Social Links Widget

Click here to edit the Social Media Links settings. This text will not be visible on the front end.

Community Info • June 26, 2021

4th of July: Fireworks & Events Around the Sound

by Travis DeFries

In-person events are back! As we transition back to “normal” there are several local events and celebrations for the whole family to enjoy this 4th of July! Some cities were not able to pull off such large events given the timing of opening and the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, but there are some great options in both Snohomish and King counties! Check it out:

Edmonds

https://edmondschamber.com/community_events/main_events/an_edmonds_kind_of_fourth/

An “Edmonds Kind of 4th” is back!

– Beat Brackett 5k race (registrations online only)

– Main Street parade

– Fireworks at Civic Field

Everett

https://www.visiteverett.com/1440/Fourth-of-July

Everett’s iconic Thunder on the Bay fireworks show returns to Legion Memorial Park.

Also, Everett’s first in-person concert since COVID: Rock the Fourth @ Boxcar Park (21+) featuring: Nite Wave, Petty Thief & Road Trip.

Marysville

https://marysvillewa.gov/1009/Marysville-4th-of-July

Marysville’s third annual celebration will feature festive photo opportunities, food trucks and fireworks.

Monroe

https://evergreenspeedway.com/events/july-4th-2021-usa-birthday-bash-at-evergreen/

Rain or shine, Monroe’s USA Birthday Bash will feature a Demo Derby and Fireworks!

Bellevue

https://www.bellevuedowntown.com/events/family-4th

Bellevue Family 4th will look a little different this year. There will not be any entertainment or other activities, but there will be a live firework show downtown.

Tacoma

http://freedomfair.com/

Tacoma’s Freedom Fair & Air Show will feature military and classic planes. It is a drive-in only event, so check the website for parking spot reservations.

Seattle

Seattle Seafair is NOT hosting an in-person Fourth of July fireworks show this year. The majority of the Seattle Seafair headline events will be virtual for the second year in a row. Despite the lifting of restrictions, there was not enough time to produce these very large events. More info: Hybrid Seafair Summer 4th 2021

However, instead of the traditional Fourth of July Fireworks show over Lake Union, Seafair will produce an hour-long TV special featuring past fireworks shows. The show will air on KING 5 at 10 p.m. More info: Seafair’s Fourth of July fireworks in Seattle, hydroplane races to be virtual | king5.com

Monthly Newletter • May 22, 2021

Monthly Newsletter – May 2021

by Travis DeFries
Here we are, one-third into 2021, and boy what a ride it has been so far. We all know that 2020 was a unique year full of challenges and change. The pandemic made us pause and reevaluate many aspects of our lives including where and how we live. The impact of the pandemic on the real estate market was significant, as people started to shift their housing priorities during the second half of 2020. Then the calendar turned to 2021 and the frenzy of all market frenzies began.

I had the misguided notion that closing out 2020 was going lead to more normalcy in our industry as we all yearned to move on to the new year. Boy, was I shocked as Q1 unfolded; 2021 had its own agenda in store! What the new year brought, was its own set of drama as the economy headed towards recovery and the vaccine emerged. The continued historically low interest rates have fueled the housing pivots being made across our region and our country. Lifestyle moves have driven demand, but interest rates along with hearty equity levels have helped financially enable these life-changing moves. Interest rates have hovered around 3% since the beginning of the year. Additionally, 38% of all homeowners own their homes free and clear, and over 50% of homeowners have up to 50% equity.

The work-from-home phenomenon (either permanent or hybrid) has re-shaped the housing market, driving many people to consider the suburbs or rural locations. Eliminating the daily commute into urban work centers has created flexibility for homeowners to live farther away from work and enjoy larger spaces and more affordable housing in comparison to cities like Seattle and Bellevue. In fact, the median home price in Snohomish County is up 15% complete year-over-year in comparison to King County at 10%. This is proof that suburban and rural housing is on the rise.

Demand (defined above) has helped to push price appreciation levels along with a shortage in available inventory. We have functioned in a lower-than-normal inventory market for over six years now. Zero to three months of inventory is defined as a seller’s market, three to six months a balanced market, and over six months a buyer’s market. This figure is established by estimating how long it would take to sell out of homes based on the closing or pending rate if no new homes came to market. In the second half of 2018, we eclipsed three months briefly but have mainly existed under three months for quite a while. In 2021, we have not breached one month, and in many submarkets have only had up to two weeks of available inventory.

2020 left a void of available inventory because we were in quarantine and many people were not comfortable opening their homes up to strangers. Plus, some people needed to pause and see how this was all going to shake out for them. I think the turn of the new year coupled with the vaccine has empowered people to make the moves they have been considering while they won the wait at home. We have a smattering of generations at the helm all wanting to make moves for different reasons. First-time home buyers, retirees, and move-up buyers are all hoping to take advantage of low debt service and pivot to a home with a better fit for their lifestyle goals.

Lifestyle demands, low rates, scarce inventory, and formidable equity have created a very competitive market. Large down payments due to moving equity from one home to the next, along with strict lending requirements have propped up the stability of the housing market. I am often asked if we are headed towards a housing bubble because of the rate of home appreciation, but it is important to understand that home values are supported by strong loan-to-value ratios and scrutinized lending. Unlike the Great Recession of 2008, when predatory lending (that involved low to no down payments and undocumented loans) formed an unstable foundation that eventually crumbled.

The biggest challenge I see in the housing market in our region is affordability. It is expensive to live in the Greater Seattle area, plain and simple. The work-from-home option has provided flexibility to live farther out, which has put upward pressure on prices everywhere. We have had a re-organization of where people live and it has been surprising which communities have become attractive and in-demand. I predict at some point this will settle down as these newly refined housing needs find their place. Additionally, May through August is when we seasonally see more homes come to market. This should hopefully make it a bit easier for buyers to secure a home, and help soften the ramp-up on prices. This has already started to show itself over the last few weeks.

Financial indicators in our region are positive. Only 3.6% of homes in Washington state are in mortgage forbearance (a fraction of where we were at a year ago), tech jobs continue to drive employment, and the overall local economy and home equity are very strong. Your home is intended to be a long-term investment. If price appreciation starts to soften as we climb out of our inventory deficit this will be more sustainable for affordability. Buyers will still be on the road to building wealth with some of the lowest interest rates ever, and we must remember that homeownership is not just an investment but where we live and create memories. Sellers will continue to enjoy large payoffs as long-term equity growth is abundant. Keeping a grounded perspective will be key as the market twists and turns from the extremes. If there is anything I can guarantee it is that the market is always changing and it can change fast.

If you are curious about how today’s market relates to your lifestyle and financial goals, please reach out. I’d love to discuss your needs, curiosities, and concerns as this has been an intense and eventful start to 2021. It is always my goal to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.
June 11th is our annual Windermere Community Service Day; our office will be volunteering alongside the Snohomish Garden Club helping plant nearly an acre of fruits and vegetables that will be harvested for local food banks. This will be our 5th year working on this project that yields thousands of pounds of fresh produce for the food insecure across our region.

Windermere Community Service Day is a 40-year long tradition of giving back to the communities in which we serve, it is a valued part of our Windermere culture. If you would like to donate to help us provide additional veggie starts and supplies, please reach out. I will report back on our project in my next newsletter, letting the planting begin!
Monthly Newletter • April 30, 2021

Monthly Newsletter – April 2021

by Travis DeFries
Matthew Gardner is the Chief Economist at Windermere and a sought-after expert on real estate, both locally and across the country. Every quarter, Matthew breaks down the real estate market by region and provides the Gardner Report; you can read this quarter’s full report here.  Additionally, he also provides a monthly video report touching on the latest trends and hot topics concerning the real estate market. Click on the image below to view his latest Monday with Matthew video.

If you have any questions or curiosity about the current real estate market that you would like to discuss, please reach out. Are you curious about the value of your home, are you contemplating a move, or considering a new purchase? I can help! It is always my goal to help empower my clients to make strong financial decisions and to help them understand how real estate can positively affect their lifestyle.
Community Info • April 17, 2021

South King County Market Report – Q1 2021

by Travis DeFries

Q1 2021 signified a measurable shift in the real estate market. Demand since the first of the year has been brisk, proving Q1 2021 to be one of the most impactful times in market history! Interest rates remain historically low, helping to offset the cost of price appreciation. Rates and the lucrative tech-influenced job market have helped pending sales outpace new listings.

Additionally, the convergence of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers making big lifestyle moves due to the low cost of debt service, work-from-home options, and formidable equity has the market frothy. Nationally, 30% of all homeowners have over 50% equity in their home, leading people to make moves with large down payments.

Days on market were swift and price gains were well above average in Q1. As we head into Q2, we are confident the months ahead will provide traditional inventory gains providing buyers more selection. We would welcome a tempering in price growth as it has been abundant and is affecting affordability. If you or someone you know is curious about how today’s real estate market relates to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is my mission to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

 

Community Info • April 17, 2021

North Snohomish County Market Report – Q1 2021

by Travis DeFries

Q1 2021 signified a measurable shift in the real estate market. Demand since the first of the year has been brisk, proving Q1 2021 to be one of the most impactful times in market history! Interest rates remain historically low, helping to offset the cost of price appreciation. Rates and the lucrative tech-influenced job market have helped pending sales outpace new listings.

Additionally, the convergence of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers making big lifestyle moves due to the low cost of debt service, work-from-home options, and formidable equity has the market frothy. Nationally, 30% of all homeowners have over 50% equity in their home, leading people to make moves with large down payments.

Days on market were swift and price gains were well above average in Q1. As we head into Q2, we are confident the months ahead will provide traditional inventory gains providing buyers more selection. We would welcome a tempering in price growth as it has been abundant and is affecting affordability. If you or someone you know is curious about how today’s real estate market relates to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is my mission to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

 

Community Info • April 17, 2021

Seattle Metro Market Report – Q1 2021

by Travis DeFries

Q1 2021 signified a measurable shift in the real estate market. Demand since the first of the year has been brisk, proving Q1 2021 to be one of the most impactful times in market history! Interest rates remain historically low, helping to offset the cost of price appreciation. Rates and the lucrative tech-influenced job market have helped pending sales outpace new listings.

Additionally, the convergence of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers making big lifestyle moves due to the low cost of debt service, work-from-home options, and formidable equity has the market frothy. Nationally, 30% of all homeowners have over 50% equity in their home, leading people to make moves with large down payments.

Days on market were swift and price gains were well above average in Q1. As we head into Q2, we are confident the months ahead will provide traditional inventory gains providing buyers more selection. We would welcome a tempering in price growth as it has been abundant and is affecting affordability. If you or someone you know is curious about how today’s real estate market relates to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is my mission to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

 

Community Info • April 17, 2021

Eastside Market Report – Q1 2021

by Travis DeFries

Q1 2021 signified a measurable shift in the real estate market. Demand since the first of the year has been brisk, proving Q1 2021 to be one of the most impactful times in market history! Interest rates remain historically low, helping to offset the cost of price appreciation. Rates and the lucrative tech-influenced job market have helped pending sales outpace new listings.

Additionally, the convergence of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers making big lifestyle moves due to the low cost of debt service, work-from-home options, and formidable equity has the market frothy. Nationally, 30% of all homeowners have over 50% equity in their home, leading people to make moves with large down payments.

Days on market were swift and price gains were well above average in Q1. As we head into Q2, we are confident the months ahead will provide traditional inventory gains providing buyers more selection. We would welcome a tempering in price growth as it has been abundant and is affecting affordability. If you or someone you know is curious about how today’s real estate market relates to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is my mission to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

 

Community Info • April 17, 2021

North King County Market Report – Q1 2021

by Travis DeFries

Q1 2021 signified a measurable shift in the real estate market. Demand since the first of the year has been brisk, proving Q1 2021 to be one of the most impactful times in market history! Interest rates remain historically low, helping to offset the cost of price appreciation. Rates and the lucrative tech-influenced job market have helped pending sales outpace new listings.

Additionally, the convergence of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers making big lifestyle moves due to the low cost of debt service, work-from-home options, and formidable equity has the market frothy. Nationally, 30% of all homeowners have over 50% equity in their home, leading people to make moves with large down payments.

Days on market were swift and price gains were well above average in Q1. As we head into Q2, we are confident the months ahead will provide traditional inventory gains providing buyers more selection. We would welcome a tempering in price growth as it has been abundant and is affecting affordability. If you or someone you know is curious about how today’s real estate market relates to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is my mission to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

 

Community Info • April 17, 2021

South Snohomish Market Report – Q1 2021

by Travis DeFries

Q1 2021 signified a measurable shift in the real estate market. Demand since the first of the year has been brisk, proving Q1 2021 to be one of the most impactful times in market history! Interest rates remain historically low, helping to offset the cost of price appreciation. Rates and the lucrative tech-influenced job market have helped pending sales outpace new listings.

Additionally, the convergence of Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers making big lifestyle moves due to the low cost of debt service, work-from-home options, and formidable equity has the market frothy. Nationally, 30% of all homeowners have over 50% equity in their home, leading people to make moves with large down payments.

Days on market were swift and price gains were well above average in Q1. As we head into Q2, we are confident the months ahead will provide traditional inventory gains providing buyers more selection. We would welcome a tempering in price growth as it has been abundant and is affecting affordability. If you or someone you know is curious about how today’s real estate market relates to your financial and lifestyle goals, please reach out. It is my mission to help keep my clients informed and empower strong decisions.

 

Community Info • April 10, 2021

Local Farmer’s Markets 2021

by Travis DeFries

When you shop at a local Farmers Market, you’re buying outstanding freshness, quality and flavor. Knowing exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown provides peace of mind for your family. Plus, you’re supporting a sustainable regional food system that helps small family farms stay in business; protects land from over-development, and provides the community with fresh, healthy food. Find one near you on the list below!

 

SOUTH SNOHOMISH

Arlington Farmers Market
Legion Park: 114 N. Olympic Ave
Saturdays. 10am-2pm
May 8 — September 25

Bothell Park Ridge Community Market
Park Ridge Church: 3805 Maltby Road, Bothell
Wednesdays 4pm-8pm
June 2—September 29

Edmonds Garden Market
Historical Museum: 5th & Bell Street
Saturdays 9am-2pm
May 1—June 12

Edmonds Summer Market
Downtown: 5th St from the fountain
Saturdays 9am-2pm
June 19—October 9

Everett Farmers Market
2930 Wetmore Ave
Sundays 11am-3pm
May 9—October 31

Marysville Farmer’s Market
Grocery Outlet: 9620 State Ave
Sundays 12pm-6pm
April 18—September 26

Monroe Farmer’s Market
Galaxy Theater: 1 Galaxy Way
Wednesdays 2:30pm-7pm
May 26-September 1

Snohomish Farmers Market
Cedar Ave & Pearl St.
Thursdays 3pm-7pm
May 6—September 30

 

 

EASTSIDE

Bellevue Farmers Market
First Presbyterian: 1717 Bellevue Way NE
Thursdays 3pm-7pm
May 13—October 7

Bellevue Crossroads Farmers Market
East Parking Lot: 15600 NE 8th St
Tuesdays 12pm-6pm
June 1—September 28

Issaquah Farmers Market
Pickering Barn: 1730 10th Ave NW
Saturdays 9am-2pm
May 1—September 25

Juanita Friday Market
Juanita Beach: 9703 NE Juanita Dr
Fridays 3pm-7pm
June 4—September 24

Kirkland Wednesday Market
Marina Park: 25 Lakeshore Plaza
Wednesdays 3pm-6pm
June 2—September 29

Mercer Island Farmers Market
Mercerdale Park: 7700 SE 32nd St
Sundays 10am-3pm
June 7—September 27

Redmond Saturday Market
Redmond Town Center: 7730 Leary Way NE
Saturdays 9am-3pm
May 1—October 30

Sammamish Farmers Market
City Hall Plaza: 801 228th Ave SE
Wednesdays 4pm-8pm
May 5—September 29

Woodinville Farmers Market
DeYoung Park: 13680 NE 175th St
Saturdays 9am-3pm
May 1—September 25

 

SEATTLE

Ballard Farmers Market
Ballard Ave NW
Sundays. 9am-2pm
YEAR ROUND

Capitol Hill Broadway Farmers Market
E Denny Way (between Broadway & 10th Ave)
Sundays 11am-3pm
YEAR ROUND

Columbia City Farmers Market
37th Ave S & S Edmunds St
Wednesdays 3pm-7pm
May 12—October 13

Fremont Sunday Market
Corner of 3410 Evanston Ave N
Sundays 10am-4pm
YEAR ROUND

Lake City Farmers Market
125th St and 28th Ave NE
Thursdays 3pm-7pm
July 1—September 23

Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Third Place Commons: 17171 Bothell Way NE
Sundays 10am-2pm
May 9—October 17

Madrona Farmers Market
1126 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Fridays 3pm-7pm
May 14—October 15

Magnolia Farmers Market
Magnolia Village: 33rd Ave W & W McGraw
Saturdays. 10am-2pm
June 5—September 25

Phinney Farmers Market
Closed for 2021

Queen Anne Farmers Market
W Crockett Street & Queen Anne Ave N
Thursdays 3pm-7:30pm
June 3—October 7

Shoreline Farmers Market
15300 Westminster Ave N
Saturdays 10am-2pm
June 5—October 2

University District Farmers Market
University Way NE
Saturdays 9am-2pm
YEAR ROUND

Wallingford Farmers Market
Meridian Park: Meridian Ave N & N 50th St
Wednesdays 3pm-7pm
June 9—September 29

West Seattle Farmers Market
California Ave SW & SW Alaska St
Sundays 10am-2pm
YEAR ROUND

Windermere Real Estate / North, Inc. - Windermere
Terms of Use  &  Privacy Policy
Accessibility Statement | Fair Housing Notice
© 2026 Windermere Real Estate