
Always working towards continuing my education, I completed the real estate industry’s most comprehensive new homes sales course and earned a national certification as a New Home Specialist. I am also Residential Construction-certified.
Our clients know when they choose to work with Best Choice Realty as a licensed broker, buyer or seller, they can count on us for high quality consultation. We have proudly built a company providing the best service. With ongoing communication and new technology tools, our expertise will help guide you through challenging real estate decisions.

Founded in 2012, Best Choice Realty is one of the largest and most productive independently owned and operated company headquartered in Washington State. We provide unparalleled real estate services while we work with our affiliates to service residential and commercial clients. In addition, we continue to offer our real estate brokers top-notch local Washington training in-person, virtual education, and support.

The MARICON HILARIO FOUNDATION raises funds for schools in the Philippines. With the help of my clients, I am committed to contributing part of my commissions to support the foundation while providing the best real estate services possible.
You’ll expect my transparency by giving you the risks and benefits to be able to make informed decisions.
I am committed to providing you with personal attention, dedication, and the highest level of professionalism. You can count on me to be honest, ethical, and compassionate.


If you’re thinking about buying a home in Lake Stevens, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Is now actually a good time to buy… or should I wait?”
And honestly, this is where a lot of buyers get stuck.
You see headlines.
You hear mixed opinions.
And it starts to feel like you could make the wrong move.
So let’s simplify this.
There is no “perfect” time to buy.
There is only:
👉 The right time for you
Because the market will always shift.
But your life, your needs, and your timing matter more than trying to guess the market.
Lake Stevens continues to be a strong and competitive market.
What that means:
Homes are still in demand
Well-priced homes move quickly
Buyers are active
Inventory can be limited
This isn’t a “crash” market.
It’s a steady, healthy market.
Even with interest rates changing, buyers are still buying in Lake Stevens for a few key reasons:
Families are:
Upsizing
Working from home
Needing functional layouts
Space isn’t optional anymore.
Lake Stevens offers:
More room
Strong schools
Community feel
Access to the outdoors
For many buyers, that lifestyle shift matters more than timing the market.
Most buyers aren’t buying for 1–2 years.
They’re thinking:
5 years
10 years
Long-term investment
And over time, the market tends to grow.
Let’s be real. Buying isn’t always the right move.
It might make sense to wait if:
Your job situation isn’t stable
You don’t have savings yet
You’re unsure about your timeline
You’re not financially comfortable
Buying should feel like a step forward… not a stretch.
Trying to “time the market perfectly.”
Here’s what usually happens:
They wait for prices to drop
Rates shift
Competition changes
And they end up chasing the market instead
Meanwhile, buyers who had a plan moved forward and secured a home.
Instead of asking:
“Is it a good time to buy?”
Ask:
👉 “Am I ready to buy?”
That means:
You understand your budget
You’re pre-approved
You plan to stay for a few years
You’re comfortable with your payment
If those are true… timing becomes less important.
Many of the buyers I work with relocating from Seattle are surprised by how much more space and calm they find in Lake Stevens.
Buyers in Lake Stevens are still getting homes every week.
The difference?
They:
Are prepared
Move quickly
Have a clear strategy
Many of the buyers I work with say the same thing after they close:
“I wish I didn’t wait so long.”
Here’s the simplest way to think about it:
✔ If you’re ready → It can be a great time
✔ If you’re unsure → Get clarity first
✔ If you’re not prepared → Build a plan
If you’re thinking about moving to Lake Stevens and want a clear plan (not just more Zillow scrolling), reach out. I’ll help you map out your next move step by step.
Maricon Bashforth
Real Estate Broker in Lake Stevens, Washington
Helping buyers and sellers throughout Snohomish County and North King County
📞 (425) 318-2716
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