The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced 14 policy changes to streamline the FHA single-family mortgage insurance program, totaling 150 actions since early 2021. Updates include reducing appraisal review costs, saving $3.3 million annually, and expanding flexibility in the 203(k) rehabilitation program. These changes aim to eliminate outdated requirements, reduce burdens, and improve efficiency for homebuyers and lenders.
In Late-Q2, US asking prices fell ~3% yearly, the eighth straight decline, while pending sales rose ~4% yearly for a seventh straight month.
The national median listing price reached $430K, active inventory topped 1.1M homes with yearly growth, and new listings also increased, expanding buyer choice.
Homes spent a median 53 days on market, matching the prior year and resembling prepandemic timing, a sign transaction activity had stabilized.
Sellers appeared to price more realistically: ~19% of active listings had reductions in Late-Q2, down ~2 points yearly, while cancellations stayed below prior levels.
A typical Early-Q3 slowdown was expected, but the market had not yet shown longer selling times, faster price cuts, or fewer new listings.
In Mid-Q2 2026, Seattle closed 2.8K home sales, ↑~2% yearly, showing transactions continued even as the city's market stayed measured overall recently.
Pending sales totaled 2.8K in Seattle, ↓~7% yearly, while median days on market reached 21, taking 7 more days than a year earlier.
Active listings climbed to 11.1K, ↑~12% yearly, giving Seattle more homes on the market during Mid-Q2 2026 than the same period earlier.
Only ~16% of Seattle listings sold above original list price, ↓~6 percentage points yearly, while 46% remained unsold after 60 days, ↑~5 points.
These Seattle figures reflected seasonally adjusted monthly medians from Mid-Q2 2026, using sales, pending activity, active listings, and time-on-market to track momentum.
The 20% down payment on a home is a convention, not a requirement. While it avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI), saving that amount can delay buying and increase costs due to rising home prices. Loans with as little as 3% down exist, with varying PMI costs. Different loan types—conventional, FHA, adjustable-rate, and interest-only—offer flexibility. Assistance programs and hybrid loans can also help. Pre-approval reveals personalized options, and maintaining cash reserves post-purchase is crucial.
Millennials are the fastest-growing segment in upscale Real Estate in current 2026, with luxury agents seeing strong interest above $5M from younger buyers.
Buyers in their 30s and 40s are purchasing $7M to $25M homes, supported by tech wealth and early family transfers from parents.
Tax-free lifetime gift limits began in Early-Q1 2026 at up to $15M per person or $30M per couple, creating planning flexibility now.
Luxury preferences are shifting toward long-term wellness homes with purification systems, ice baths, biophilic design, move-in quality, and future adaptability for affluent buyers.
Intergenerational transfers are expected to reach ~$124T in coming decades across the US, with millennials, especially women, positioned for major gains ahead.
In Mid-Q2 2026, Seattle homes spent a median 21 days on market, 7 days longer yearly, giving buyers more time to compare options.
Roughly ~32% of Seattle listings went pending within one week, and ~43% within two weeks, both yearly declines that point to softer competition.
Seattle sellers received ~99% of list price on avg. in Mid-Q2 2026, down slightly yearly, showing buyers had somewhat more negotiating room.
The median Seattle sale price was ~$842K in Mid-Q2 2026, a slight yearly dip, suggesting values stayed relatively steady while market speed eased.
For Seattle buyers active now, the slower pace can mean more room to negotiate and less pressure as affordability has improved gradually.
Buying a home involves key steps: determining your must-haves, choosing a home type, estimating mortgage affordability, and planning for down payment and closing costs. Shop for homes and lenders, get pre-approved, submit competitive offers, and conduct home inspections. After closing, maintain the property, save for emergencies, and continue retirement savings. First-time buyers may qualify for assistance programs. Preparation helps secure the ideal home within budget.
July is one of my favorite months here in the Pacific Northwest! From Fourth of July celebrations and parades to outdoor concerts, farmers markets, wine tasting, community festivals, and waterfront events, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.
This year makes the celebration even more special as America marks its 250th anniversary—a milestone honoring 250 years of our nation’s history, independence, and the communities that make it so special. It’s the perfect time to get out, support local events, and make memories with family and friends.
🏡 A quick real estate update: The market continues to offer opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Inventory has been gradually improving, giving buyers more choices, while well-priced, well-prepared homes are still attracting strong interest. Interest rates remain an important factor, so having the right strategy—and the right team—can make all the difference.
Be sure to check out my July Newsletter for local events, market updates, homeowner tips, and everything happening around Snohomish County this month.
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and memorable July filled with sunshine, laughter, and time with the people you love. ❤️🤍💙