The Sno-Isle Library system offers plenty of opportunities for kids to get out of their Monroe homes for a bit this summer and bring enriching books back with them as well. Keep your children’s minds active over the summer by signing up for the summer reading program. After reading 10 hours and logging the hours, kids can earn a free book! Every 10 hours completed after that will earn a vote for something new in their local library. This will encourage children that hard work can create a better world.

In addition for the motivation to read, there will be many free programs all summer long at the library. Check the schedule for activities such as building bridges, wired up, reptile zoo, Minecraft, and science experiments. Parents also have access to DIY activities for their homes. Help children make a birdhouse to hang outside of Monroe homes, create a balloon drum, make a story quilt, in addition to many other fun activities. Those with little ones can take advantage of storytimes now and all summer long. Baby and Me storytime is on Tuesdays, Toddler on Wednesdays, and Preschool on Thursdays all at 10:30 a.m. Find more information about the summer reading program and follow the links to find the calendar. 

Lake Stevens real estate is sweet. At Jenny’s Cookies Bake Shop a sugary selection of delights await. Shelves are filled with cakes, cupcakes, sugar cookies, and mini desserts. Located on Old Town Lake Stevens property at 12420 20th Street NE it’s always convenient for neighbors and friends to stop in for a treat or two. Jenny started off as an at home baker. Her talent for baking simply took off by word of mouth. Now at the bake shop her delicacies are enjoyed by all. 

Scrumptious sugar cookies began Jenny’s journey. After one bite, tasters will know why. Peanut butter cracker cookies are also crowd favorites. Dipped rice krispy treats are almost too adorable to eat. And, everyone loves a moist and flavorful cake pop.

Picture perfect cupcakes are not only enchanting to look at but delicious too. Classic cupcakes are the best. Traditional chocolate and vanilla cakes are always on the counter. Additional daily flavors vary. Lemon, espresso, red velvet and raspberry all fly off the shelves.

Signature cakes and other desserts add the perfect touch for all special occasions. Whimsical trimming enhance the mood for baby showers, birthday parties, anniversaries and more. Elegant designs are featured for wedding cakes. Tastings are available for brides and grooms living in the Lake Stevens real estate area. Dessert tables feature a variety of goods and and truly are eatable art.

Homes for sale in Lake Stevens are selling fast.

The Lake Stevens real estate market is booming: An increase in sales prices, new construction and a new downtown area in Lake Stevens.

The speed at which homes are selling for gives us an indicator of the real estate market. It also gives home buyers info on what their expectations should be when entering the market and trying to buy a home: How competitive is it? How much can they negotiate? Etc.

If you're a home seller you're probably questioning:

"How long will it take to sell my Lake Stevens home?"

... so that you can make plans on your next move, when to sell and how soon to start preparing your home for market.

Days On Market (Average vs Median)

Let's quickly get on the same page about terms and definitions, so we can look at these numbers through the same frame.

Average is defined as taking the sum of all the numbers, divided by the amount of numbers in the set.

• Example of Average Days On Market: 10, 15, 50. Average would be 25.

The median is identified by separating the higher half of the data from the lower half. In simple terms, just think of it as the "middle" number of of the data.

• Example of Median Days On Market: 10, 15, 50. Median would be 15.

Calculating using Median, whether it's Day On Market or Home Values seem to be a better statistical measure for calculating real estate market data and trends on a local level because median values are less likely to be skewed by very high or very low numbers. 

And of course, this can easily happen in a a city like Lake Stevens where you have the Lake Stevens waterfront homes for sale.  These homes will tend to be more expensive and likely take a bit longer to sell, throwing off the averages of Days on Market and Home Values. 

The Facts On How Fast Lake Stevens Homes Are Selling  

According to Biz Journals in Denver, homes in Denver are selling faster than anywhere else in the country.

"Denver was the fastest market, with nearly half of all homes going under contract in just six days, down from 11 days a year earlier. Seattle was the next fastest market with seven median days on market, followed by Portland, Oregon, and Tacoma, Washington at 10 days." 

How does the Lake Stevens real estate market compare with these heavy weights like Denver, Seattle, Portland and Tacoma?

Looking at the real estate data trends chart above you can see the median days on market in Lake Stevens has bounced around a lot over the last few years.

In March of 2017, the Median Days on Market was 25 in Lake Stevens. 

It dropped to just 8 days in April. 

That means the Lake Stevens real estate market, on how fast are homes selling, is just behind market leaders like Denver and Seattle. But actually ahead of others making the list, like Portland and Tacoma. 

When looking at Average Days on Market you can see that numbers are a bit higher. 

The Average Days on Market for Seattle Real Estate is 14 in April of 2017.

The Average Days on Market for Lake Stevens Real Estate is 31 in April 2017. 

Thoughts & Opinions On How Fast Lake Stevens Homes Are Selling  

As I explained the difference between averages and median above, you can see for yourself how different the numbers really can be. 

This is because you do have some outliers of very high prices homes, but also because you have some home sellers getting too greedy and/or their real estate agents missing the mark(et) when pricing the home for sale. 

Two Things To Consider When Looking At Days On Market

Homes aren't just selling for full list price. They are selling for over list price. 

In Seattle, homes are selling for about 107% of List Price. 

In Lake Stevens, homes are selling for about 102% of List Price. 

WHAT THIS MEANS AND WHY GETTING LIST PRICE RIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT

If you're a home seller and you hear how the real estate market is hot, you might think you get to list your home for any price you want and you'll get it. 

That would be wrong.

Serious home buyers know that in today's real estate market with homes selling so fast, they don't get to come in below list price and try to negotiate on price. They will most likely have to pay full asking price, (or 2%, or 7% above or more)

This means as a home seller, if you list your home too high, and buyers are assuming they have to come in higher, they will pass on it. A homebuyer is already feeling they have to "overpay" in this real estate market. They are definitely going to refuse to "overpay" on something that is "overpriced."

When this happens, and it does, a home sits on the market for a couple of weeks, buyers and real estate agents start to think something is wrong with it. Now it starts to get overlooked, pushing the days on market back to 20, 30, 40 days. These listings are the ones causing the increase in the average days on market. 

OFFER REVIEW DATES

There's a trend taking place in our area of real estate. It's not happening in every market and I've only heard about it happening in a couple different markets, and not often. 

In fact, it's been added to our real estate forms and fields in the NWMLS, it was happening so frequently. 

An offer review date basically tells buyers we're going to ignore your request to respond by X date and X time. We'll look at all offers that come in during X period and then respond by X date and X time. 

There are pros and cons to this, but focusing only the positive, this is good for the seller, that they don't feel rushed to accept an offer right away when there might be a better offer out there. And for the buyers, it gives them time to get into the home, maybe do a pre-inspection and actually make an offer before the home is already under contract. 

These offer review dates tend to be between three-five days. And as I said, most listings have them. 

So what this means is,  I believe if it weren't for these offer review dates, you would see Median Days on Market get dragged down to two or three days. 

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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Darin Persinger spends his days and weeks, helping people sell their home, making property tour videos and video marketing, helping Katherine with her homebuyers, serving on the Lake Stevens Chamber of Commerce board, serving on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the planning of the new Lake Stevens downtown, VP of the Lake Stevens Business Network, recording a weekly podcast called the Inside Real Estate Show, making a daily vlog called This Is The Life, writing books like, SOLD: What To Expect When Selling Your Home, Home Buying Made Easy, The 5 Levels Of Success For A Real Estate Agent, still speaking & training some times, and playing with his daughter, Morgan and French Bulldog Pearl, as much as possible.

Patriots living in Monroe can pay tribute this Memorial Day at Lake Tye Park. As the setting for the Flags 4 Our Fallen 5K Walk Run, this Monroe property will be all about the red, white, and blue. Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 27th, proceeds benefit the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7511. A national organization, the VFW places a focus on community service and strives to assist veterans who may be in need. A guest speaker will welcome all in the morning followed by the traditional playing of the National Anthem. 

Participants in the 5K represent the true spirit of America as they traverse the race path lakeside. Located at 14964 Lake Tye Park is a favorite recreational space for families living in Monroe. Over 60 acres are strictly reserved for fun. There is plenty of relaxing to do on the lake and on the beachside shore. Barbeques are fired up for hot dogs and hamburgers. The rest of the spread is laid out on available picnic tables. Children get out energy on the playground and basketball courts before and after their meals.

Make memories this Memorial Day by honoring United States Military members who have lost their lives in service. After the run spend the day in the park with friends and family having fun and cherishing loved ones.

Tails are wagging on Lake Stevens property. Pups have boundless energy. And, while they aim to please it’s easy for these four legged friends to get into trouble. Lucky for dog owners living in Lake Stevens, K-9 Manners classes are set up to help. 

In the Basic Obedience Class puppies four months and older can start to learn good manners and safety commands. Instructor Kim Dailey strives to create a team mentality between owner and animal. Sit, stay, come, and down are general commands that encourage great behavior. Positive energy equal positive results and an eagerness to please.

Once the basics are mastered, teams can get to the next level in the Advanced Canine Good Citizen class. Dogs and handlers work on leash skills, longer stays, and friendly interactions with strangers and other animals. Summer is a great time to improve your dog's behavior. Both levels take place on Tuesdays evenings. The first class begins on May 23rd and ends on June 27th.

Whether big or small, long or short haired, all dogs can be well behaved dogs with a little help. Classes are conveniently held on Lake Stevens property in the Lake Stevens Middle School Gym. Register your dog online. Additional information can be obtained by calling 425.335.1500. Pets must be caught up on shots to participate in the course.

Calling all motorcycle fans from Snohomish homes! On Sunday, May 21st, ABATE of Washington will host the 21st Annual Sky Valley Motorcycle Show. Head to First Street in the historic downtown area for the show, which begins at 9 a.m. and winds down at noon. Registration for ride-in motorcycles is $15. Vendors can rent a 10’ x 10’ space for $150. Proceeds from the motorcycle show will benefit the Snohomish Senior Center and the food bank. This is a great way for everyone who loves motorcycles to get together and support the local community.

All sorts of bikes are welcome. From radical customs to old school choppers to antique, vintage, and classic bikes. European and Japanese made machines will be there, too. Both men and women are welcome to participate. Commemorate the show with a ride pin for $6. Or get a cool t-shirt. Long-sleeved shirts are $30, and short-sleeved shirts are $25.

Don’t miss this great annual tradition, held every year near Snohomish homes. There will be great food, interesting vendors, and live music. Even if you don’t have a motorcycle, it’s amazing to see how people have customized their bikes.

Get more information about the Sky Valley Motorcycle Show and find out how to be a vendor. 

There’s a bit of the old west lurking near Snohomish homes. The Murder Mystery Co. has taken over French Creek Manor on Snohomish property and turned it into a Western township. Held on May 20th at 7 p.m., the Wanted Dead Or Alive Show is action packed and filled with intrigue. With an incompetent sheriff running the town, crime is running rampage. With luck running out, worthy fellows, often innocent diners are called out to be deputized. 

The Murder Mystery Co. brings a new twist to dinner theater where the audience becomes the actors. Those indulging in delicious dinners can become part of the plot twist, the actual red herring, or the hero stealing the show. Guests of the evening are asked to come in character. Pull on those boots and straighten that hat. It’s time for a howdy do ma’am kind of night.

The chow will be hot and there’s plenty of it. Three courses of delightful cuisine satisfy all hearty appetites. Adult beverages are available for an additional charge. Reservations can be made online. A good old time awaits cowboys and cowgirls from Snohomish homes. This unique experience is perfect fun for date nights, birthdays, anniversaries, and all other occasions. Mosey on down today.

Friends living in Lake Stevens often head over to 5 Rights Brewing. The perfect locale for having a great time, this little brewery is big on quality and service. Patrons are always greeted with a smile and a friendly camaraderie flows without. Family owned and run, beers have rich flavors and only the best ingredients.

Owners R.J. and Kristi Whitlow are strong believers in faith and committed to provided a comfortable place for residents living in Lake Stevens to enjoy one another. Building their business off the principle of 5 Rights of Medical Administration they are serious in their efforts to achieve excellent customer service.

There are a variety of handcrafted beers to choose from at 5 Rights. Over The Counter Beers are perfect for all palettes. Gateway beers introduce novices into the world of craft beers. RX Beers are a bit more strong. Included in this series are seasonal Saisons and Imperial IPA’s. Often special release Nurse’s Orders Beers are available for tasters. Favorites include the yearly Winter Saison and Russian Imperial Stout. Take a look at the list of What’s On Tap.

5 Rights Brewing is currently located at 7028 46th NE St. in Marysville. A second location may be coming soon to Lake Stevens property as well. Stop in and try a beer on tap.