Over the past year, just 24% of U.S. home purchases went to first-time buyers*—the lowest share since tracking began in 1981. For context, the 40-year average through 2021 is about 38.4%. Elevated interest rates and stubbornly high prices are a big part of the story—but they’re not the whole story.

It’s Not Only About Prices and Rates

Since 2021, the typical monthly payment on a median-priced home in the greater Seattle area has roughly doubled, even before taxes and insurance.* That alone sidelines many new buyers. But first-time buyers are also navigating other life costs at the same time—often while growing their families.

The Kids + Housing Equation

Many first-time buyers are new (or soon-to-be) parents. According to a recent Wall Street Journal investigative report, the median cost of sending one child to daycare in King County for 4½ years until kindergarten is estimated at $117,482.*

Have two kids? Even if Snohomish County can be modestly less expensive than King, the combined reality of childcare + housing + daily essentials makes saving for a down payment and qualifying for a mortgage much tougher. And it’s not just daycare. The overall cost of raising a child has climbed sharply since 2022, and many baby-related goods are impacted by global supply chains and tariffs—costs that tend to trickle down

to local families.

What We’re Seeing in King & Snohomish Right Now

Condo & Townhome Supply: Inventory is meaningfully higher than for single-family homes—roughly 4–6 months of supply across many sub-markets in King and Snohomish.

Who Feels It Most: First-time buyers are the most sensitive to today’s triple-whammy—home prices, interest rates, and childcare costs.

Why Repeat Buyers Fare Better: Many can leverage built-up equity for larger down payments, are further along in their careers (higher income), and often have kids out of daycare—reducing monthly strain.

Take It Home

First-time buyers in King & Snohomish Counties face a tougher path than they did a few years ago. Prices and rates matter, but so do the real-life costs that arrive at the exact same time people want to buy their first home.

If you—or someone you know—are hoping to buy your first place, I’m happy to walk through starter- friendly options (condos, townhomes, smaller single-family homes), creative financing/credit strategies to discuss with a lender, and timing that matches your budget and life stage. I’m not a financial or legal advisor, so I’ll point you to trusted pros for those conversations—but I can help you map the path. There are special first-time homebuyer programs that help get people in their first home.

Address: 7850 E Green Lake Dr N Unit #204, Seattle, WA
Price: $694,000 • MLS#: 2446251

Wake up to Green Lake at your doorstep. This rare, fully remodeled corner condo at Green Lake Vista blends modern finishes, everyday convenience, and a coveted A+ location—right across from the park and loop trail.

Highlights

• Sun-splashed corner layout with private balcony and park/water views

• New kitchen: sleek cabinetry, quartz counters, modern appliances

• Refreshed baths, Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, smart lighting, gas fireplace

• Generous primary suite with excellent storage

• Secure boutique building with elevator, dedicated parking, low HOA dues

• Steps to cafés, shops, and the Green Lake loop; minutes to UW, Light Rail, I-5, Hwy-99, Downtown & the Eastside

Location & Lifestyle

Green Lake offers year-round recreation—morning runs, evening strolls, paddle time—plus quick transit connections and commuter access. Coffee, casual eats, and neighborhood favorites are all within a few blocks.

Why It Stands Out

Turnkey, stylish, and exceptionally placed. Whether you’re buying your first home, simplifying, or investing, this condo checks the boxes: views, parking, elevator, and low HOA in one of Seattle’s most beloved neighborhoods.

At-a-Glance

• Community: Green Lake Vista (secure, boutique building)

• Parking: Dedicated

• Dues: Low HOA (ask for current amount & inclusions)

• Status: For Sale — $694,000 • MLS# 2446251

Take the Tour / Next Steps

🎥 Watch the full video tour in the post.
📩 Message me for the feature sheet, disclosures, or a private showing.

21024 5th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198
MLS#: 2412901 | Asking Price: $900,000

If you’ve been dreaming of panoramic Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier views, this rare North Hill mid-century home delivers in every way. Perfect for summer sunsets, morning coffee with a view, and even 4th of July fireworks right from your deck.

Property Highlights

• Open, sun-filled main level with hardwood floors, central A/C, and cozy gas fireplace

• Trex-style view deck for year-round enjoyment

• Primary suite with private ¾ bath and Sound views

• Versatile lower level with a huge pine-paneled rec room, mini-bar, large flex room, bath, and plumbing for a second washer/dryer—ideal for a MIL suite, office, or hobby space

• Lifetime metal roof and major improvements already done

• Fully fenced, low-maintenance yard with natural-gas quick connect for effortless outdoor entertaining

Located in the coveted North Hill neighborhood of Des Moines, this home combines timeless mid-century design with smart modern upgrades. You’ll love the easy access to local amenities, beaches, and commuter routes while enjoying your own private oasis.

Here is a link to the listing video:

At Byler Real Estate, we believe selling a home should feel exciting—not just for the sellers, but for potential buyers too. That’s why we decided to make a recent open house more than just a walkthrough. We turned it into an experience.

Guests were welcomed with a literal red carpet and treated to free ice cream bars as they explored the property. The vibe was relaxed, welcoming, and fun—exactly what we wanted. And it paid off.

Over 100 ice cream bars were given out and our seller received a full-price offer just four days after the event.

What’s the takeaway for homeowners thinking about selling? A great open house is more than clean countertops and fresh flowers—it’s about creating connection. When buyers feel good walking through a home, they can more easily picture themselves living there.

Whether it’s through strategic staging, tailored marketing, or a scoop of creativity, our job is to present your home in the best light possible.

Ready to see what’s possible for your home? Let’s talk.

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing this spring is the dramatic increase in active listings. There are now 34% more homes for sale in King and Snohomish Counties compared to a year ago. This surge in inventory is gradually reshaping the market for both buyers and sellers, and it’s important to understand what that means for you.

King County Real Estate Trends – May Snapshot:

Declining Prices:

The median sales price was $995,000 in May, down from $1,040,000 in April.

Average price per square foot also dipped to $564, down from $575 in April.

Sales Volume Up:

Pending sales jumped to 1,977 in May, up from 1,702 in April—meaning more homes are going under contract.

Homes Still Selling Close to List Price:

The sold-to-list price ratio stayed strong at 100%.

Average days on market was 18 days.

Inventory & Absorption:

The absorption rate sits at 2.3 months—if no new homes came on the market, it would take about two and a half months to sell everything currently listed.

Snohomish County Real Estate Trends – May 2025:

Median Sales Price:

$835,000 in May, up from $771,000 in April.

Average Price Per Square Foot: Steady at $430.

Pending Sales:

869 in May, up from 723 in April.

Sale Price to List Price Ratio:

99%, so homes are selling very close to asking price.

Average Days on Market: 20 days

Absorption Rate:

1.9 months—reflecting a fairly balanced market, though still leaning slightly toward sellers.

What Does 34% More Inventory Mean for You?

For buyers, this means more options and less competition for each listing than we saw last spring. You may have more time to make decisions and negotiate, especially with prices stabilizing or dipping in some areas.

For sellers, while well-presented homes are still selling quickly and close to list price, it’s more important than ever to stand out. Strategic pricing, staging, and marketing are key as buyers have more properties to choose from. There are plenty of other homes on the market that may be competing with your property.

Bottom Line:

The Pacific Northwest market is evolving. Increased inventory is bringing more balance, but every city and neighborhood has its own dynamics. If you’re thinking about making a move this summer—or just want to know how your neighborhood stacks up—reach out. I’m always happy to help you interpret these trends in the context of your real estate goals!

If you’ve bought a home or even thought about getting a mortgage recently, you might know what a “Trigger Lead” is—and if you don’t, you may have experienced the side effects!

What is a Trigger Lead, and Why Should You Care?

A Trigger Lead is a type of notification that credit bureaus (like Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) sell to mortgage brokers all over the country. Whenever you apply for a mortgage and your credit is pulled—whether it’s a soft or hard pull—the credit bureaus alert mortgage brokers that you may be in the market for a new home loan. These brokers then get your contact information and can start reaching out to win your business.

This might sound okay on paper, but in reality, buyers often get flooded with calls, texts, and emails—right after applying for a mortgage. It can take the fun out of what should be an exciting time for you.

Is Change on the Horizon?

Last week, the House Financial Services Committee passed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, which aims to drastically cut down on these unsolicited contacts. A similar bill has already cleared the Senate, and this new legislation has bipartisan support. If it passes, it could mean the end of “trigger lead” harassment for Washington homebuyers—possibly by the end of the year.

What Would Change?

The new law would allow your existing lender (for example, your bank or credit union) to reach out if you apply for a mortgage with them. But it would finally put a stop to the barrage of calls and emails from random out-of-state lenders who purchased your information.

Takeaway for Buyers

Buying a home should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. As always, I’m here to help you navigate the process, answer your questions, and connect you with trusted local lenders who respect your privacy. If you’re thinking about moving or just want to chat about the market, reach out any time!