Market Outlook: With More Homes on the Market, Isn't It Time to Buy?

A Wider Table for Buyers

Inventory across Washington grew nearly 20% from a year ago, which in plain terms means more homes and less pressure to settle. King County led the bigger markets, up about 24%, and across the Northwest, roughly 74% of listings now qualify for down payment assistance programs. If you assumed buying was out of reach, that number may change your math.

This is a steadier market, not a falling one. Closed transactions ran about 3% below last July, and the median price eased 1.5% to $640,000 as rates hovered above 6.5%. A market that hands buyers more choices and nudges sellers to price to meet the market isn't resetting, it's leveling. And leveling opens doors.

For buyers on Mercer Island, in Bellevue, and across the Greater Eastside, the takeaway is straightforward. More homes to tour, fairer pricing, less room to rush into the wrong one. The buyers who act now are the ones telling a better story next spring.

The Best Reply Is Action

So what's the best reply to a market that finally has more to offer? Action. Not a panicked overreaction, not comfortable inaction, just the next step. Book the tour. Run the numbers. See the homes while the best ones are still in front of you. That's the play.

If you'd like a read on your street or your price range, I'm a text away. Sharon