Blog

03
Jan
By adrianwillanger
Around The Home, Uncategorized

Negotiating in the New King County Market: What Sellers Should Expect

The King County real estate market has shifted, and sellers need to recalibrate their negotiation expectations for 2026. With inventory up 25% year-over-year and days on market stretching to around 30 days, the automatic bidding wars and waived contingencies of recent years are largely behind us. Contingencies Are Back Today's King County buyers are no longer skipping inspections or appraisals to win deals. Expect offers to include standard contingencies, and be prepared for inspection requests. Smart sellers are getting ahead of this by conducting pre-inspections and addressing major issues upfront, giving them control over the repair narrative before buyers start…
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03
Jan
By adrianwillanger
Uncategorized

The 2026 seller’s market is here—and it looks nothing like 2021

The latest King County stats point to a still seller-leaning market in early 2026, but with more inventory, slower price growth, and buyers gaining leverage compared to the frenzy years. For sellers, it means pricing and condition matter more, bidding wars are less automatic, and strategy is now as important as “just being on the market.”​ Where the market stands Median home prices are roughly flat to modestly up year over year (about low single‑digit appreciation, with some data showing even a small 2–3% decline depending on month and segment).​ Active listings in King County are up about 25% year over…
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02
Jan
By adrianwillanger
Uncategorized

“Smart Homeownership After 60: Protect Your Options, Not Your Square Footage”

Smart homeownership in this stage of life isn’t about upgrading — it’s about protecting your options, preserving flexibility, and making your homework for you. What surprises many people is how a few quiet, strategic annual moves can strengthen your financial position without downsizing, over‑renovating, or taking on unnecessary risk. Here are five often‑overlooked steps that can make a meaningful difference: Review Taxes & Insurance with Fresh Eyes Small adjustments in exemptions, coverage levels, or policy structure can reduce annual expenses and improve long‑term affordability — especially in a rising‑cost city like Seattle. Prioritize Improvements That Protect Value (Not Just Update…
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02
Jan
By adrianwillanger
Around The Home

The Overlooked Real Estate Resolutions That Actually Change Outcomes

What’s in it for you:  If you want to buy, sell, or reposition your home in 2026, the biggest wins often come from the least talked‑about habits — the ones that quietly strengthen your negotiating power, timing, and financial position long before you step into a showing or list your home.  Here are the resolutions that rarely make the headlines but make a huge difference: 1. Audit Your “Hidden Costs of Living” Before buying or selling, review recurring expenses tied to your home: insurance, utilities, subscriptions, landscaping, maintenance contracts. Reducing these improves debt‑to‑income ratios for buyers and boosts net proceeds…
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02
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Holidays, ,

New Year Resolutions for Homebuyers and Homeowners

A new year is the perfect time to reset goals and make smart plans. If buying, selling, or improving a home is on your radar this year, the right resolutions can make a real financial impact. Here are a few realistic New Year resolutions that directly support real estate success for both homebuyers and homeowners: Improve Your Credit ProfileFor buyers, credit score plays a major role in loan options and interest rates. Even small improvements can lead to meaningful savings over time. Start the year by reviewing your credit report, paying down revolving balances, and avoiding new debt. For homeowners…
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