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 easing — all signs of balance, not decline. If you’ve been feeling uncertain about the housing market lately, you’re not alone. The media (news or social) loves drama, but the data tells a quieter, steadier story. What we’re seeing right now isn’t a recession — it’s a reset.

This kind of “flat” market often feels uncomfortable because it’s different from the fast-paced, multiple-offer environment we grew used to and found exciting. But in reality, flat doesn’t mean failure. It means opportunity — for buyers to make thoughtful moves without frenzy, and for sellers to position their homes strategically in a more stable environment and reap their well-established equity.

In my years of watching market cycles here in the Greater Puget Sound Area, I’ve learned that perspective is everything. For sellers, how long they’ve been in their home, assessing their equity level, and where they want to go are what matters most. A segment of the market that I’ve seen take a step back is speculative sellers hoping to buck the current trends and make a quick gain.

It is important to note that owning real estate is a long-term hold investment and not an overnight come up. The extreme ramp-up in home values from 2020-2022 skewed that viewpoint for some. A valuable rule of thumb to adhere to is the 5-year rule. Outside of the Great Recession of 2007-2012, holding for 5 years has overcome a flat market or any short-term dips in values. It’s also important to understand that your home serves two purposes: your safe place and an investment.

For buyers, we haven’t seen this calm of a market environment and selection in ages. In our region, we are currently experiencing a balanced market (2-4 months of inventory). In some areas of the country, a balanced market looks different (3-6 months), but for our area, it’s tighter due to density, industry, and limited land availability.

While we do occasionally still see multiple offers, they are no longer the norm. Buyers are now afforded the benefit of longer market times, allowing for negotiated contract terms to support performing due diligence over a longer time. They also do not have to escalate as high in price to obtain a home. My hope is that buyers who have sidelined themselves or are considering a purchase realize that this is a great time to buy!

If you’d like to talk about what this balanced market means for your goals — whether it’s buying, selling, both, or just planning ahead — I’m here to help you make decisions with confidence. Following the news, doomscrolling, or listening to an isolated story could veil you from the truth the data provides. While the market might seem “boring” right now, I’ve seen many buyers and sellers find great success. Let’s talk and apply your goals to today’s trends!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 cups chicken stock
• 1 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
• ¼ tsp dried dill
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 5 sprigs parsley
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 6 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cups unflavored yogurt
• ¼ cup green onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes longer.
2. Stir in chicken stock, thyme, dill, pepper, parsley and carrots. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
3. Remove and discard parsley, add noodles to stock. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-high heat until noodles are soft, about 10 minutes.
4. Add chicken and cover pot to keep soup hot. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into yogurt, then combine with 1 cup hot broth. Return this mixture to soup pot and bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with green onion.

Tip: This recipe makes enough to share. Drop off a bowl to a neighbor or freeze a batch for a busy weeknight.

From my kitchen to yours: wishing you warmth, comfort, and good company this fall! 

More Homes to Choose From – We’re seeing the highest inventory in 14 years, giving buyers more options, less competition, and greater negotiating power.

Why this makes it a good time to buy:
Opportunity to Build Wealth – Prices are up 2% in King County and 1% in Snohomish County year-over-year and if rates continue to soften, prices will rise. Fixing your price now will lend itself to great, long-term equity growth. In fact, homes in King County are up 33% over the last 5 years and up 80% of the last 10 years. They are up 42% in Snohomish County of the last 5 years and up 98% over the last 10 years.

Find the house that best suits your life – Moves are brought on by life changes. If you see yourself entering a new chapter, whether it is joy-filled or challenging, a purchase can help align your home with your life. Pause to assess if now would be the right time to make a move and consider the advantages of the current market.

All of this means more affordability and more choices—a rare combination in real estate. Please reach out if you would like to learn more. It is my goal to help keep my clients informed so they are empowered to make strong decisions.

Here are a few of the most common roadblocks I hear, and how we can overcome them together:

“My home has deferred maintenance or needs updates, but I want to sell for top dollar and don’t have extra funds.”
The Windermere Ready Loan is your “easy button” for accessing funds for listing prep. It allows you to access cash based on your home’s equity to cover cleaning, repairs, or remodeling—so you can sell faster and for more money, without having to pay upfront. The fees are low, access is fast, and we can devise a plan identifying which items will yield the greatest return. You can learn more about the program here or simply reach out to me.

“I’m overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I need to sort through before I can sell.”
You’re not alone in this. I work with trusted vendors who specialize in helping people clear, organize, and prepare their homes for the market. With the right team, what feels overwhelming becomes manageable. You’d be amazed at how this process can be freeing, uplifting, and empowering. Getting started is the hardest part, and I can connect you with great resources or simply help you devise a checklist that moves at your pace.

“I need to relocate, but I don’t know anyone in the new area. How do I find a good agent?”
That’s where my connections come in. With Windermere’s broad presence in the West and our global referral network through Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, I can introduce you to a great agent wherever you’re headed.

“I don’t have 20% to put down. Can I still buy a home?”
Yes, you can! The idea that you must have 20% down is a common misconception. There are loan programs available with much lower down payments—some as low as 3.5% and even 0%. I can connect you with excellent lenders who will walk you through your options.

“I can’t buy until I sell, but I don’t want to move twice.”
The Windermere Bridge Loan is one example of the various creative financing options that may be the perfect solution. It allows you to tap into your equity before your home sells, so you can purchase first and move only once. The process is designed to be simple, affordable, and stress-reducing. If the Windermere Bridge Loan is not the right fit, I have access to other lenders and programs that specialize in tapping equity to purchase before having to sell.

Let Practical and Caring Guidance Lead the Way
I’m in the business of solving problems and creating solutions that move people toward their next chapter in life. Home reflects life, and life is always evolving. Making a move can be deeply personal, and with the right guidance, it can also be a powerful step toward growth and improvement.

If challenges are standing in your way, please don’t keep them to yourself. Share them with me. I’ll listen carefully, and together we’ll create a plan that makes your move not only possible but successful.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Chapter
If you, or someone you know, are considering a move but feel stuck, I’d love to help. Reach out today, and let’s start a conversation about your goals. With experience, care, and trusted resources, I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.