Brenner Hill Real Estate

10/29/2026

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

More than 1 in 4 homes are being bought with cash right now. But here's something that might surprise you about who's buying them.

It's not just wealthy investors swooping in with deep pockets.

A lot of these cash buyers are everyday homeowners who've built up serious equity over the years. And that equity is giving them more buying power than they may have ever imagined.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $310,000 in equity.

Think about what that could mean for your next move.

You might have enough equity to buy your next home outright. No mortgage payment. No worrying about today's interest rates.

And even if you can't pay all cash, that equity could help you borrow significantly less.

But what if you're buying with a mortgage?

Here's some good news: Nearly 3 out of 4 homebuyers are still using financing. You're actually in the majority.

So don't let the headlines about cash buyers make you second-guess what's possible for you. Whether you're buying your first home or using equity to make your next move, there may be more opportunities than you think.

Wondering how you stack up in today's market? Send me a message. Let's talk about your options.

10/27/2026

Staging Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

10/25/2026

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Your house isn't selling as quickly as you hoped. So, should you just rent it out instead? It's a question more homeowners are asking. And the numbers show just how common this backup plan is becoming.

According to Parcl, about 9% of homes currently listed for rent were originally listed for sale.

That's a lot of homeowners becoming landlords when selling didn't go according to plan.

But before you trade your "For Sale" sign for a "For Rent" sign, there's something worth considering.

Being a landlord isn't always the easy passive income opportunity it sounds like.
Landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more than regular homeowners insurance. Property management can eat up around 10% of your rental income.

And that's before unexpected repairs, vacancies, or late-night maintenance calls.
Suddenly, renting might not look quite as simple.

Now, that doesn't mean renting is a bad idea. For some homeowners, it's absolutely the right move.

But if selling is what you really want, don't give up on that plan just yet.
Sometimes, the difference between a house that sits and one that sells comes down to the changing the strategy.

Thinking about renting your house because selling feels harder than expected? Send a message. Let's compare the numbers and figure out which option actually makes the most sense for you.

10/22/2026

Want a More Affordable Home? Don’t Overlook Condos.

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re co...

10/22/2026

Veridian Cove 🏡
300 N 130th St Unit 4103, Seattle, WA 98133 | MLS # 2596147
🛌 1 Beds | 🚽 1 Bath | 📐 707 sq/ft Total

Enjoy comfortable living at Veridian Cove, a pet-friendly condominium community offering resort-style amenities and convenient access to parks, trails, shopping, and transit. This pre-inspected, ground-level home feels fresh and move-in ready with new carpet and fresh paint. A cozy fireplace adds warmth to the living area, while the private walk-out patio extends your living space outdoors—perfect for morning coffee or unwinding at the end of the day.

The efficient kitchen features wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The spacious bedroom provides a comfortable retreat, while generous storage helps keep everyday essentials organized. Reserved parking and additional guest parking offer convenience for both residents and visitors. Pre-inspected!

10/20/2026

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

10/19/2026

Higher Interest Rates and Record Inventory Are Shaping the Market

After a relatively stable summer, mortgage rates have begun moving higher. For much of the summer, rates ranged between 6% and 6.375%, but they started climbing in late August. Although the two-week comparison shows no change at 7.25%, rates reached 7.375% last week—about a full percentage point above summer rates. That increase can make a meaningful difference in monthly payments and affordability, potentially causing some buyers to reconsider their budgets or take more time before making a decision. We’re seeing signs of a slower pace of activity, with homes going under contract down 22% in Northwest Seattle and 36% in Southwest Snohomish County compared with the previous two weeks.

Inventory has reached record levels in both markets, giving buyers more options but also making it important to look at what is actually available. In Northwest Seattle, approximately 55% of active listings are townhomes or townhome-like properties, compared with 18% in Southwest Snohomish County. That distinction matters because the overall inventory numbers don’t tell the whole story for buyers seeking a traditional single-family home. Inventory increased about 5% in both markets over the past two weeks, while new listings rose 11% in Northwest Seattle and dipped slightly in Snohomish County. Closed sales were relatively steady in Seattle, but fell 34% in Snohomish County, where the average price per square foot also declined.

With higher borrowing costs and more homes to choose from, buyers have less reason to rush and can be more selective about price, condition and value. For sellers, increased competition means pricing realistically and presenting a home well are especially important. While the market continues to offer opportunities, sellers should be prepared for buyers to take their time and compare their options before making an offer.

10/18/2026

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/16/2026

Experience the Brier Lifestyle 🏡
23010 39th Ave W, Brier WA 98036 | MLS # 2594438
🛌 5 Beds | 🚽2 Bath | 📐 2,289 sq/ft Total

Tucked beside a greenbelt on a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious home offers a highly functional floor plan with room to live, work, relax, and grow. The main level features a welcoming living room with vaulted ceilings and a brick fireplace, creating a comfortable gathering space. The spacious kitchen offers abundant counter space and storage and flows easily into the generous dining room, with convenient access to the deck.

A light-filled study or storage room adds flexibility, while the laundry/mud room features a sink and direct deck access. The primary bedroom, three additional bedrooms, and a full bath complete the main level. Downstairs, the lower level expands the living space with a large fifth bedroom, a family room with a second fireplace, a full bath, and plenty of storage. Direct access to the two-car garage with an attached workshop adds everyday convenience.

The spacious one-third-acre lot features a fenced backyard, offering room to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the tranquil greenbelt setting. The deck extends the living space outdoors, providing a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

10/15/2026

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.