Top 10 Steps to Win the Spring Market

Every spring, the same thing happens. Buyers who waited suddenly realize everyone else had the same idea. Inventory appears, competition heats up, and decisions need to be made fast.

The buyers who do well aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They're the ones who started preparing in January and February.

Here are 10 steps to get ready now, before the spring rush hits. FREE OFFER BELOW!

1. Get Pre-Approved with a Local Lender

Not just any pre-approval. A local lender who works in King and Snohomish County every day understands our market's realities: higher price points, tight timelines, and what sellers actually expect. They can structure offers that stand out and close on time. Start with your bank if you want, but compare it with a local option. I can connect you with lenders I trust.

2. Know Your Real Budget (Not Just What You Qualify For)

Just because you qualify for $800K doesn't mean you want a $4,500 monthly payment. Figure out what feels comfortable for your lifestyle, not just what's possible on paper. Factor in property taxes (they're real in King County), HOA fees, maintenance, and the life you still want to live.

Here's what buyers often miss: every property will have something. A repair you didn't plan for. A feature you want to change. The HVAC system that looked fine during inspection but fails six months in. If you spend every dollar you qualify for, you have no cushion when reality hits.

I always recommend buyers get a 1-year home warranty. It won't cover everything, but it takes the edge off those surprise repairs in your first year. Your lender can help model different scenarios so you know what you're really working with.

3. Identify Your Non-Negotiables Early

This is huge. When the market heats up and you're looking at homes on a Saturday morning with offers due by Monday, emotions take over. That's when buyers compromise on things that actually matter.

Sit down now and write out your non-negotiables. Not your wish list—the things you absolutely need. Is it school district? Commute time under 30 minutes? A yard for the dog? Three bedrooms minimum? Single-level living?

Knowing these in advance creates clarity when you're standing in a home trying to decide in 24 hours.

4. Start Watching Neighborhoods Now

Don't wait until you're ready to buy. Start following listings in your target areas today. Notice what homes are selling for, how long they sit, what condition gets multiple offers. You'll start to recognize value and spot overpricing. By March, you'll have an edge other buyers don't.

5. Understand Spring Timing in Our Market

Here's the general pattern: January and February are for planning. March and April bring the most new inventory and competition. May and June are when many buyers want to close so they can move over summer.

If your goal is to be in a home by early summer, you need to be ready to move in March or April. That means doing steps 1-4 right now.

6. Get Your Financial Documents Organized

When you find the right home, you'll need to move quickly. Have these ready to go: two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, two months of bank statements, and any documentation for other income or assets. If you're self-employed or have a complex financial situation, talk to your lender now about what you'll need.

7. Know the Difference Between King & Snohomish Markets

These counties behave differently. Snohomish often offers more space, newer construction, and slightly more breathing room on price. King County varies dramatically by location—what's typical in Bothell looks nothing like Ballard, and Maple Valley operates in a completely different world than Mercer Island.

Entry-level homes (typically under $600K in Snohomish, under $800K in King) see the most competition. Higher price points operate at a different pace. Understanding where your target falls helps set realistic expectations.

8. Build Your Team Early

Don't wait until you find a home to start looking for an agent, lender, or inspector. By then, you're already behind. Having your team in place means when you find the right property, everyone can move immediately. Chemistry matters too—you want people you trust when things get stressful.

9. Plan Your Housing Transition

Are you selling first? Renting currently? Do you need to coordinate a sale and purchase? These logistics affect your timeline and strategy. Some buyers need rent-back agreements, some need bridge financing, some need contingencies. Figure this out before you're writing an offer.

10. Create a Decision-Making Framework

In a competitive market, you might have 24-48 hours to decide on a home and write an offer. How will you evaluate it? Who needs to see it? What's your process for making the call?

Talk through this now with your partner, your agent, your lender. When the pressure's on, you'll have a system instead of chaos.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're thinking about buying this spring in King or Snohomish County, let's have a planning conversation. I'll help you work through these steps, connect you with local lenders, and create a strategy that fits your timeline and goals.

For the first 10 people who schedule a buyer planning session by February 15th, I'm including:

• A custom market analysis for your target neighborhoods

• Introduction to my trusted local lender partners

• A personalized spring buyer timeline and checklist

No pressure, no obligations. Just a clear plan so you're ready when the right home shows up.

Schedule Your Free Buyer Planning Session

The spring market rewards preparation, not speed. Start now, and you'll have the confidence and clarity other buyers are scrambling to find in March.