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A lot of sellers in Bothell, Washington, think September is the ideal time to hit the real estate market. The logic seems sound: school’s back, summer’s over, and everyone’s getting back into a routine. But in reality, waiting until September can mean you’re stepping into a more crowded market, facing increased competition and slower buyer urgency. As your real estate agent specializing in the Bothell real estate market, I’ve seen this pattern play out year after year. Here’s what usually happens in the Snohomish and King County real estate market after Labor Day: Inventory Increases: After a slow summer, more homes for sale go live all at once in September. This is when sellers who have been prepping finally pull the trigger. Buyer Fatigue Sets In: Many serious buyers have been house hunting all summer. By September, some may be ready to take a break, especially if they haven't found the right premises yet. People Get Distracted: Families are focused on school schedules at Northshore Bothell and other great Bothell schools. Work routines kick in, and everyone starts planning for the holidays. Meanwhile, getting your property on the market in August gives you a real edge. Why August is Your Sweet Spot: Serious, Motivated Buyers: The buyers still looking in late summer are highly motivated. They've likely been searching for months and are tired of the slim pickings from earlier in the season. These buyers are ready to make a move. Less Competition: The August market typically has less real estate listings than what’s coming in the fall. Your residential property stands out, meaning you're more likely to attract attention from buyers looking for Bothell condos, Bothell townhomes, or that perfect Bothell acreage. Your home gets to be the star of the show. Timing is Everything: Many families and relocating buyers want to be settled before the new school year and fall routines lock in. A home on the market in August with a quick closing date is exactly what they’re looking for. This is particularly true for those interested in desirable areas like Canyon Park Bothell or near the Sammamish River Bothell. 🎯 Bottom line? Even if you're not 100% ready to list your Bothell home for sale tomorrow, now is the time to start prepping. That means decluttering, staging lightly, and working out your strategy. You need to be ready to beat the September rush and capitalize on this key window of opportunity. As your Bothell real estate agent, I can help you with everything from reviewing comparables (comps) to strategizing your price per square foot and attracting buyers who appreciate the unique appeal of Downtown Bothell or a stunning Bothell waterfront home.

Here’s something a lot of Veterans in Snohomish & King County don’t know: You might be able to buy a home with no down payment through a VA loan. According to a national survey highlighted by Veterans United, only 3 in 10 Veterans are even aware that this is an option. That's a staggering statistic, which means 7 out of 10 could be missing out on a life-changing opportunity to establish roots and build wealth. So let’s break down the 3 biggest perks of VA loans, and why every eligible Veteran should understand this incredible benefit: 1. $0 Down Payment You read that right—zero. This is the hallmark advantage of a VA loan, a benefit that has been a part of the program since its inception as part of the GI Bill of Rights in 1944. Keep Thousands in Your Pocket: Unlike conventional loans that typically require a minimum of 3-5% down, or FHA loans at 3.5%, a VA loan allows qualified Veterans to finance up to 100% of the home's purchase price. This means you could keep thousands of dollars in your savings and still get the keys to your home, making homeownership accessible without years of saving for a large down payment. Full Entitlement Advantage: For Veterans with full entitlement, there are no VA loan limits, meaning you can purchase a home for as much as a lender is willing to lend you without a down payment. (Source: Veterans United Home Loans, Veterans Affairs) 2. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) This is another huge financial advantage that sets VA loans apart from most other loan types. Significant Monthly Savings: Most buyers who put less than 20% down on a conventional loan are required to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which can add hundreds of dollars to their monthly mortgage payment. Not you. VA loans skip that requirement entirely, regardless of your down payment amount, saving you substantial money every single month. FHA vs. VA: Even FHA loans come with a form of mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that typically lasts for the life of the loan. VA loans avoid this, offering a distinct financial edge. (Source: Veterans United Home Loans) 3. Lower Closing Costs and Rates The benefits continue when it comes to the overall cost of borrowing and the interest rate you'll secure. Limited Closing Costs: VA loans have specific limits on what you can be charged at closing. The VA restricts certain fees, and sellers are even permitted to pay all of a buyer's VA loan closing costs and up to 4% of the loan amount in concessions. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses at closing. (Source: Veterans United Home Loans) Competitive Interest Rates: Due to the government guarantee that backs VA loans, lenders are able to offer more competitive average interest rates compared to conventional and even FHA loans. This translates to lower monthly mortgage payments and greater savings over the life of the loan. (Source: Veterans United Home Loans) VA Loan Eligibility: Do You Qualify? To unlock these incredible benefits, you'll need to meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the individual lender. The first step is typically obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. General Eligibility Requirements: Service History (one of the following generally applies): Wartime Service: 90 total days of active duty service during wartime. Peacetime Service: 181 continuous days of active duty service during peacetime. Post-9/11 Service: Generally 90 continuous days of active duty, or the full period (at least 90 days) if called or ordered to active duty (for service after August 2, 1990). National Guard or Reserves: Six creditable years of service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard. Alternatively, 90 continuous days of active duty for training, or at least 90 days of active service including at least 30 consecutive days under Title 32 orders (Sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505). Active Duty: At least 90 continuous days of active duty service. Discharge: An honorable discharge is generally required. Certain other discharge types (e.g., hardship, reduction in force, medical condition, service-connected disability) may also qualify. (Source: Veterans Affairs) Spousal Eligibility: Certain eligible surviving spouses of Veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability (and who have not remarried, or remarried after age 57 or December 16, 2003) may also qualify. (Source: Veteran Affairs, Law for Veterans) Occupancy: The home you purchase with a VA loan must be your primary residence. VA loans cannot be used for investment properties or vacation homes. (Source: Experian) Lender-Specific Requirements (Beyond VA Eligibility): While the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, individual lenders also have their own underwriting criteria, which typically include: Credit Score: The VA does not set a minimum credit score, but most lenders typically require a minimum FICO score of 620 to qualify for a VA loan. A higher score often secures better interest rates. (Source: Veterans United Home Loans) Income & Employment: You'll need to demonstrate stable and sufficient income to repay the loan. Lenders will review your employment history and income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns). Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: While the VA is flexible, lenders generally prefer a DTI ratio of 41% or less. This ratio compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. (Source: Veteran Affairs News) Residual Income: The VA also uses a "residual income" guideline, which is the amount of discretionary income you have left after paying major expenses. This ensures you have enough for typical family needs. (Source: Veterans United Home Loans) Property Requirements: The home must meet the VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) to ensure it is safe, sanitary, and structurally sound. A VA appraisal will be conducted. Bottom line? If you’re a Veteran—or know someone who is—this loan could truly change your life. It helps families plant roots, build wealth through home equity, and finally call a place home, right here in the communities across Snohomish & King County. Don't assume you don't qualify – it's always worth checking!

A lot of buyers in Bothell, and across Snohomish and King County are asking: 📉 'Are prices going to drop?' 📈 'Should I wait for rates to fall?' These are valid questions, especially after the whirlwind market of the past few years. But here’s what most don’t realize about the current housing climate in our local market: This summer might actually be your sweet spot for buying. Here’s why, backed by what we're seeing on the ground right now: More Negotiating Power For the past few years, sellers truly ruled the market in Western Washington, often receiving multiple offers well over asking price with no contingencies. But now? Buyers are genuinely gaining the upper hand again. Seller Concessions are Back: Many sellers are now more willing to offer concessions. This means: ✅ Some sellers are covering repairs found during inspections. ✅ Some are offering closing cost credits to help ease your upfront expenses. ✅ Others are simply... lowering the price to meet market demand. Increased Inventory Means Less Competition: Why are sellers more flexible? Because inventory is the highest it’s been in years. According to NWMLS data from June 2025, active listings in Snohomish County saw a substantial 38.82% increase year-over-year, with 19,837 active listings at the end of June 2025 compared to 14,393 in June 2024. This expanded inventory translates directly to less intense bidding wars and more breathing room for you as a buyer. Key Takeaway: The "fear of missing out" (FOMO) from intense competition has significantly eased, allowing you to be more selective and assertive. More Homes to Choose From Remember last summer, when it felt like slim pickings in Snohomish and King County? That feeling is starting to change dramatically. New Listings on the Rise: The market is seeing a surge in available homes. NWMLS brokers added 10,965 new listings to the database in June 2025, a year-over-year increase of 9.83% compared to June 2024. In Bothell specifically, there were 524 active listings and 60 new listings in June 2025, providing more options than buyers have seen in some time. Diverse Options: This increased supply means a wider variety of home types, sizes, and locations are available. So, if you’ve been holding out for "the one" – that specific layout, ideal neighborhood, or perfect yard – it might literally be hitting the market this week, ready for your consideration without intense pressure. More Price Flexibility The frantic pace of sales has slowed, and sellers are getting more realistic about pricing to attract buyers in this evolving environment. Homes Sitting Longer: Homes are sitting on the market longer than in recent years. In June 2025, the median days on market in King County was 28 days, up from 19 days last year. In Snohomish County, the median days on market was 30 days, up from 17 days last year. This extended time gives you more opportunity to evaluate properties and for sellers to become more flexible. Price Adjustments are Common: We're seeing more price reductions across the board, indicating sellers are adjusting expectations. This doesn't mean a market crash – it means opportunity for prepared and strategic buyers. You're less likely to overpay and more likely to find a property at a fairer market value. 🎯 Bottom line? This summer, the local market in Snohomish and King County gives you: ✔️ More options ✔️ More leverage in negotiations ✔️ And better chances to negotiate terms that benefit you, the buyer. Don't let headlines from other markets or past trends deter you. The local conditions are creating a unique window for savvy buyers.

Summer buyers are coming in hot—literally and figuratively, especially here in the highly desirable areas of Bothell and Snohomish County, WA. The market, while showing slight shifts, remains competitive. This means if you’re thinking of listing your home, you need to know what today's savvy buyers are actively hunting for to stand out and secure the best offers. Here are the top 3 features that are helping sellers in Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, and across Snohomish County get more offers—fast: Outdoor Living is Non-Negotiable With our beautiful Pacific Northwest summers, outdoor living spaces are no longer a luxury but a fundamental expectation for many buyers. They want to extend their living area outdoors, whether for entertaining, relaxation, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Think decks, patios, pergolas, and fire pits. These features create defined spaces for outdoor enjoyment. Even small improvements can make a huge impact. Staging your outdoor area with inviting elements like string café lights, comfortable lounge chairs, a cozy outdoor rug, or vibrant potted plants can spark emotional connections. As a local agent, I've seen firsthand how buyers don’t just want to see your home—they want to picture themselves living in it, sipping coffee on that deck, or hosting a summer BBQ. Local Appeal: Given Bothell's access to parks and trails, and Snohomish County's natural beauty, buyers in this region particularly value well-integrated outdoor spaces that complement the surrounding environment. Energy Efficiency & Smart Features are High-Value Assets In an era where sustainability and cost savings are top-of-mind, buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer long-term savings and modern conveniences. High energy bills are a real concern, and smart home technology provides both. Eco-Conscious Choices: Features like smart thermostats (e.g., Nest, Ecobee), high-efficiency double-pane windows, and LED lighting aren’t just buzzwords anymore—they’re negotiation leverage. Properties with sustainable features are commanding higher prices and attracting environmentally conscious buyers, according to 2025 real estate trends. Tangible Savings: Bonus points if you can provide utility bill history to demonstrate the real-world savings! This offers concrete evidence of lower operating costs, directly appealing to a buyer's wallet. Modern Conveniences: Beyond energy savings, smart features like smart locks, doorbell cameras, and integrated sound systems add an element of modern convenience and security that today's buyers appreciate. Turnkey Appeal is Paramount for Busy Buyers Today's buyers are often busy professionals or families. They're looking for a home where they can simply unpack and start living, not one that requires immediate projects or extensive renovations. Clean, Fresh, and Move-In Ready: If your home feels immaculate, fresh, and truly move-in ready, buyers are significantly more likely to fall in love fast. This means: Neutral Paint: Fresh, neutral paint throughout the home creates a blank canvas that appeals to a broader audience. Updated Lighting: Replacing outdated light fixtures can dramatically modernize a space and improve ambiance. Decluttering Every Space: Less clutter equals more perceived space. Buyers want to see the home's potential, not your personal belongings. Consider renting a storage unit for excess items. Minor Repairs: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or any minor imperfections. These small details signal a well-maintained home. 🏆 Pro tip: I recently helped a homeowner in the Bothell area spend just $7,000 painting the house and refacing the kitchen cabinets—and we had 3 offers in the first weekend. In Snohomish County, homes are still selling quickly when well-prepared. It’s not about big, costly renovations. It’s about strategic presentation and focusing on what delivers the highest return in buyer appeal. The Bothell and Snohomish County real estate market this summer is a seller's market where preparedness truly pays off. By focusing on these key features, you're not just listing a house; you're presenting a lifestyle that today's buyers are actively seeking.

Looking to sell your home in Bothell, WA? If so, here's one strategy most sellers overlook—and it's often the one that leads to quicker, higher offers. Spoiler alert: It's not just about the square footage or the number of bedrooms. It's about the lifestyle your home offers. Why Buyers Are Really Buying: It’s Not Just the House When buyers tour homes, they’re not just thinking about hardwood floors or granite countertops—they’re imagining what life will feel like. Where will they grab coffee on a Sunday morning? Is there a local park nearby for evening strolls? Are the schools highly rated? If your Bothell home (or nearby cities like Woodinville or Kirkland) checks those boxes, you’ve got a huge advantage. For example: Local Hot Spots: Main Street Bothell, McMenamins, and The Cottage Cozy Cafes: Like Café Ladro, Alexa’s Café, or Sidekick Coffee Nature & Parks: Blyth Park, Bothell Landing, and the Sammamish River Trail Top-Rated Schools: Northshore School District is ranked #2 in all of Washington! This is the kind of emotional appeal that makes buyers fall in love before they even step inside. Real Story: A Lifestyle Listing in Bothell That Sold in Just 6 Days I recently helped a local Bothell homeowner sell their property—and it wasn’t just the modern layout or remodeled kitchen that attracted multiple offers. We created a lifestyle-focused video, beginning at their favorite weekend brunch spot, then showing how close they were to a popular park and top schools. Finally, we featured the home itself. Result: The home went under contract in just 6 days! Buyer Feedback: One buyer said, “I want the quiet lifestyle and at the same time walk to a coffee shop or restaurant.” That’s the power of storytelling and selling the dream—not just the home. The Secret? Emotion Sells Before Logic People make decisions emotionally first, then justify them with logic. So while square footage and school ratings matter, what truly sells your home faster is the feeling buyers get about living there. Imagine showing them: A sunny walk to their favorite café Weekend family outings to the local park A short commute to top schools or tech hubs nearby When you highlight these lifestyle benefits, you make it easy for them to say “yes.” Thinking of Selling Your Bothell Home? If you're curious how lifestyle-driven marketing could help sell your home faster—and possibly for more—let’s talk. Give me a call and I’ll show you what this could look like for your property. Even if you’re not quite ready to list, a quick conversation could help you start planning ahead. You deserve a strategy that highlights what makes your home—and your neighborhood—so desirable.

Every week, I chat with homeowners right here in Bothell, Snohomish County, and even parts of King County, who wonder: "Maybe I should wait to sell my home – see what happens next quarter?" It’s a natural thought. But let's set aside assumptions and look at what the latest numbers are actually telling us about the real estate market right now. Disclaimer: All market data presented below is based on May 2025 statistics. What Are Local Home Prices Doing? This is often the first question on everyone's mind. And the data gives us an early signal: Snohomish County: In May, the median sale price was $800,000. King County: The median sale price was $879,500. Both figures show a slight dip of 2% compared to last year. This small change isn't a crash, but it's an important signal: the market isn't skyrocketing anymore; it's softening a bit. For sellers, this means we're past the peak frenzy. Inventory Is Growing – Meaning More Competition Think about how many homes are popping up for sale. That number is rising fast! Snohomish County: New listings are up by 157 units compared to last year. King County: New listings are up by a significant 723 units year-over-year. Translation for you, the seller: This summer, you're going to have more competition for buyers' attention. More homes on the market mean buyers have more choices, and yours needs to truly shine to stand out. Homes Are Sitting Longer Remember when homes sold in a blink? That's changing. Buyers are taking their time, which means sellers are losing some of their leverage. Snohomish County: Homes are now averaging 25 days on market – that's 10 days longer than last year. King County: It's 24 days, up 6 days from last year. This indicates that buyers are being more cautious, doing their research, and not feeling the intense pressure to make immediate offers. But Buyer Activity Is Still Strong! Despite the shifts, there's good news! Serious buyers are still out there, especially with mortgage rates holding steady in the mid-6s. Many families are looking to settle before the school year starts. If your home is well-prep or located in a sought-after neighborhood, you're still in demand. However, with the changing market dynamics, timing becomes absolutely critical to capture these motivated buyers. Here's the Key Takeaway for Sellers: ✅ Demand is solid: People still want to buy homes in our area. ✅ Prices are holding: We're not seeing a crash. ❗ BUT, more listings = more competition = a smaller window to make your home stand out. Waiting might mean your home faces even more competition, potentially leading to a lower sale price or a longer time on the market. Acting now, while demand is still strong and before inventory climbs even higher, could be your best move.

If you're thinking about selling your house in Bothell or the greater Seattle area, you're probably seeing new homes pop up everywhere. That's fantastic for buyers, who have tons of choices. But for you, the seller? The game just got a little more competitive. So, how do you make sure your place truly shines in this busy market? Price Smart for the Market It's tempting to price your home based on what you hope to get. But in a fast-moving market like Bothell's, smart pricing is key. It's all about understanding what buyers are looking for. Think Like a Buyer: If there are four similar homes listed around $925K, and yours is at $950K without offering more value, buyers might just skip right past it. Avoid Sitting Too Long: In busy June, an overpriced home can quickly get overlooked. While your neighbor's similar house sells in days, yours might sit, gathering dust instead of offers. First Impressions Really Count (Online!) These days, your home's first showing is usually online. Your photos and videos aren't just pictures; they're your best sales tool! This is super important when buyers are Browse dozens. So, why are we still seeing dark, blurry pictures or weird angles? Pro Photos are a Must: Get professional photos to truly show off your home's best features and grab attention on Zillow or Redfin. Twilight Shots: Add a magical touch that makes your home stand out. Vertical Videos: Great for social media (think Instagram!), giving buyers an immersive feel that static photos can't. Make your home look amazing online to really pull buyers in! Reach Buyers with Local Marketing Just putting a "For Sale" sign up isn't enough anymore. To truly stand out, you need a smart, local marketing plan that finds homebuyers exactly where they are. Here’s an example from a recent sale right here in Bothell: I used a few key strategies. Targeted Facebook Ads: We aimed these specifically at potential homebuyers and those in nearby areas. Local Instagram Videos: Engaging visuals created buzz right within the community. Neighborhood Flyers: Dropping these off to nearby homes can find buyers who love the area and want to move up or have family close by. The result? Over 40 people came to the open house, and that Bothell home was under contract in just 6 days! That's not luck; that's a smart, focused plan built for our local market. Bottom Line: Sell Your Bothell Home the Smart Way This Summer Homes that sell fast and for a great price in, don't just magically appear online. They're properties that: Are priced just right, for our local market. Look amazing with professional photos and videos. Are marketed directly to the right Bothell buyers. Thinking of listing your home this summer and want to make sure it shines brighter than the rest? Schedule your free chat today!

Check out our latest video on Everyone’s Watching Your Home Sale—But No One’s Helping Selling your home can feel like you're under a spotlight. Everyone seems to be watching, offering opinions, but where's the actual help? It's a truth many whisper about but rarely discuss openly. From the moment your home lists, it can feel like a public performance. Curious Neighbors: Walking by just a little slower, trying to peek inside. Well-Meaning Relatives: Sending endless links to homes they think you should have bought. Opinionated Coworkers: Questioning your list price or strategy. Suddenly, every decision you make feels scrutinized. The Pressure Cooker of Selling You might find yourself second-guessing your pricing, your timing, even the listing photos. There's this nagging feeling you have to justify every step to people who aren't even involved in the actual transaction. It's exhausting. And it's unnecessary. This Is Your Sale Here's what truly matters: This is your home sale. It's not your neighbor's. It's not your cousin's. It's not the internet's. You don't owe anyone a play-by-play of your strategy. You don't need to crowdsource your pricing or explain your motivations. What you do need is space, clarity, and a trusted advisor who can filter out the noise. Someone who helps you stay focused on the real goal: a successful, smooth sale. The takeaway: Your home sale isn't a group project. It's not about who applauds the loudest; it's about having the right support to move forward with confidence. Cut Through the Noise, Achieve Your Goals If you're ready to sell your home but feeling overwhelmed by unsolicited opinions and external pressure, let's cut through the noise together. I'm here to provide that objective guidance and unwavering support. Ready to sell with clarity and confidence? Call me when you're ready for a focused conversation about your next move.

Check out our latest video on The Guilt of Selling the Family Home—Let’s Talk About It Let's talk about something often unspoken in real estate: the deep emotions tied to selling the family home. This isn't just about an investment property or a condo you've outgrown. This is about the house where life happened. Think about it. Maybe you raised your children within those walls. Perhaps it was your parents' or grandparents' cherished home. Every room holds a story, etched in your memory. The squeaky stair that announced everyone's comings and goings. The pencil marks on the wall charting your children's growth spurts. The comforting aroma of holiday dinners that still seems to linger in the kitchen. When Life Changes, Homes May Need To But life evolves. The home that once perfectly fit your family might no longer suit your current needs. Perhaps the upkeep has become overwhelming. Maybe the neighborhood dynamics have shifted. Your heart might yearn to stay, but practicality points toward a move. The Guilt of Letting Go This is where many find themselves stuck, wrestling with guilt. Selling the family home can feel like letting go of the very essence of those precious memories. The Truth: Memories Travel With You Here's what's important to remember: You are not selling the memories. You're not erasing birthdays, snow days, or countless movie nights on the couch. You are selling a physical structure. The love, the laughter, the life lived within those walls? Those travel with you, in your heart and in your stories. Allow Yourself to Grieve It's okay to feel the weight of this change. It's perfectly normal to shed tears while packing up a lifetime of moments. This doesn't mean you're making the wrong decision. It signifies a deep connection, a life well-lived, and the bittersweet acknowledgment of a new chapter beginning. Selling a sentimental home isn't a betrayal of your past. It's a courageous step toward your future, carrying your cherished memories with you. If you're feeling the emotional weight of selling a home filled with a lifetime of memories, please know that you are not alone. If you're grappling with the emotions of selling your family home, I'm here to listen without pressure. Give me a call, and let's have a real conversation about what this transition could look like for you.

Check out our latest video on Spring Buyers Blinded by Pretty Curb Appeal and Overlooking Major Issues Spring in is beautiful, with homes looking their best. But for first-time buyers, that charm can hide costly issues. Don't let curb appeal be the only factor! The Springtime Dream vs. Reality Imagine falling in love with a Bothell home in April. Gorgeous landscaping, a sunny backyard with a pergola – perfect for summer BBQs. You're already picturing your life there. Then, the home inspection happens... Hidden Problems to Watch For: Roof Issues: Nearing the end of its life? Expect big replacement costs. Crawlspace Concerns: Moisture and mold can lead to health and structural problems. Outdated Electrical: Panels not up to code can be a safety hazard. Suddenly, that dream backyard could come with a $25,000 repair bill! Don't Panic – There's a Smarter Way Many first-time buyers might want to back out or accept everything. But a knowledgeable agent can help you find a better solution. How a Good Agent Can Help: Negotiating Seller Credits: Get funds to cover necessary repairs. Reframing Priorities: Focus on the home's essential condition, not just looks. Making Informed Decisions: Base your choices on facts from the inspection. Spring charm is tempting, but ignore red flags at your peril. A pretty yard won't fix major structural or system issues. Your Protection: The Home Inspection A thorough inspection is crucial. Don't skip it! Use it to understand the home's true condition and negotiate effectively.