Changing Leaves & A Changing Real Estate Market 🍂

Hi ,

Fall is almost here! Cooler mornings, changing leaves, and cozy evenings by the fire—there’s something special about this time of year in the Northwest. And with football back, it’s no wonder it’s Lianna’s and my favorite season. Let’s see if the Hawks can make another run at the Super Bowl!

In real estate news, buyers continue to have more choices. Active listings across the Northwest MLS are up 22% from last year, while closed sales are down 7.6%. With more homes available and fewer sales, buyers have considerably more options than they’ve had in recent years.

Interest rates are also back in the conversation. The Federal Reserve just raised its benchmark rate by ¼ point—its first increase in roughly three years. While the Fed doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, the move adds another layer to affordability and is something we’ll be watching closely.

We’re also seeing some softening in prices. The median sales price across the Northwest MLS declined 2.3% year-over-year, with August median prices at $845,000 in King County and $724,500 in Snohomish County. Snohomish County inventory is up 39.3% from last year.

For sellers, that means pricing, preparation, and presentation matter more than ever. For buyers, the increased inventory provides more choices, more time to make decisions, and potentially more negotiating room.

As always, I’m happy to be a resource—whether you have questions about the market, need help with a home project, or just want to catch up and talk football or fall plans.

I’ve included three of my favorite fall spots below, including Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish, which Lianna and I have visited and really enjoyed. If you haven’t hit a pumpkin patch, tackled a corn maze, or fired an apple cannon in a while, make this the year! 🎃

Here’s to a great start to fall—enjoy the season and Go Hawks! 🏈

All the best,

~ Nick
Your Free Home Consultant
206-979-7050

Kirkland

This exceptional property, nestled on over ¾ of an acre in Kirkland, offers a rare blend of privacy, natural beauty, and convenience. A peaceful stream gracefully frames the grounds, creating a serene park-like setting. This refreshed daylight rambler features a remodeled chef’s kitchen, renovated primary bath, and thoughtful improvements throughout.

The grounds are truly special, featuring a unique fire pit setting along Juanita Creek, a trout-filled pond, private access to Edith Moulton Park & endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. A gardener’s paradise with abundant space for flowers, planting beds & a large vegetable garden.

See Full Listing »

Mukilteo

Beautifully appointed Mukilteo home with sweeping views of the Sound, islands, and mountains! A bright, light-filled entry welcomes you into this gorgeous two-story home, thoughtfully designed to capture the views and abundant natural light. The heart of the home is the impressive ~650 SF great room—a wonderful space for entertaining, relaxing, and taking in the ever-changing scenery beyond. Enjoy water views from the great room and living room, while the spacious primary suite offers the simple luxury of waking up to views of the Sound.

See Full Listing »

A little preventative maintenance now can help protect your home from leaks, drainage issues, and water damage later. Take advantage of the dry weather to tackle these important projects before rainy season arrives.

Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris from gutters to help water flow and prevent overflow during heavy rain.
Check downspouts for clogs and make sure they direct water several feet away from your home’s foundation.
Inspect your roof for loose, damaged, or missing shingles that could allow water to penetrate during fall storms.
Look around chimneys, skylights, and roof vents for cracked or deteriorating flashing that may need repair.
Examine exterior caulking around windows and doors, replacing any areas that are cracked or pulling away.
Clean out window wells, exterior drains, and other drainage areas where leaves and debris tend to accumulate.
Walk around your property and identify low spots where water collects, then adjust grading or add soil if needed.
Trim back tree branches that hang over the roof to reduce debris buildup and minimize storm-related damage.
Test your sump pump, if you have one, to ensure it activates properly before the wettest months of the year arrive.

Summer gear has a way of piling up in your garage. A quick reset can improve organization, safety, usability, and function, helping you start fall organized.

Sort through sports equipment, gardening supplies, and seasonal items, setting aside anything that can be donated, recycled, or discarded.
Sweep the garage floor thoroughly to remove dirt, leaves, grass clippings, and dust that have accumulated throughout the summer.
Wipe down shelving, cabinets, and storage bins to remove grime and make it easier to find what you need.
Return tools, extension cords, and outdoor equipment to their designated storage areas to improve organization and safety.
Rotate seasonal belongings by storing summer gear and bringing frequently used fall and winter items within easy reach.
Check shelves, hooks, and overhead storage racks for signs of wear and tighten any loose hardware as needed.
Wash the garage door with mild soap and water to remove dirt, pollen, and buildup that can dull its appearance.
Inspect weatherstripping around the garage door and replace any sections that are cracked, loose, or worn.
Lubricate rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks with a garage door lubricant to help ensure quiet, smooth operation.
Test the garage door’s safety features, including the auto-reverse function, to make sure everything is working properly before cooler weather arrives.