In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked - but critical - checks before buying a home: What’s happening on the land behind or around your property.

Just because it’s open space now doesn’t mean it always will be. We walk you through practical steps like checking with city/county planning departments, reviewing plat or subdivision activity, examining comprehensive plans or future land-use maps, and watching for infrastructure clues.

We also stress the power of talking to neighbors and relying on a knowledgeable local Realtor to interpret the data.

With the right due diligence, you can protect your peace, view, and investment from surprise developments down the road.This podcast was created with AI voices from a blog article - You can read the full article here:

https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/before-you-buy-check-for-future-development-near-your-dream-home

For more information or insights on your local housing market, please visit: ⁠⁠JoeFrankRealtor.com⁠⁠

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Real Estate Unlocked!If you enjoyed the show and want to learn more or need help with your own real estate journey, feel free to reach out. You can visit us at - JoeFrankRealtor.com for more info, insights, and resources and of course you can connect with us on social media @JoeFrankRealtor Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Remember, we're always here to help guide you through every step of the real estate process, so don’t hesitateto reach out. Until next time, thanks for listening and take care!

Lastly, please note that everything shared on this podcast is opinion only and for informational purposes. It’s not real estate, financial, tax, or legal advice. Everyone’s situation is different, so be sure to do your own research and consult with a licensed real estate agent, attorney, and or tax professional before making any decisions.

This episode provides a September 2025 housing market update for Snohomish County, Washington, drawing data from the NWMLS as of August 31, 2025.

The piece offers a quick snapshot of key metrics for single-family homes, including average sale price, new listings, inventory, days on market, and sale-to-list price ratios.

It describes the current market as experiencing a typical late-summer slowdown with increased buyer leverage and emphasizes the importance of strategic pricing and home presentation for sellers.

The episode also projects near-term and 6-12 month price trends, highlighting the influence of mortgage rates and the highly localized nature of market outcomes.

This podcast was created with AI voices from a blog article - You can read the full article here: ⁠https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/september-2025-snohomish-county-housing-market-update

For more information or insights on your local housing market, please visit: ⁠⁠JoeFrankRealtor.com⁠⁠

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

If you're facing the stress of falling behind on mortgage payments or already received foreclosure notices in Washington State, you’re not alone - and you do have options.

In this episode, Jill and Dave break down potential paths like reinstatement, mediation through the Foreclosure Fairness Program, loan modifications, short sales, deeds in lieu, or even bankruptcy.

They walk you through how nonjudicial foreclosure works in WA - what steps lead to a trustee’s sale and when you can still act to stop it. Plus, learn why getting professional support - real estate agents, attorneys, housing counselors - is crucial to navigating your way forward with more clarity and less fear.

This podcast was created with AI voices from a blog article - You can read the full article here:

https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/exploring-options-for-homeowners-facing-foreclosure-in-washington-state

For more information or insights on your local housing market, please visit: ⁠JoeFrankRealtor.com⁠

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

In this episode we dive into one of the biggest hurdles homeowners face when moving up or downsizing: buying your next place while still needing to sell your current one. That’s where a home-sale contingency comes in. It’s a clause that says, “I’ll buy your home—if mine sells first.”

We’ll break down when this strategy makes sense, how the process works, and what you can do to make your contingent offer stand out—even against non-contingent buyers. From prepping your current home to aligning closings or using a rent-back, we’ll cover the timing playbook, the do’s and don’ts, and the pitfalls to avoid.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to approach a contingent purchase with confidence and why the right agent can make all the difference.

If you'd like to read the entire article, you can find it here: https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/buying-your-next-home-with-a-home-sale-contingency-a-simple-guide-checklist

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

The Snohomish County housing market is settling into a healthy, balanced groove as of July 2025.

Prices are holding steady at an average of $831K - just under spring’s peak but still above last year. More homes are hitting the market (2,439 active listings), giving buyers more choices while sellers face stiffer competition.

Homes are taking about 28 days to sell - up from 19 last year- so patience is key.

Mortgage rates remain in the 6.5 to 7% range, keeping buyers cautious.

Bottom line: Buyers have breathing room, sellers need smart pricing, and everyone benefits from a more stable market!Read the full blog article here: https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/august-2025-snohomish-county-housing-market-update

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

Multigenerational living - where multiple adult generations share one home - is rapidly growing across the U.S. and Snohomish County. Nearly 60 million Americans now live this way, driven by rising housing costs, elder care needs, cultural traditions, and lifestyle shifts after COVID-19.

Families are drawn to cost savings, stronger support systems, and honoring cultural values.

Buyers often seek homes with multiple living areas, main-floor bedrooms, ADU/DADU potential, large kitchens, extra bedrooms, and ample parking. Sellers who highlight these features and market with “extended family living” keywords can attract more offers in many cities within Snohomish County, and beyond.

You can read the full blog article here: https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/selling-your-home-tips-for-attracting-multigenerational-buyers

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

Zillow’s new “blacklist” policy, effective June 30, 2025, bans listings from its site if a home is marketed publicly—through signs, ads, or social media—more than one business day before being entered into the MLS. This aligns with the National Association of Realtors’ Clear Cooperation Policy and aims to ensure fairness and equal access. Violations start with warnings but can lead to a full ban for the listing’s duration. For sellers, this means MLS first or risk losing Zillow exposure. For buyers, it’s a reminder Zillow won’t show every home - making an agent with MLS access essential - or be sure to check out other sites such as Realtor.com and Redfin.

You can read the full blog article here: https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/zillow-s-new-blacklist-policy-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

Redfin forecasts a 1% drop in U.S. home prices by the end of 2025, but local trends in Snohomish and Skagit Counties vary. Southern Snohomish areas like Bothell are cooling due to affordability limits, while northern cities and parts of Skagit like Mount Vernon remain active. Condos are seeing longer days on market and price drops. Sellers should price strategically and prep homes well. Buyers may find more room to negotiate, especially on less move-in-ready homes. The national market may be softening, but real estate is local—understanding your ZIP code is key to smart decisions.

You can read the full blog article here: https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/are-we-in-a-buyer-s-market-what-redfin-s-forecast-means-for-snohomish-and-skagit-counties

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

This podcast stresses the critical importance of accurately pricing a home from the outset when selling. It cautions against overpricing, explaining how this strategy can lead to extended time on the market, multiple price reductions, and ultimately a lower final sale price. The author emphasizes that effective pricing relies on current data, including recent comparable sales, active listings, and prevailing local and economic market trends. The text concludes by asserting that today's buyers are highly informed, making it essential to work with an experienced real estate professional to achieve a successful and timely sale.

You can read the full article here: https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/why-pricing-your-home-right-from-the-start-matters-more-than-ever

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

This comprehensive article, authored by Joe Frank, offers guidance on the decision to rent or buy a home, examining both the financial and lifestyle implications. It breaks down quantitative analyses, comparing monthly and upfront costs for renting versus buying, and explores factors like home appreciation, investment returns, and potential tax savings. Furthermore, the article provides a qualitative analysis, weighing the advantages of flexibility in renting against the stability of homeownership, alongside considerations for customization, maintenance responsibilities, and family planning. The author also presents city-specific examples where either renting or buying might be more advantageous in 2025, ultimately encouraging readers to assess their personal circumstances and consult with real estate and financial professionals.

You can read the original blog article here: https://www.joefrankrealtor.com/post/rent-or-buy-how-to-decide-what-makes-the-most-financial-and-lifestyle-sense

The information provided on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are solely those of the host and guests, and do not constitute real estate, financial, tax, legal, or other professional advice. Every situation is unique, and you should always conduct your own research and due diligence before making any decisions. Please consult directly with qualified professionals such as a licensed real estate agent, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.