FALL IN SEATTLE — MORE HOMES, MORE LEVERAGE!!

WE'RE BACK!!

Quick note before the numbers: if you noticed this newsletter went quiet for a couple of months, that was on us — and it's fixed. Behind the scenes I've been building out the Bensadon Homes team: a new agent training up, a second agent joining to handle overflow, and a system behind it all so follow-up doesn't depend on any one person's memory. Same service you've always gotten from me, with more capacity behind it. More on that soon. — Mark

NEWEST LISTING!!!

Welcome to Lake Forest Park living on a half-acre of your own!! This 3-bedroom, 1,440 sq ft 1969 log home at 18404 47th Pl NE just hit the market at $699,999 — and wait until you see it. Soaring vaulted wood ceilings, a stone fireplace, and sun pouring through walls of glass. Outside, the half-acre unfolds in terraced stone gardens — pergola, stone patios, even a little footbridge — under towering evergreens. Deeded rights to the Lake Forest Park Civic Club beach, minutes to Town Center and the Burke-Gilman Trail. And the updates are handled where they count: central A/C, a tankless water heater, a recently serviced furnace. The area median is close to $968K. A way into Lake Forest Park under $700K doesn't come up often — come see it before everyone else figures that out. (Yes, that's a grand piano. And yes, Sasquatch has already toured it. He approves.)

THE MARKET BUZZ

September's NWMLS numbers tell a split story. Active listings hit 24,965 across the region — up 24.5% from a year ago and the most since September 2014. Inventory reached 4.4 months, a level not seen since February 2014. But prices didn't crack: the regional median was $625,000, down just 0.9%, and King County's median held flat at $850,000. Pending sales fell 15.1%.

Translation: sellers are holding their price, buyers finally have selection and negotiating room — concessions like rate buydowns are back on the table after a decade of "keys only." If you're buying, this fall is the most balanced shot you've had in years. If you're selling, pricing to the market matters more than it did in spring, because buyers can walk to the next listing.

SEATTLE IN NOVEMBER

BUNKA NO HI

🎎 Bunka no Hi — Japanese Culture Day! (Sunday, Nov 1)

Celebrate Japanese culture at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (1414 S Weller St) — food, crafts, performances, and a traditional tea ceremony, all FREE! 🍵

🗓 Sunday, November 1, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

📍 JCCCW, Seattle's Japantown

A perfect family Sunday — and a reminder of how much culture is packed into this city.

SEATTLE CHRISTMAS MARKET

 🎄 Seattle Christmas Market! (Opens Friday, Nov 20)

A European Christmas market under the Space Needle! 🎅 Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion transforms with 60+ local and international vendors, a carousel, the Christmas Pyramid, bratwurst, stollen, and hot drinks for cold nights. Runs Nov 20–Dec 26 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) — timed tickets, so book weekend slots early! 🎁

MAPLE BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS

🥓🍁 Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts — The Side Dish That Steals Thanksgiving!

Meet the side dish that converts the skeptics! Halved Brussels sprouts roasted hot until the edges crisp and caramelize, tossed with smoky bacon, crunchy pecans, and a maple glaze that hits sweet, salty, and smoky all at once. 🍁 Prep is 20 minutes, it roasts in 25, and it can be staged ahead — exactly what a Thanksgiving cook needs. Special enough for the holiday table, easy enough for a Tuesday. One pan, zero leftovers, guaranteed.

WILDLANTERNS

🏮 WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo! (Opens Friday, Nov 13)

The zoo lights up for the season! ✨ All-new lantern displays across Woodland Park Zoo — glowing animals, larger-than-life scenes, and a walk the kids will talk about for weeks. Running Nov 13 through Jan 17, 4:00–9:00 PM. Make a night of it and stroll Phinney Ridge and Green Lake after dark. 🦁🌟

ARGOSY CHRISTMAS SHIP

🚢 Argosy Christmas Ship Festival! (Starts Friday, Nov 27) 

The 77th year of a Puget Sound tradition! 🎶 The Christmas Ship brings live choir music to waterfront stops all around the Sound, Nov 27–Dec 23 — watch from shore for free at most stops, or book a spot on board. Bonfires, carolers, and the whole shoreline lit up. It doesn't get more Seattle than this. ⚓✨

THE AMERICAN DREAM TV

Thinking about a move in 2027? The clients who get the best outcomes start the conversation in the fall. Call Mark at 206-422-3515 — see how we do things different.