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When Retirement Starts to Feel Real — and Why Downsizing Is Worth Your Attention
Retirement used to feel like something way off in the distance. But for a growing number of Northwest homeowners, it’s on the horizon — and feeling very real.
Every day, tens of thousands of Americans age into retirement — and many of them are thinking not just about when they’ll stop working… but how they want to live next.
Here in Washington, that means asking big life questions while the housing market shifts in your favor.
The Snohomish & PNW Market in 2026: Cooler, Not Frozen
Before we talk lifestyle, let’s talk market:
• Prices and Inventory
Across Washington, active home listings are up and prices have softened slightly compared to last year. That means more choices for buyers, and a subtle shift away from the frenzied pace of recent years.
In Snohomish County specifically, the market is showing discipline and strength — homes are still selling, and demand is solid, especially in the $500K–$1M range.
• Mortgage Dynamics
Mortgage rates have dipped into the low-6% range, which doesn’t make housing cheap — but it does make the math possible again for many buyers and sellers.
Bottom line: the Pacific Northwest isn’t sliding into recession territory. It’s adjusting into a more balanced, sustainable market — great context if you’re thinking about selling and downsizing.
Why Downsizing Isn’t Just a Real-Estate Move — It’s a Lifestyle One
For retirees and soon-to-be retirees, downsizing isn’t about giving up space — it’s about gaining freedom, simplicity, and choice.
Think about what life should feel like after decades of work:
 Fewer stairs and easier day-to-day upkeep
 Lower ongoing costs (utilities, insurance, maintenance)
 More time for travel, family, hobbies
 A home that matches your current — not your past — needs
These trends show up nationwide. Older adults often leverage the equity in their homes for their next move — with many able to buy with little or no mortgage because they’ve built up decades of value.
And in the PNW, more inventory and softer pricing means choices — not compromise.
Your Home Equity Is a Powerful Retirement Tool
One of the biggest reasons downsizing is within reach? Equity.
People who bought homes in the PNW years ago have watched values grow. Snohomish County average prices — now well above $785,000 — are proof of that long-term appreciation.
Even if your home isn’t perfect, that equity gives you options:
 Buy a smaller place that’s easier to live in
 Move closer to grandkids or community you love
 Free up cash for travel, hobbies, or retirement accounts
 Lower your monthly expenses
This isn’t smoke and mirrors — it’s financial reality rooted in long-term home value growth here.
The Real Reason People Over 60 Move
It’s not market timing. It’s lifestyle:
 Closer to family: Being near children or grandchildren
 Simpler living: A home that’s easier to care for
 Flexibility: Retiring removes the “job location” anchor
 Lower expenses: Smaller space = smaller bills
When you look at why older adults are relocating, it’s less about chasing market highs and more about quality of life.
You Don’t Have to Be Ready Now — Just Ready to Explore
Thinking about selling isn’t the same as selling. The first step for most homeowners isn’t putting a sign in the yard — it’s getting clarity.
Ask yourself:
 What could I gain by selling?
 What could I afford to buy next?
 How does my home support the life I want in retirement?
Whether you want to stay in Snohomish County, move closer to family, or explore somewhere new — understanding your options is empowering.
Downsizing Is a Choice — Not a Sacrifice
Leaving the home where you raised your family or made decades of memories feels emotional. That’s normal.
But closing that chapter doesn’t mean ending your story. It could mean starting a more intentional, more joyful one.
And right now — with the market calmer and equity real — many homeowners are finding that retirement living can be both fulfilling and financially smart.
Let’s Have a Conversation
If you’re thinking about what’s next — not just for your house, but for your life — I’d love to help you explore your options.
A relaxed, informational talk that can help you:
 Understand current Snohomish/Puget Sound market conditions
 See what your home might realistically sell for
 Explore what downsizing could look like here in 2026
Downsizing isn’t about giving up — it’s about stepping into life on your terms.
