Population 750,000; metro four million; median home price $820,000; unemployment 3.2%.
Seattle homes expected to rise ~2.8%–4.0% by end of 2026.
No state income tax saves $8,000–$10,000 annually on $150,000 salaries.
Outdoor access: 60–90 minutes to ski, rainforest, ferries, and islands.
Tech jobs and culture keep demand strong despite cost and weather caveats.
Existing home sales rose 1.7% to a 4.09 million-unit annual rate, exceeding economists’ expectations despite tight supply constraints.
Median existing home prices increased modestly 0.3% year-over-year to $398,000, reflecting slower appreciation and improving affordability.
Housing inventory grew 4.9% from last year to 1.29 million units, providing slightly more options but remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
First-time buyers accounted for 34% of sales, with median days on market rising to 47, indicating moderate competition and market stabilization.
State revenues exceeded forecasts by $165.5M for Dec–Jan, with cumulative revenues $340.1M above expectations. Seattle's inflation rose 3.1% year-over-year in December, outpacing the U.S. average. Jobs increased by 9,000 month-to-month but declined 6,600 year-over-year; unemployment rose to 4.7%. Housing permits rebounded to 39,300 units, and Seattle home prices rose 0.5% in November. Imports and exports also showed monthly gains.
Sales to jump 14% in 2026 after a flat 2025; new-home sales up 5%.
Home prices to rise 4%, supported by job growth and tight inventory.
Mortgage rates expected near 6% in 2026, easing from 2025’s highs.
Higher-end homes lead gains, while first-time buyers remain constrained by affordability.
National home price growth is expected to slow, not collapse, with Zillow projecting ~1.2% rise.
Redfin forecasts roughly 1% growth, reflecting a gradual, predictable market reset.
Inventory remains tight, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, keeping competition high.
Some markets with more new supply offer buyers modest negotiating leverage.
Stabilizing prices create predictability, but dramatic bargains are unlikely for buyers.
Housing supply exceeds demand in many U.S. markets, giving buyers negotiating power and moderating price growth. Spring 2026's top homebuyer markets feature surplus sellers, below-national-median prices, and longer listing times, with Texas cities dominating the list. Nationally, there are 44% more sellers than buyers, favoring buyers in 39 of the 50 largest metros. Median home prices rose modestly by 1.1%, with some cities seeing declines. Affordable options exist in cities like Detroit and Cleveland.
Breaking news! Interest rates at pre-pandemic levels, mortgage rates at all-time low, announces Fed.
It's a dream come true for homebuyers who have been waiting for the perfect time to enter the market!
Dream on… Happy April Fool’s Day!
Enhance curb appeal with cleaning, landscaping, and fresh paint for strong first impressions.
Declutter, depersonalize, and deep clean to make rooms look larger and more appealing.
Make repairs, stage with neutral décor, and price competitively using local comparisons.
Market with quality photos, online listings, and open houses; work with an experienced agent.
Review all offers carefully, considering contingencies and buyer flexibility, not just price.
Housing inventory in 27 Northwest counties rose nearly 28% year over year to 13,341 properties, with 19 counties seeing double-digit gains. King County listings increased 35.5%, Snohomish County 50.2%. Median prices fell 1.6% overall but rose 4.2% from January. King County's median price rose 2.4% to $840,000; Snohomish fell 2% to $720,000. Sales declined in both counties. Mortgage rates dropped below 6%, boosting market activity.
First-time homebuyers should save for a down payment, typically 20%, and budget for additional costs like fees, moving, and furniture. Choose a neighborhood that fits long-term needs, prioritize must-haves, and get a home inspection to avoid surprises. Use a mortgage calculator to stay within budget, explore financing options, and spend time in the neighborhood at different times to ensure it suits your lifestyle.