My Blog

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

By Andrea Wetzel | Dec 16, 2025

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.

By Andrea Wetzel | Nov 24, 2025

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

By Andrea Wetzel | Nov 3, 2025

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

By Andrea Wetzel | Oct 15, 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

By Andrea Wetzel | Oct 14, 2025

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

By Andrea Wetzel | Sep 16, 2025

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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Power Shift: Increased Selection, Interest Rate Stability, and Tempered Price Growth give Buyers an Edge

By Andrea Wetzel | Aug 18, 2025

2025 has been the year of a power shift in the real estate market, as we experience more balance in the market. Increased inventory has provided the biggest advantage for buyers, giving them more selection, which has tempered price growth and aided affordability. In King County, there were 43% more available listings in July 2025 […]

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When it’s Time to Move on to the Next Chapter: A Guide for Baby Boomers and Their Families

By Andrea Wetzel | Jul 28, 2025

In 2025, we have seen a year-over-year increase in new listings. New listings are up 16% in King County and 10% in Snohomish County, following a 19% increase in King County and an 18% increase in Snohomish County in 2024 compared to 2023. This mounting increase piqued my curiosity, and I began to notice some […]

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QUARTERLY REPORTS Q2 2025

By Andrea Wetzel | Jul 15, 2025

  The second quarter of 2025 had a significant increase in the number of available homes for sale. Inventory has returned to pre-pandemic levels, which is bringing more balance to the market. This, coupled with the new normal of interest rates, has decelerated home price appreciation to more historical norms compared to the rapid appreciation […]

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