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Kenmore (98028) Market Report – January 2026 Headline: Kenmore Cools to $773K—Buyers Gain Leverage as Waterfront Stays Hot Market At a Glance **Kenmore (98028) – Current Snapshot:** - **$773K median sale price** (down 7–8% YoY) - **30 days on market** (up from 21 days last year, +43%) - **~2 offers per home** (down from 4–5 in 2024) - **Mid-$400s/sqft** (eased from $460–$480 range) - **Market shift:** From seller frenzy to balanced negotiation **Compared to Nearby Markets:** - Lake Forest Park (98155): $839K median, 41 DOM, sales **up 21%** - Cedar Park (98125): $825K median, 35 DOM, sales **down 17%** -…
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Buying the Block, Not Just the House

Most buyers focus intensely on the house itself. Bedrooms, finishes, layout, and upgrades dominate attention. But long-term satisfaction often has less to do with the house and more to do with the immediate block around it. Micro Location Matters More Than You ThinkTwo homes in the same general area can feel completely different depending on their exact location. A home near a neighborhood entrance may experience more traffic. A property backing to open space may feel quieter. Corner lots, cul de sac positions, and homes near shared amenities each create a different daily experience. Observe the Rhythm of the StreetVisit…
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Sandpoint Market Analysis: Downtown vs Suburban Areas

Sales Velocity Comparison Report - ZIP Code 83864 🏔️ Sandpoint Market Analysis: Downtown vs Suburban Areas Report Generated: February 18, 2026 ZIP Code: 83864 (Sandpoint, Idaho) Analysis Period: Last 30 Days (January 19 - February 18, 2026) 📊 Executive Summary Sales Velocity Overview Downtown Sandpoint Core: Average Days on Market: 38 days Median DOM: 32 days Sales Volume: 5 units (30 days) Velocity Change: -15.6% faster than overall market Suburban/Outlying Areas: Average Days on Market: 49 days Median DOM: 44 days Sales Volume: 13 units (30 days) Velocity Change: +8.9% slower than overall market Overall Market (83864): 45-day average DOM 🏙️ Downtown Sandpoint Core…
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The Psychology of Curb Appeal and Buyer Perception

Curb appeal is often discussed in terms of landscaping, fresh paint, and updated fixtures. While those elements matter, the deeper principle at work is perception management. Exterior presentation shapes emotional response before a buyer ever crosses the threshold. By the time the front door opens, an opinion has already begun forming. First Impressions Happen in SecondsBehavioral research consistently shows that people form judgments quickly. In real estate, those first seconds matter. An overgrown lawn, peeling trim, cluttered porch, or cracked walkway can subconsciously signal deferred maintenance. Even if the interior has been renovated, early hesitation may linger. Buyers do not…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 17th, 2026

In an unexpected turn, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that inflation came in cooler than expected for the month of January, falling to a five-year low. The jobs report showed that unemployment numbers came in worse than expected, perhaps signaling further hesitation from the Federal Reserve, despite inflation data coming in favorably. This is also in light of retail sales data showing that, when accounting for post-holiday trends, retail activity has hit a significant slump. This suggests that Americans’ buying habits have changed substantially from the prior year, offering further insight that price pressures are still present at current…
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The Cost of Waiting for the “Perfect” Home

Many buyers delay decisions while waiting for a home that checks every box. While patience is valuable, perfection often creates paralysis. Understanding the difference between standards and unrealistic expectations helps buyers move forward with confidence. Perfection Is SubjectiveWhat feels perfect today may not feel perfect next year. Needs change, preferences shift, and priorities evolve. Holding out for flawlessness can delay progress indefinitely. Opportunity Has a WindowHomes that align well with budget, location, and lifestyle do not appear endlessly. Buyers who hesitate too long often miss strong opportunities that were well-suited. Compromise Is StrategicEvery purchase involves trade-offs. Smart buyers decide which…
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