Real Estate Blog

Real Estate Education and Resources

 

Oct. 27, 2026

Just Sold: 1319 196th Place SE, Bothell

Sold: 1319 196th Place SE, Bothell, front exterior

Sold! This 5-bedroom home in Bothell's Thrashers Corner neighborhood went under contract 8 days after it hit the market and closed on October 8, 2026.

The results

  • Listed: August 31, 2026 at $750,000
  • Under contract: September 8, 2026, 8 days after listing
  • Sold for: $730,000
  • Closed: October 8, 2026

The home

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 3,966 square feet, built in 1932, in the Thrashers Corner area of Bothell. See the listing details.

Thinking about selling in Bothell?

Every listing gets a defined plan: pricing backed by a current market analysis, professional photography and staging, wide exposure, and a call every Friday with what's happening. And with my Easy Exit Listing Agreement, you can cancel at any time at no charge if you're not happy with my service.

Curious what your home is worth? Get a free home value estimate, or call me at (206) 607-2575 or email matt@mattstarkrealestate.com.

Matt Stark, Windermere Real Estate Northeast

Posted in Just Sold
Oct. 27, 2026

Just Sold: 18704 45th Drive SE, Bothell

Sold: 18704 45th Drive SE, Bothell, front exterior

Sold! This 5-bedroom home in Bothell's North Creek neighborhood closed on October 19, 2026 for $1,310,000.

The results

  • Listed: July 22, 2026 at $1,350,000
  • Under contract: September 21, 2026
  • Sold for: $1,310,000
  • Closed: October 19, 2026

The home

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2,836 square feet, built in 2017, in the North Creek area of Bothell. See the listing details.

Thinking about selling in Bothell?

Every listing gets a defined plan: pricing backed by a current market analysis, professional photography and staging, wide exposure, and a call every Friday with what's happening. And with my Easy Exit Listing Agreement, you can cancel at any time at no charge if you're not happy with my service.

Curious what your home is worth? Get a free home value estimate, or call me at (206) 607-2575 or email matt@mattstarkrealestate.com.

Matt Stark, Windermere Real Estate Northeast

Posted in Just Sold
Oct. 27, 2026

How My Easy Exit Listing Agreement Works

My Easy Exit Listing Agreement means that if you're not happy with my service, you can cancel at any time at no charge. You're never locked in. I offer it because I would rather earn your business every week than hold you to a contract.

How it works

  • The standard agreement runs six months.
  • If you're unhappy with my service at any point, tell me and you can cancel at no charge.
  • There is no fee to cancel.

Why I offer it

A long listing agreement can leave sellers stuck with an agent who stopped communicating. I don't think that's fair. The Easy Exit agreement keeps me accountable: if I'm not delivering, you can walk away.

What you get while we work together

  • Pricing you can trust: a current market analysis and a net sheet before we list
  • Professional presentation: photography, a 3D tour, drone photos, floor plans and staging
  • Wide exposure: the NWMLS, Zillow, Realtor.com and Redfin, targeted social media ads, and outreach to local agents and buyers
  • A call every Friday with showings, offers, feedback and what sold nearby
  • A 29-step plan for every listing, from preparation to closing

See the full plan on my selling page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my listing agreement with Matt Stark?

Yes. With the Easy Exit Listing Agreement, if you're not happy with my service, you can cancel at any time at no charge.

How long is the listing agreement?

The standard agreement is six months, and the Easy Exit terms apply for that whole period.

Talk to Matt

Thinking about selling? Get a free home value estimate, or call me at (206) 607-2575 or email matt@mattstarkrealestate.com.

Matt Stark, Windermere Real Estate Northeast

Posted in Seller's Resources
Oct. 27, 2026

September 2026 Housing Market Update: Did Inventory Just Peak?

Inventory has likely peaked for the year, mortgage rates jumped in mid-September, and the biggest change in the market right now is on the demand side, not the supply side. Here's what the September 2026 numbers show and what I'm watching as we head into fall.

September 2026 at a glance

  • Inventory peak: about 2,287 homes for sale in the third week of September, the highest of the year.
  • Mortgage rates: about 6.7% at the start of September, now just over 7%, around 7.25% depending on the buyer's qualifications.
  • Sellers: new listings up about 3% from last year.
  • Buyers: pending sales down almost 13% from the same time last year.

Has inventory peaked?

Most likely. Inventory hit about 2,287 homes in the third week of September, the highest level we've seen all year. That follows the usual pattern: last year inventory peaked around the end of August, so we're a few weeks later this year, but peak inventory typically arrives right around this time. From here I expect a slow plateau and then a decline in the number of homes for sale through November and December.

What the jump in rates means

Rates started September around 6.7% and are now just over 7%, roughly 7.25% depending on the buyer. That is a real change in a buyer's monthly payment, and it will affect buyer demand, especially if rates rise again before the end of the year.

The real pressure is on demand

It isn't that more sellers are coming to market. New listings are up only about 3% from last year. The bigger shift is that fewer buyers are going under contract: pending sales were down almost 13% compared with the same time last year. So what's moving the market right now is lower demand, not a wave of new supply.

What I'm watching next

  • Does buyer demand keep dropping later in the year if rates go up again?
  • Do pending sales keep falling?
  • Does inventory keep building, or have we hit the peak and started to decline?

What this means for sellers

With fewer buyers writing offers, pricing and presentation matter more than they did in the spring. If you're thinking about selling this fall or next spring, a current pricing review will show you where your home fits. See how I sell homes.

What this means for buyers

Higher rates raise the monthly cost, but softer demand can mean less competition and more room to negotiate. Getting pre-approved and knowing your monthly numbers first puts you in a stronger position. Read my home buying guide.

Talk to Matt

If you have questions about what these numbers mean for your home or your search, reach out anytime. Get a free home value estimate, or call me at (206) 607-2575 or email matt@mattstarkrealestate.com.

Matt Stark, Windermere Real Estate Northeast

Posted in Market Trends
Oct. 13, 2023

OPEN HOUSE! This Granite Falls Home is New on the Market!

Saturday 10/14/2023 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Step into refined country living with this exquisite 6,194sqft, 4 bedroom, 3.75 bath home. A wide open first floor with vaulted ceilings, chef's kitchen, formal dining room, office, guest suite and large primary suite with a view provides comfort and elegance. The downstairs walk out basement is built to entertain or be a completely separate living space with high ceilings, a full second kitchen, open bar, theater room, second laundry room and two additional beds plus a full bath. Located on a sprawling 5-acre estate in the gated Pinnacle Ridge Community ensures privacy and security. The 3-car garage provides plenty of parking and tons of storage. 2 brand new furnaces and AC heat pumps, fenced back yard and outdoor shed for extra storage.

https://www.searchhomesnw.com/search/details/hrk/0/

206-607-2575 or matt@mattstarkrealestate.com

 

Posted in Just Listed
Aug. 9, 2023

Just Listed in Cherry Hill Estates!

Explore comfort in this 3-bed, 2-bath home with brand-new paint and carpets throughout. This double-wide mobile is nestled in the back of Cherry Hill Estates, a 55+ community. It boasts a spacious living room, full dining room, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and all appliances stay. Large built-ins and a storage shed give you practical additional storage space. With wheelchair-friendly access, a partially fenced yard, and 1,296 sq ft of living space, it's a haven of convenience. Park dues cover water, sewer, and garbage, aiding in a more effortless living. Move in ready! MLS #2148753

⁠https://www.searchhomesnw.com

https://www.windermere.com/listing/WA/Sultan/212-Old-Owen-Road-50-98294/177285462

📱206-607-2575 or 📧matt@mattstarkrealestate.com

 

 

Posted in Just Listed
July 6, 2023

New on the Market! Convenient Marysville Location!

Welcome to this beautifully updated home in Marysville. Boasting 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 1,436 sqft on a 5,227 sqft lot. Upstairs the kitchen features stainless steel appliances and opens to the dining room and back deck for easy meal preparation and entertaining. You'll appreciate the homes condition the newer flooring throughout and newer exterior paint. With 2 bedrooms upstairs and 2 downstairs, there's plenty of space and privacy for everyone. The master bedroom offers double closets and a private bath. Relax on the back deck and enjoy the territorial view and sunsets over the fully fenced yard. Conveniently located near Sunnyside Elementary, shopping, amenities, and with easy access to I-5 and Hwy-9.

⁠https://www.searchhomesnw.com/search/details/eh9/0/

📱206-607-2575 or 📧matt@mattstarkrealestate.com

Posted in Just Listed
July 6, 2023

PENDING in just 2 Days!

Want to know what your property may be worth? Use the link below or reach out to me anytime!⁠

⁠https://www.searchhomesnw.com/cma/property-valuation/⁠

📱206-607-2575 or 📧matt@mattstarkrealestate.com ⁠

⁠Experience refined living in the sought-after North Rose Hill area of Kirkland. This well-maintained, modern home is light, bright and airy with an open layout, tall ceilings and large windows. Boasting 2,950 square feet and offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a master suite with steam shower and projector perfect for movie night. Completely updated with new paint, carpet, quartz counter tops, new appliances and blackout shades in all bedrooms. The first floor office/den has been converted to a playroom with monkey bars and a slide though could easily be changed back. Outside, the large covered entertaining area opens to a fully fenced and very private backyard perfect for gatherings all year. Close to everything. Pre Inspected!

Posted in Pending Sale
May 25, 2023

OPEN HOUSE! This Lake Stevens Home is New on the Market!?

Saturday 5/27/2023 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Experience this captivating Lake Stevens home! Offering the convenience of single-floor living spanning a manageable 1,208 sqft and featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Step inside and discover the ambiance created by vaulted ceilings an open concept kitchen with tile countertops and a breakfast bar. The light and bright living area, enhanced by an open floor plan, skylight, ceiling fan, and cozy gas fireplace, provides the perfect space for relaxation. The master suite boasts a WI closet and a private bath. Outside, the fully fenced backyard guarantees privacy, while the large back deck offers outdoor entertaining space. Close to town this home offers great proximity to Hwy 2, Hwy 9, and everything Lake Stevens has to offer. Pre Inspected!  

⁠https://www.searchhomesnw.com/search/details/dsi/0/ 

206-607-2575 or matt@mattstarkrealestate.com

 

Posted in Just Listed
May 24, 2023

This Seattle Duplex is New on the Market!

Experience this charming North Seattle duplex that presents a fantastic investment opportunity. Consisting of two back to back townhome-style units, each boasting 1,015 sqft of well-designed living space. The main floor welcomes you with a cozy living area, a convenient kitchen, a half bath, and in-unit laundry facilities. Upstairs, discover two good sized bedrooms, including one with vaulted ceilings and a walk-in closet, accompanied by a full bath. New roof, and fully fenced yard perfect for outdoor activities. With off-street parking and a desirable location near Hwy 99, Northgate, transportation, and the picturesque Greenlake neighborhood, this property offers immense potential for long-term gains. Pre Inspected! Virtually staged.

⁠https://www.searchhomesnw.com/search/details/ds6/0/

📱206-607-2575 or 📧matt@mattstarkrealestate.com

Posted in Just Listed