Seattle Vacant Inventory Reaches New Highs

Seattle finished vacant inventory climbed through 2024 and 2025, reaching levels well above historical norms by Early-2026 new-home data for current monitoring.
By Early-2026, Seattle inventory sat >2x much of the late 2010s and meaningfully above any pre-pandemic peak, changing supply comparisons for market watchers.
Months of supply moved higher with unit counts, showing the shift reflected broader market conditions, not just a short-term unit fluctuation alone.
An expert described a sustained multi-year build-up that reshaped on-the-ground supply, making finished vacant homes part of the current cycle in Seattle.
The data does not predict future outcomes, but finished vacant inventory has become a central Seattle metric to watch for market decisions.

Remembering Heroes, Honoring Their Sacrifice

This day honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to defend America's freedom.It became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials.

How to Say Goodbye to Renting and Hello to Home Ownership

Becoming a first-time homeowner requires saving for a down payment, often between 3-20%, with a typical 5% on a $200K home being $10,000. Create a savings plan by cutting unnecessary expenses or adding side income. Protect against identity theft by using protection services, especially during the home buying process. Check your credit report early to correct errors and improve your score before applying for a mortgage.

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Home Appreciation Builds Wealth Over Time

Historically, US home values averaged ~4% yearly appreciation since 1991, showing why ownership has often functioned as a long-term investment for many households.
In Q1 2026, the national median existing single-family home price reached $404.3K, ↑0.5% yearly.
Because appreciation is not guaranteed, location, local demand, condition, upgrades, and comparable sales help owners understand value movement beyond national averages better.
Owners can add value intentionally: a minor mid-range kitchen remodel can add >$32K, while asphalt shingle roof replacement can add >$20K in value.
Equity can grow through payments and appreciation, creating borrowing options like home equity loans or HELOCs, when repayment responsibilities are carefully managed.

Seattle Buyers Watch Slower Price Growth

US home prices remain at record highs, supported by limited supply and a persistent building shortage that keeps competition focused on available homes.
In Seattle, buyers and sellers are navigating a slow 2026 market, with affordability questions making timing, pricing, and preparation especially important right now.
Economic uncertainty has kept some buyers paused, while also discouraging sellers; fewer new listings can keep pressure on prices across the market.
Active sellers may need incentives to attract offers, especially when buyers are carefully weighing affordability before making a move in today's market.
A listings platform predicts housing may become more affordable as wages outpace prices, giving prepared clients a clearer framework for planning ahead.

First-time homebuyer’s guide to getting a mortgage

Navigating the homebuying process can be challenging for newcomers. It's essential to understand that while mortgage interest rates matter, other factors like loan size, down payment, and additional costs (e.g., insurance, taxes) also significantly impact monthly payments. Start saving for a down payment early, especially if your income varies. The homebuying process involves steps like pre-qualification, pre-approval, house hunting, and closing. A mortgage loan officer can provide valuable guidance throughout this journey.

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US Purchase Activity up 21% Yearly

Purchase applications recently ↑1% and were ↑21% yearly, showing buyers are moving forward as inventory conditions look more favorable nationally for many shoppers.
Total mortgage application volume recently ↓1.6% seasonally adjusted, after a prior ↑7.9%, while unadjusted activity ↓1%, tracking overall loan demand across programs.
The 30-yr fixed rate sat in the mid-6% range, and refinance volume ↓4%, shifting more attention toward purchase demand for market watchers.
An economist said potential buyers resumed forward movement after a brief pause, using improved inventory conditions across most parts of the country.
Application mix shifted: refinance share ↓42.5% from 44.2%, ARM share reached 8.3%, while government-backed loan shares varied across programs in recent activity.

Seattle Home Sale: How Fast in Early 2026?

Seattle median DOM: 56 in early 2026.
46.7% of Seattle homes sell within 2 weeks; median sale price is $758,000.
Seattle’s avg sale-to-list ratio is 98.5%.
Nationwide median days on market is 66, with 28.6% selling within 2 weeks.
Nationwide median sale price is $422,921; avg sale-to-list ratio is 97.9%.

Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day celebrates the love, strength, and sacrifices of moms everywhere, with their guidance, care, and inspiration across cultures worldwide.

Celebrating amazing moms! Your strength, kindness, and care inspire everyone around you—today we honor you and all that you do.

Enjoy pampering, hugs, and smiles, knowing your love and dedication make the world a better place.

Wishing you a joyful Mother’s Day! 🌸 May your heart be filled with love, laughter, and sweet memories with your family today.

Late April Gives Sellers Best Edge

Across the US, homes listed in late April had the strongest odds of selling fast and above asking, making it the top seller window.
Late-April listings were ↑18% more likely to sell above asking, with median sale prices ↑4% versus the yearly avg., the biggest premium of the year.
Homes listed then were ↑17% more likely to sell within 2 weeks and spent ~9% fewer days on market than the yearly avg.
Sellers also faced less competition: late-April inventory was typically ↓8% from the late-summer peak, even as buyer demand stayed strong.
Timing varied by market. West Coast and Texas sellers often did best earlier, while Northeast and Rust Belt markets tended to favor later spring.
For buyers, late spring brought the most new listings, mid-summer offered the biggest fresh selection, and late summer into early fall brought better deals.