As we round out 2025, I 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 of the market. I felt it was important to bring you this information, whether you are a homeowner, renter, or if you are considering a move in the future. The market is finding balance, rates are gradually falling, and home values are maintaining.
Home equity is incredibly strong in our region and is the backbone of household wealth for many. This nest egg provides financial security, can be a vehicle to create a move to a home that is a better fit for your lifestyle, or provide the funds to do a home remodel. The long-term hold investment in real estate continues to be a bright light economically.
Inventory levels have increased over the last two years and we are experiencing balance in the market which is providing opportunities for buyers to strike with less rush and frenzy. This has been especially beneficial for those who need to sell their homes in order to make a purchase. We’ve started to see an uptick in contingent sales and bridge loans to make a move smoother and more attainable. First-time homebuyers are also seizing the opportunity to lock in a lower interest rate and the affordability of stabilizing prices. Rates have decreased by nearly 1 point since May 2025.
The image below from FHFA shows the long-term price growth (since 1991) in our state and metropolitan area. The figures are impressive at 480% in the state of Washington! I’d be happy to perform a custom equity study for you beyond the county information above and national figures below that is specific to your home’s specific features and today’s market trends.
Whether you own your home already or are considering building wealth through homeownership, I would love to help you analyze how equity growth and inventory levels could benefit your real estate goals. It’s always my goal to help keep you informed to empower strong financial decisions that augment your quality of life! Please reach out if you want to learn more.
🌶️ Cozy Kitchen: Tortilla Soup with Chicken & Avocado
Add a little Southwest flair to your fall table with this flavorful, comforting soup. Packed with tender chicken, fresh avocado, and a hint of spice, it’s a delicious way to warm up any evening.
Ingredients:
½ cup plus 2 TBSP vegetable oil
1 yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup plus 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup drained canned plum tomatoes
½ tsp ground cumin
4 cups chicken stock
1 skinless, boneless whole chicken breast (about ½ lb) cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt & pepper
4 corn tortillas, preferably stale & dry
1 dried chile such as ancho, seeded
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, & diced
¼ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
2 tsp fresh lime juice
Instructions:
In a frying pan over medium heat, warm 1 TBSP of the oil. Add the onion, garlic, and the 2 tsp cilantro and sauté just until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, combine the sauteed mixture and the tomatoes and process until smooth.
In the same frying pan over medium-high heat, warm another 1 TBSP of the oil. Add the tomato mixture and cumin. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and darkened, 5-6 min.
Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan over medium-low heat and add the stock. Cover partially and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Add the chicken and simmer until just opaque throughout, 2-3 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
While the soup is cooking, cut the tortillas in half and slice each half into thin strips. In a frying pan over medium-high heat, warm the ½ cup vegetable oil. Drop a tortilla strip in the oil, and if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Drop handfuls of the tortilla strips into the oil and fry, turning with tongs, until crisp and browned, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.
In a small, dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the chile until fragrant, about 7 minutes. Shake the pan often; do not let the chile burn. Let cool, then crumble and set aside.
To serve, ladle to soup into warmed bowls. Divide the tortilla strips, crumbled chile, and ¼ cup cilantro, the avocado, cheese, and lime juice evenly among the bowls and serve immediately.
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