For many Washington homebuyers, saving for a 20% down payment has turned into a marathon: it now takes a household earning the median $104.8K income an average of 11.5 years to reach that milestone. Home values have soared across our state—typical prices have climbed to $604.1K, a rise of over 96% in the past decade—while median incomes have gone up just 56%. For those earning minimum wage, the path is even steeper: reaching that 20% down payment target could take nearly 34 years, which really highlights the growing gap in affordability. Much of this pressure has been driven by Seattle’s tech-fueled demand, plus the influx of high earners attracted by our lack of state income tax. As a result, more buyers are looking north and south to Snohomish and Pierce counties. Yet even as people stretch their commutes, prices keep pace, making it just as challenging to get a foothold. After 16 years of guiding clients through these shifting landscapes, I know that understanding the realities—and the opportunities—of our market is the first step toward making smart, confident decisions about your next move.