

If you’re preparing to sell, decluttering is one of the most impactful steps you can take. A clean, open space allows buyers to envision themselves in the home better.

A fresh start for pet owners

If you have pets, spring cleaning comes with a few extra considerations, but the effort goes a long way in keeping both your home and your pet happy and healthy.

Start by washing pet bedding, blankets, and soft toys to remove built-up hair and odors. Take time to vacuum furniture and hard-to-reach areas where pet hair tends to collect, and wipe down baseboards, doors, and walls at pet height, where marks can easily go unnoticed. It’s also a good opportunity to deep clean litter boxes, crates, and feeding areas to keep everything as fresh and sanitary as possible.

Regular cleaning like this helps reduce allergens, odors, and everyday wear, keeping your home feeling clean and comfortable for both you and your guests.

Go for multipurpose solutions

Minimalism and multifunctional design continue to shape how people live in their homes, and even small adjustments can make your space feel more efficient and easier to maintain. Look for ways to incorporate furniture and layouts that serve more than one purpose, whether it’s a storage bed or ottoman that helps reduce clutter, a flexible dining area that can double as a workspace, or built-in shelving that maximizes both form and function.

A well-organized home is easier to clean, easier to live in, and often more appealing to future buyers.

Make it a habit, not a one-time task

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to happen all at once. Spacing tasks over a few days or even a few weeks can make the process more manageable and sustainable. And once you’ve done the deep clean, maintaining it becomes much easier.

Design • May 5, 2026

Northwest Contemporary Architecture: A Guide to Pacific Northwest Style

by Don Koonce

In the Pacific Northwest, architecture is as much about the environment as it is about the home itself. With long stretches of gray skies, evergreen landscapes, and a strong connection to the outdoors, homes in the region are designed to feel both grounded and expansive.

Northwest Contemporary architecture, sometimes called Pacific Northwest style or Northwest Modern, reflects that balance. It’s a design approach shaped by climate, landscape, and a lifestyle that values comfort, simplicity, and a seamless connection to nature. Influenced heavily by the region’s natural surroundings, this style prioritizes livability, light, and a design that feels in tune with its environment.

Designed for the Pacific Northwest way of living

The Pacific Northwest is known for its natural beauty, but much of the area is also known for its long, rainy seasons. Because of this, homes are designed to enhance the experience of being indoors without losing that connection to the outside, while also being well-suited to handle the region’s climate, including frequent rain and moisture.

Northwest Contemporary homes often feel open and airy, with open floor plans that let light flow freely throughout the space. Large windows are a defining feature, bringing in natural light even on overcast days and framing views of trees, water, and surrounding landscapes. Rather than separating indoors from outdoors, these homes are designed to blur the line between the two. This approach creates spaces that feel calm, comfortable, and connected to their surroundings year-round.

A focus on natural materials and simplicity

At the core of Northwest Contemporary design is a commitment to natural materials and understated finishes. Wood, stone, and glass are used not just for aesthetics, but to reflect the textures and tones of the surrounding environment.

You’ll often see an emphasis on regionally sourced materials alongside wood beams, stone fireplaces, and clean-lined cabinetry that highlight craftsmanship without feeling overly ornate. The overall look leans minimalist, but not cold. Instead, it feels warm, intentional, and grounded.

There is also a growing focus on sustainability within this style, with many homes incorporating energy-efficient design, durable materials, and thoughtful siting to work with the landscape rather than against it.

This simplicity allows the home itself to complement the landscape rather than compete with it, resulting in a timeless aesthetic that doesn’t rely on trends.

Influences that shape the style

Northwest Contemporary architecture is influenced by a mix of design movements, most notably modern architecture and the international design principles popularized by architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. His emphasis on harmony between structure and environment is clearly reflected in homes throughout the region.

There are also strong ties to Japanese design, particularly in the use of clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on balance and tranquility. In many homes, you’ll also find elements inspired by Indigenous art and culture, adding depth and regional identity to the overall design. Together, these influences create a style that feels both modern and deeply rooted in place.

A style that continues to evolve

Like the region itself, Northwest Contemporary architecture is not defined by strict rules. It continues to evolve with new materials, technologies, and interpretations of modern living.

Some homes lean more modern, with sharper lines and more minimalist finishes, while others incorporate elements of related styles, such as Pacific Lodge or Japanese Modern. No matter the variation, the foundation remains the same: a connection to nature, thoughtful use of materials, and spaces designed for how people truly live.

Sellers • April 30, 2026

What to Fix Before Selling Your Home

by Don Koonce

Preparing your home for the market can feel stressful, especially when you start noticing every small imperfection. The good news is that not every issue needs to be addressed before listing. A few thoughtful updates can go a long way toward helping your home show well, attract buyers, and maximize your sale price.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the repairs that matter most and the ones you can confidently leave as-is.

What to fix before selling

Start with the basics buyers notice first

When buyers walk into a home, first impressions are everything. Even small, visible issues can signal to buyers that the home hasn’t been well-maintained, even if that’s not the case.

Start with simple, high-impact updates that immediately improve how your home feels. Touch up scuffed or chipped paint, repair any holes or dents in the walls, and fix details like squeaky doors or loose handles. Pay attention to the flooring as well; noticeable water damage, worn carpets, or damaged floorboards are often among the first things buyers pick up on. Replacing burnt-out lightbulbs and ensuring all switches are working properly can also make a subtle but meaningful difference.

These updates are relatively low-cost but go a long way toward making your home feel clean, cared for, and move-in ready.

Address obvious maintenance issues

Buyers naturally look closely at anything that could turn into a bigger problem later. Addressing small maintenance concerns ahead of time can help prevent hesitation or negotiation during the inspection.

Focus on resolving anything that feels like deferred maintenance. This includes fixing leaky faucets or running toilets, addressing dripping pipes, tightening loose railings or steps, and handling minor roof or gutter concerns. If your HVAC system is due for servicing, taking care of it now can also provide added reassurance. Similarly, if there are visible cracks in the foundation or any known structural concerns, it’s worth addressing them before listing. These issues can raise red flags for buyers and often surface during inspection, so addressing them early can help avoid delays or renegotiation.

Focus on kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchen and bathrooms tend to carry the most weight for buyers, but that doesn’t mean you need a full renovation to make an impact. Small, thoughtful updates can go a long way. Re-caulking sinks, tubs, and backsplashes can instantly freshen up a space, while replacing worn or outdated hardware offers a quick, modern update. A deep clean, especially grout, tile, and surfaces, can make these areas feel significantly more polished. If lighting feels dated, a simple fixture swap can also help elevate the overall look.

It’s also worth addressing any cabinetry that shows signs of wear. Water damage, peeling finishes, or loose hinges can stand out to buyers and suggest deeper issues, even if they’re minor. Tightening hinges, repairing damage, or refinishing where needed can help these spaces feel more solid and well-maintained. The goal is not to make these spaces brand-new, but to ensure they feel fresh, functional, and well cared for.

Boost curb appeal

Before buyers ever step inside, they’re already forming an impression. The exterior of your home sets the tone for everything that follows.

A few targeted updates can make a noticeable difference. Tidy up landscaping, trim overgrown areas, and clear debris to create a clean, intentional look. Power washing walkways, siding, or decks can instantly refresh the exterior, while repainting the front door or repairing fencing adds a finishing touch. Making sure the garage door operates smoothly is another detail that can quietly enhance a buyer’s first impression.

A well-maintained exterior shows buyers that the home has been cared for, creating confidence before buyers even walk through the door.

What not to fix before selling

It can be tempting to try to perfect everything, but not all upgrades will give you a return on your investment. In some cases, doing less is actually the smarter move. You can typically skip:

Full kitchen or bathroom remodels
Replacing perfectly functional appliances
Fixing minor cosmetic quirks that don’t stand out
Highly personalized upgrades that may not appeal to every buyer

Many buyers are happy to make cosmetic changes themselves once they move in. Over-improving your home can lead to unnecessary costs without increasing your sale price.

When preparing your home for sale, focus on repairs that improve condition, functionality, and first impressions. You don’t need perfection. You need a home that feels well cared for and ready for its next owner.

Real Estate Listings • April 28, 2026

NEW LISTING: Sleek, Modern Home in Upper Rainier Beach

by Don Koonce

9812 59th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98118
Listed at $849,900

MLS #2509470
Beds: 4
Baths: 2 ( 2 full )
Size: 2,090 sqft
Year Built: 1971
Lot Size Area: 5,250.00 sqft

Innovative remodel has transformed this modest original build into a sleek, fashion-forward modern dwelling. Interior spaces are designed for open-concept living and rooms on both levels are absolutely glowing with light from strategic placement of expansive windows and hi-end lighting. Everything is new, barely unwrapped, and polished to a radiant shine. Quality finishes from the outside in: Cement siding, durable luxury vinyl plank flooring thruout, quartz kitchen, new appliances, new bathrooms, updated electrical, new Pex plumbing, the works. Thoughtful layout designed with a nod to flexible spaces and lots of hidden cubbies for storing all your stuff. Main floor: Living room, den/ tv rm, huge bright kitchen w/ eating space opening to outdoors for easy entertaining, 2bedrms, full bath. Upper level:Primary bedrm w/ private balcony & City skyline views, 4th bedroom, office area and full bath. Ideal location! All the favorite hangouts are just a stroll away. Start the day with coffee/breakfast at Redwing Café, relax with craft cocktails at Jude’s bistro, satisfy pizza/gourmet ice cream cravings at Paranormal Pie and Creamy Cone. For outdoor lovers, there is quick access to Lk WA, nature trails, Kubota Gardens and nearby pickle ball courts. Metro #7 just 2-3 blocks away (every 5-10min.), 5min drive to Light Rail, and “silly-close” access to major freeways. Daily essentials w/i 1mile radius. Effortless carefree living in a quiet friendly neighborhood. Just.Move.In.

Click here for more information.

Real Estate Listings • April 23, 2026

NEW LISTING: Updated Seattle Bungalow in Popular Upper Rainier Beach

by Don Koonce

9643 56th AVE S
Seattle, 98118
Listed at $499,998

Bathrooms: 1
Bedrooms: 3
Living Area: 1400 sqft
Lot Area: 5202 sqft
MLS #: 2504042

Updated Seattle bungalow in popular Upper Rainier Beach! All tuned up & move-in ready, lots of natural light, refinished fir floors, double-paned windows, fresh interior paint, 3 real bedrooms plus large basement for storing all the extras. Free-flowing design with open liv/din area and large sunny kitchen, eating space/easily expandable for fussy chefs or fancier entertaining-new stove! Fenced yard for gardening, patios, etc., off-street parking, quiet non-thru street. So well-maintained: In last 10 years, 200amp electric service, knob and tube removed, modern siding. High-efficiency gas furnace 2021, gas water heater 2019. Dream location- fantastic access to a full slate of amenities. Walking dist to locally owned coffee shops, bakery, bistros, pizza & gourmet ice cream-all the favorite gathering spots. Close to Lk WA for fun on the water and beautiful Kubota Gardens is nearly at your back door. 1 mile to Light Rail Station puts Seattle and beyond at your fingertips, easy transport to SeaTac Airport. Whatever your heart’s desire-coffee, treats, restaurants, wine bar, organic farm produce (Rainier Urban Farm), parks & recreation, daily essentials, we got you covered. Big box stores, hardware, brew pubs, movies & more a quick drive to downtown Renton. Just bring your boxes. Unpack. Go play.

Click here for more information.

Real Estate News & Information • April 21, 2026

Housing Affordability Gap Narrows as Rates Fall

by Don Koonce

The income threshold for buying a home has declined for two consecutive years. Falling mortgage rates and rising household income have pushed the earnings needed to purchase a median-priced home to $111,252 — down from $115,870 in 2024 and $120,669 in 2023. Housing analysts generally consider a monthly payment at or below 30% of household income to be affordable.

The numbers tell a more complicated story, though. The median household income sits just above $86,000 a year, still short of what’s needed to comfortably afford a median-priced home. And while the gap between renting and buying costs is narrowing in most major metros, renting isn’t getting cheaper: the annual income required to afford the median rental rose from $74,464 in 2024 to $76,020 in 2025. A roughly 4% increase in median household income over the same period has helped offset that rise.

Mortgage rates are a key driver of the shift. Rates have dropped from nearly 7% a year ago to about 6.1%, reducing a typical monthly mortgage payment by roughly $125. The current market also has more sellers than active buyers, giving buyers more room to negotiate on price and concessions than they’ve had in recent years.

Recent conditions reflect just how much the market changed during the pandemic years. The national median sale price climbed from $317,100 in Q2 2020 to a peak of $437,700 in Q2 2022, a 38% increase in two years. Prices have since eased to $410,800 as of Q2 2025 but remain nearly 30% above pre-pandemic levels. Starter homes followed a similar path, rising from $95,000 in 2012 to $165,000 in 2019 and reaching $250,000 in 2024.

Housing economists project that affordability could return to more typical historic levels by 2030 if mortgage rates ease to around 5.5% and home price growth stabilizes. In the near term, the trend is moving toward greater accessibility, though the pace remains gradual.

This post was based on information found on Puget Sound Business Journal.

Real Estate News & Information • April 16, 2026

High Rates & Prices Drive King County Buyers Toward Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

by Don Koonce

King County homebuyers are increasingly turning to adjustable-rate mortgages to reduce their monthly homeownership costs. With the county’s median home price approaching $1 million and mortgage rates stubbornly above 6%, the affordability pressures driving this trend continue to grow.

Unlike traditional fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages start with a lower interest rate that remains fixed for an initial period of several years before adjusting with the market. That lower starting rate is the primary draw for buyers looking to reduce their monthly payments.

In 2025, 36% of King County home purchases involved an adjustable-rate mortgage. Across Washington, adjustable-rate mortgages made up nearly a quarter of home loans, the highest share the state has seen since 2007. With mortgage rates on the rise again due to inflationary and political pressures, and no Federal Reserve cuts expected, experts say that share is likely to keep climbing.

Adjustable-rate mortgages are typically 0.5% to 1% lower than conventional fixed-rate mortgages, totaling a minimum savings of roughly $244 per month on a $750,000 loan at today’s rate. In King County, where prices routinely exceed that figure, the savings can be even more significant.

Many buyers are betting that rates will fall before their fixed period ends, allowing them to refinance, or plan to sell before their rate adjusts at all. Industry experts describe it as a relatively low-risk approach for buyers who do not expect to stay in their home beyond the typical seven-year window.

Adjustable-rate mortgages carry a stigma from the 2008 financial crisis, when they played a central role in a wave of foreclosures. Lenders at the time offered extremely low introductory rates lasting only two or three years and approved practically anyone regardless of their ability to repay. By 2004, these loans made up half of all home loans in Washington. When borrowers could not afford the higher rates, the fallout reshaped the housing market for years.

Today’s adjustable-rate mortgages are a different product entirely. Lenders must now verify that borrowers can afford the loan at higher post-introductory rates, initial fixed periods are longer, and rate discounts are more modest, making the kind of payment shock that defined the 2008 crisis far less likely.

With ongoing affordability concerns statewide and across King County, adjustable-rate mortgages offer a way to reduce the initial cost of the loan. In large part, their increasing popularity stems from the growing gap between home prices and what many borrowers can afford.

This post was based on information found on Puget Sound Business Journal.

Real Estate News & Information • April 14, 2026

Local Market Update – April 2026

by Don Koonce

As spring gets underway, our region’s real estate market is sending mixed signals. March saw inventory climb across the board, yet buyer activity didn’t keep pace with that supply growth. Affordability remains a central theme: mortgage rate sensitivity continues to weigh on decision-making at higher price points, while markets that have seen meaningful price corrections are beginning to show signs of reengagement. The result is a regional landscape that looks quite different depending on where you’re standing.

KING COUNTY

King County’s median residential sold price was essentially flat year over year at $975,000, but the stability in price masks some hesitation beneath the surface. Active listings jumped 42% from last March, yet closed and pending sales fell 3% and 4%, respectively — a notable disconnect that likely points to continued price and rate sensitivity. Buyers had more options but didn’t enter the market at a faster pace. The condo market reflects a similar mood: the median sold price slipped 7% to $550,000, while active listings grew 25% year over year.

SEATTLE

The Seattle market tells a different story. The median residential sold price fell 6% to $944,000 in March, and that correction seemed to move things along— closed and pending sales rose 7% and 1%, respectively, even as active listings climbed 29%. Increased affordability appeared to draw buyers in despite the expanded inventory. In the condo market, the median sold price dipped 4% to $602,750, with active listings up 17% year over year.

EASTSIDE

The Eastside continued to navigate market recalibration. The median residential sold price dropped 9% to $1,550,000, while active listings surged 60%. Even so, pending sales fell 15%, suggesting buyers were being highly selective despite having considerably more inventory to choose from. The gap between supply growth and transaction activity could mean more softening ahead. For condos, the median sold price rose 3% to $728,000, though active listings climbed 40% year over year, a level of growth that may test price resilience going forward.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

Snohomish County saw active listings surge 49% year over year, but demand continued to lag — pending sales fell 8%, and while closed sales edged up 2%, that gain may be difficult to sustain given the pipeline. The median residential sold price declined 3% to $769,950, a modest but telling dip as inventory growth weighs on pricing. In the condo market, the median sold price fell 5% to $501,000, with active listings up 62% year over year, a steep increase, and one that will likely keep downward pressure on prices in the near term.

March’s trends reinforce that we’re in a market that rewards patience and preparation on both sides of the transaction. For buyers, expanding inventory and moderating prices in several markets represent a genuine shift from the conditions of recent years, creating more room to be thoughtful and deliberate. For sellers, strategy has never mattered more as buyers grow more discerning. For expert guidance tailored to your goals this spring, it helps to have a trusted Windermere advisor on your side.