On my latest Mortgage Monday segment with Johnny Manson on Local Matters, we covered everything from Jeff Bezos’ $63 million mansion sale to what’s happening right now in Grays Harbor County. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights.

Bezos’ Big Sale and What It Means

Jeff Bezos recently sold his Seattle estate for $63 million before officially relocating to Florida. While that’s an outlier that skews high-end numbers, the median home price in Seattle is still around $1.2 million.

Compare that with Grays Harbor County’s average of $350,000 and you see why affordability continues to attract buyers here.

Californians on the Move

Every day, 140 Californians move to Washington. With home sales in California often ranging from $800K–$1.5M, many arrive here with the ability to pay cash. That can feel intimidating to local buyers, but here’s the truth:

💡 Cash doesn’t always win. I’ve seen sellers turn down cash buyers demanding big discounts in favor of financed buyers offering full price.

Market Trends in Grays Harbor

• Equity Growth: Local homeowners are seeing 2.5–3% annual equity gains — steady, sustainable growth compared to some U.S. markets slipping backward.
• Inventory: Homes here sit on the market a little longer, giving buyers negotiating power.
• Local Expertise Matters: Out-of-area agents don’t always price correctly for Grays Harbor. Working with a local pro ensures your property is positioned right.

Lifestyle Shift: Why Buyers Are Looking Here

Remote work changed everything. With a laptop and Wi-Fi, you can work from anywhere — and many people are choosing coastal towns like Ocean Shores and Westport for a better lifestyle.

Instead of paying $800,000 for a two-bedroom condo in Seattle, buyers are finding larger homes near the beach for a fraction of the cost.

Refinancing Opportunities

Refinancing isn’t just about chasing lower rates. Here are a few real-life examples from recent clients:

• Rate Reduction: Homeowners in the 7–8% range refinancing into something more manageable.
• Cash-Out Refi: One client pulled $40,000 to consolidate debt, dropping monthly expenses from $4,200 to $2,400.
• HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit): A client accessed $100,000 in just five days.

And with flex-term refinancing, you don’t always have to reset to a 30-year loan — I can structure terms at 25, 23, or even 22 years to fit your financial goals.

The Bottom Line

Right now, Grays Harbor offers affordability, moderate equity growth, and room for buyers to negotiate. Whether you’re considering a move, a refinance, or just curious about your options, the key is to be prepared.

👉 Get pre-approved now so you’re ready when the right home hits the market.