Summary: As a first-time homebuyer looking to purchase a home in Snohomish County, coming up with the funds to make this purchase can be a challenge. As such, it may be worth it to consider looking in more affordable neighborhoods to minimize the financial burden. This article will outline some of the more affordable areas in Snohomish County for first-time homebuyers.
Without the proceeds of a sale to put towards the financing of a new home in Snohomish County, it can be downright difficult to finance a new home purchase. But that’s exactly the situation that first-time homebuyers are in. This particular demographic will have to rely on gathering funds from other sources to come up with a down payment for a home purchase.
If you’re looking for a home in Snohomish County, you may want to consider looking at homes with lower price tags to make this transaction more financially feasible. Right now, the average median home price in Snohomish County is $490,300. That can be a tough number for many first-time home buyers, though it’s still significantly lower than many other centers in Washington State, such as Seattle and Bellevue.
But considering the fact that today’s interest rates are very low and prices are expected to rise throughout the year, now may be a good opportunity for first-timers to lock in at a low rate while enjoying the wave of price appreciation. According to Zillow, home values in Snohomish County have risen 2.5% over the past 12 months are expected to rise 5.3% over the next 12 months. That’s quite a price increase that homeowners will be able to take advantage of.
The idea is to buy in areas where prices are not as high as others. The following are the most affordable centers in Snohomish County for first-timers to consider.
1. Everett WA
The largest city in Snohomish County with a population of about 110,000, Everett is located about 25 miles north of Seattle. It is also considered one of the main cities in the Puget Sound region. Many locals rely on Everett as a major employment center in Snohomish County.
At the same time, it is also a bedroom community for the city of Seattle for many people who work there but cannot afford the sky-high prices there. These residents enjoy an easy commute to and from Seattle thanks to the quick drive along Interstate 5, as well as the many public transit routes at Everett Station, including Amtrak, buses, and the Sounder commuter train.
Right now, the real estate market in Everett is very hot. Prices have increased by 3.3% over the past year and are expected to rise another 5.3% over the next year. This can give buyers a great opportunity to get in the market just in time to enjoy a rising trend in home values. The average price for a home in Everett is currently $436,100, making it relatively affordable for first-time homebuyers compared to the average home prices in the entire country.
2. Marysville WA
Marysville is about 35 miles north of Seattle and is part of the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a population of 68,000, Marysville is the second-biggest city in Snohomish County behind Everett. It’s also the fastest-growing city in the state of Washington, with an annual growth rate of 2.5%. Residents love the natural beauty of the city, thanks to stunning views of Mount Pilchuck, the Cascade Mountains, and the Olympic Mountains.
Right now, the real estate market in Marysville is hot. Prices have gone up 4.9% over the past year and are expected to rise by another 6.5% over the next year. As of January 2020, the average home price in Marysville is $394,000. At that price, first-time homebuyers can take advantage of a more affordable market compared to other centers in Snohomish County. And with prices expected to increase rapidly over the next 12 months, this is a great opportunity for buyers to take advantage of appreciation and build equity quickly.
3. Arlington WA
Arlington is also part of the Seattle Metropolitan Area and is about 40 miles north of Seattle. About 19,000 people call Arlington home, with many service and aviation industry jobs in the area for employment opportunities. Otherwise, the relatively close proximity to Seattle and Everett provides locals with access to jobs without having to pay the sky-high prices of Seattle. For entertainment, residents of Arlington have attractions like Angel Of The Winds Casino Resort, The Outback Kangaroo Farm, and River Meadows County Park to enjoy.
The housing market in Arlington is hot right now, with an average home price of $418,500. Property values have already shot up 5.1% over the past year and expected to hike up another 6.2% over the next 12 months. Again, first-time homebuyers can take advantage of prices that are lower than the county average while benefiting from an increase in equity in a short period of time thanks to current market conditions.
4. Lake Stevens WA
Named after the lake that it surrounds, Lake Stevens is another great option for first-time homebuyers. Located about 8 miles east of Everett and 35 miles from Seattle, Lake Stevens is a great city for those who love the great outdoors thanks to the likes of several parks and trails in the area.
Snohomish County is filled with many very hot real estate markets, and that includes Lake Stevens. Over the past 12 months, home prices in Lake Stevens has gone up 4.2%, and over the next year, they’re expected to go up another 5.7%. This presents a prime opportunity for first-time homebuyers to benefit from a quick accumulation of equity, as well as a relatively affordable price of $434,500.
5. Stanwood WA
Stanwood is a rather small city with a population of 7,000. Since it’s located about 50 miles north of Seattle, it has become a bedroom community for the largest city in Washington State. At an average home price of $461,000, prices are much lower compared to Seattle home prices, which is why many are choosing to call Stanwood home rather than paying the sky-high prices in Seattle while enjoying suburban life.
The current real estate market in Stanwood is warm, with home prices have increased 4.0% over the past year and expected to rise another 5.4% over the next 12 months. Again, first-time homebuyers can take advantage of a lot of price appreciation over a short period of time.
First-time homebuyers have plenty of options when it comes to affordable home prices in Snohomish County. And with current rates being as low as they are, now may be a great time to get into the market.
Ready to Apply For a Mortgage in Snohomish County?
If you’re curious about mortgages in Snohomish County, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We are a local mortgage company based out of Bellevue, Washington that serves the entire state, as well as Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. Our mortgage financing professionals can work with you to help you determine which one of our mortgage programs is right for you. Contact us today with any questions you have about home loans in Snohomish County.
