Buying a home—whether it’s your first purchase or your next upgrade—is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. But it’s also a process that becomes far easier (and far less stressful) when you take the right steps up front. As a Managing Broker of Pilchard Properties and local expert serving Snohomish County and surrounding areas, I walk buyers through this journey every day. Below is a simple, clear roadmap to help you confidently prepare for buying a home in today’s market.

1. Get Clear on Your Goals

Before you ever look at homes online, take a moment to define what you truly want.
Ask yourself:

• What type of home fits my lifestyle? (single-family, townhome, condo, waterfront, acreage)

• Where do I want to live? (Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Mukilteo, Woodway, Camano Island, Mill Creek, etc.)

• Am I looking for a long-term home, investment, vacation property, or a shorter-term move?

• What features are non-negotiable?

Clarifying your priorities helps you search more efficiently and prevents you from getting distracted by homes that don’t truly fit your needs.

2. Review Your Finances & Credit

This doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with the basics:

• Check your credit score and look for errors.

• Pay down small debts if possible.

• Avoid taking on new loans (car, furniture, etc.).

Strong financial preparation improves your buying power and can help you secure a better interest rate—especially important in competitive markets like Snohomish County.

3. Get Pre-Approved With a Trusted Local Lender

A pre-approval is not optional in today’s market. It:

• Tells you exactly what you can afford

• Shows sellers you’re a serious buyer

• Speeds up your offer process

• Helps strengthen your negotiating position

We work closely with several excellent local lenders; if you’d like trusted recommendations, we're happy to share them.

4. Understand the Market You’re Buying In

Each city and neighborhood in Snohomish County has its own dynamics, so it’s important to see how the local market looks from a buyer’s perspective right now:

• Average/Median Price: The typical home value in Snohomish County is approximately $743,817 as of Oct 2025.  Keep in mind that this is just an average and prices vary greatly based on square footage, finishes/upgrades & location.

• Inventory / Months of Supply: Inventory remains relatively tight but has softened slightly, giving buyers more breathing room. For example, the market has about 2.4 months of inventory — meaning at the current sales pace, all listed homes would sell in ~2.4 months if no new homes came on the market.

• Market Temperature for Buyers:

  • Homes are still selling quickly in many areas: in some reports, nearly 40.9% of homes went under contract within the first 30 days.

  • The market has shifted from ultra-hot “multiple offer frenzy” conditions to a more strategic pace. That means prepared buyers can still win—but waiting passively may cost opportunities.

Knowing the market helps you set realistic expectations on price, competition, and timing. I provide buyers with detailed market updates so you always know what to expect before touring homes.

5. Build Your “Buying Team”

Your real estate agent matters—especially in highly competitive or luxury segments.
A strong buyer’s agent will:

• Guide you through each step

• Educate you on neighborhoods, pricing, and trends

• Help you spot red flags

• Negotiate on your behalf

• Connect you with inspectors, contractors, and lenders

With over a decade of experience and deep local expertise, our role is to make your buying experience smooth, informed, and enjoyable.

6. Create a Home-Buying Timeline

Every buyer has different needs. Are you:

• Relocating?

• Transitioning from a home you need to sell?

• Looking to purchase this year or next?

• Waitiing until your lease is up?

Together we’ll build a custom timeline so you know exactly what comes next and when to take action.

7. Start Touring Homes—Strategically

Once your pre-approval and priorities are set, the fun part begins. When touring homes, consider:

• Condition and long-term maintenance

• Layout and functionality

• Commuting needs

• Schools

• Resale value

• Future development in the area

We'll help you evaluate each home beyond the pretty photos and staging so you can make a confident, informed decision.

8. Be Ready to Act Quickly (but Never Feel Rushed)

In many Snohomish County markets, the best homes go quickly.  Being prepared with:

• A strong pre-approval

• Clear home criteria

• A knowledgeable agent means you can act confidently when the right home appears—without feeling pressured.

Final Thoughts

Preparing to buy a home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, you’ll move through the process with clarity, confidence, and excitement.

Whether you're looking for a cozy starter home, a move-up property, or a luxury waterfront estate, we're here to help you every step of the way.