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Downsizing in Everett: Finding Your Perfect Next Home
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An aerial view of Everett, Washington showing its diverse neighborhoods nestled between Puget Sound and the Cascade foothills. The scene captures the city's mix of residential areas with the downtown core visible in the distance. Morning light illuminates the waterfront, marinas, and tree-lined streets, highlighting the city's natural beauty and livable scale.
Everett's evolving real estate market presents an ideal opportunity for homeowners looking to transition to a smaller space. With average home prices at $672,560 and inventory up 42.6% year-over-year, the market now favors strategic moves. Downsizing reduces maintenance burdens, lowers utility costs, and frees up equity—all while keeping you in a community that balances urban amenities with Pacific Northwest charm.

Why Downsize in Everett?

A cluttered, oversized living room in a 2,800 square foot Everett single-family home. The space shows signs of years of accumulated possessions, with furniture that's too large for the next home. Large windows overlook an expansive but maintenance-heavy yard. The room feels dated with 1990s decor and too much unused space.
Downsizing involves both practical logistics and emotional adjustments. Beyond reducing square footage, it's about reimagining your lifestyle. Many Everett homeowners find that smaller spaces bring unexpected benefits: utility bills decrease by 30-40%, maintenance time drops significantly, and freed-up equity provides financial flexibility. The emotional journey—sorting through decades of memories and letting go—can be challenging, but most downsizers report feeling liberated once settled in their new homes.
A residential street in Northwest Everett showing a mix of housing styles with several For Sale signs visible. The scene captures well-maintained craftsman homes alongside newer townhouses, illustrating the diverse housing inventory now available to downsizers. Morning light illuminates the tree-lined street where a couple walks their dog while casually looking at properties.
A street view of Silver Lake neighborhood showing multiple homes for sale, illustrating the 42.6% inventory increase. The image captures a variety of housing options from small single-family homes to modern townhouses, all within walking distance of local amenities. The neighborhood appears well-established with mature trees and sidewalks.

Understanding Everett's Housing Market

Everett's real estate landscape has evolved significantly in 2025. With median home prices between $645,000 and $672,560, and a substantial 42.6% year-over-year inventory increase, the market has shifted to favor informed buyers. Homes typically sell within 6 days, but nearly half of listings now see price reductions—a stark contrast to the seller's market of previous years.
Everett offers significant cost savings compared to Seattle, with overall expenses 22% lower. Downsizing from a 2,500 sq. ft. home to a 1,500 sq. ft. property can reduce property taxes by approximately $1,200 annually.
Utility costs decrease proportionally with square footage—expect to save 30-40% on heating, cooling, and electricity. Maintenance expenses typically drop by 50%, freeing up both time and money for activities you truly enjoy.
When evaluating neighborhoods, consider your specific needs: walkability scores, proximity to healthcare facilities, access to public transportation, and distance to shopping and dining options that match your lifestyle.
A charming smaller craftsman home in Northwest Everett with a manageable front yard and renovated interior visible through large windows. The house features a covered porch perfect for morning coffee, with hanging flower baskets and a small seating area. The street shows similar well-maintained homes with sidewalks and mature trees, illustrating the neighborhood's historic character and walkability.

Best Neighborhoods for Downsizing

Silver Lake offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and convenience for downsizers. With median home prices ranging from $525,000 to $595,000, this neighborhood features lakeside condominiums, modern townhomes, and smaller single-family residences. The area boasts a walkability score of 68, with the Silver Lake Shopping Center providing essential services. Healthcare facilities are within a 10-minute drive, and the Green Lantern Pub and Mill Creek Town Center offer dining options within easy reach.
Pinehurst-Beverly Park and Northwest Everett present compelling alternatives. Pinehurst-Beverly Park ($485,000-$550,000) features more affordable options with excellent transit connections and the Beverly Park Elementary walking trail. Northwest Everett ($575,000-$650,000) offers historic charm with smaller craftsman homes and newer condos, plus walkable access to downtown amenities, Providence Medical Center, and the waterfront—perfect for active downsizers seeking urban convenience.
A living room being staged in an Everett single-family home. The space shows neutral wall colors, minimal furniture arranged to highlight room dimensions, and natural light streaming through clean windows. Personal items have been removed, leaving a few tasteful decorative elements that showcase the home's architectural features while allowing potential buyers to envision their own possessions in the space.
Before: A cluttered master bedroom with dated wallpaper, personal photographs, and oversized furniture that makes the space feel smaller than it is. The heavy drapes block natural light, and worn carpet shows years of use. The room appears dark and confined despite its actual dimensions.

Preparing Your Current Home for Sale

In Everett's evolving market, strategic preparation is essential. Begin with decluttering and depersonalizing to help buyers envision themselves in the space. Invest in pre-inspections to identify and address issues proactively. Price competitively based on recent comparable sales, not aspirational figures. With 44% of listings seeing price reductions, realistic pricing is crucial.
Begin decluttering at least three months before your move. Use the four-box method—keep, donate, sell, discard—and tackle one room at a time, starting with less emotional spaces like the garage or guest room.
Consider hiring a professional organizer—Everett has several specialists in downsizing transitions. Local resources include Goodwill on Evergreen Way, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and consignment shops like Encore Boutique.
Be realistic about your new space dimensions. Measure rooms and doorways before deciding what furniture to keep. Digital photos of your new floor plan can help visualize what will fit comfortably.
A retired couple meeting with their financial advisor in a comfortable office setting. Spread across the desk are documents showing their current mortgage payoff amount, estimated home selling price, and potential proceeds. A calculator and notepad with figures demonstrate the practical financial planning involved in downsizing.

Financial Considerations

Calculate your net proceeds by subtracting your remaining mortgage, agent commissions (typically 5-6%), closing costs, and moving expenses from your home's selling price. This figure forms the foundation of your downsizing budget.
Beyond purchase price, factor in property taxes (lower in Everett than Seattle), HOA fees if applicable, renovation costs for your new home, and potential capital gains implications if your profit exceeds $250,000 ($500,000 for couples).
A single-level townhome in Northwest Everett featuring age-in-place design elements. The entrance has no steps, doorways are wider than standard, and the bathroom is visible with grab bars and a walk-in shower. Natural light floods the open floor plan through large windows, while the kitchen shows adjustable-height countertops and easily accessible cabinets.
Downsizing isn't just about addressing current needs—it's about anticipating future requirements. When evaluating properties, consider single-level living, wider doorways, and step-free entrances that accommodate potential mobility changes. For condos or townhomes, thoroughly review HOA documents, including fee structures, reserve funds, and rules that might affect your lifestyle.

Planning for Your Future

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Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Not intended to solicit sellers or buyers under written contract with another REALTOR®.
Larry Bell
Associate Broker, CRB,CRS,ABR,SRES,SFR
John L. Scott Real Estate
Independently owned and operated.
Direct: 425-359-4041Office: 425-359-4041www.larrybell.johnlscott.com
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John L. Scott Real Estate
Independently owned and operated.
Direct: +1 135 246 7890Office: +1 086 975 4321www.exampleurl.com
10820 Evergreen Way, Everett, WA 98204