10/30/2026
Your Halloween Housing and Mortgage Update – Hopefully, No Tricks and Maybe a Couple Treats
Headlines can be frightening. Understanding the numbers makes the Seattle and Western Washington market a little less mysterious.
For Buyers – You have more doors to knock on!
September active listings across King, Pierce and Snohomish counties increased 31.2% from last year, while pending sales declined 16.4%. That combination may create opportunities to negotiate price, repairs and seller credits.
For Sellers – Overpricing can haunt you!
More inventory means more competition, but prices haven’t disappeared into the night. King County’s September median sale price was unchanged at $850,000, while Pierce County’s increased 2.7% to $575,000. Pricing should reflect current comparable sales and competing listings.
The Treat of Lower Mortgage Rates
The recent retreat in the 10-year Treasury yield has helped create a more favorable backdrop for mortgage rates. Stock market jitters can sometimes deliver a treat for mortgage borrowers, but the improvement can reverse quickly.
Financing Strategies: Look Beyond the Candy Wrapper.
The sweetest deal isn’t always the lowest purchase price. A seller credit toward eligible closing costs or a rate buydown may do more for your budget than a price reduction, potentially putting a more comfortable payment within reach.
Take the mask off today’s housing market, and you may find opportunity behind the frightening headlines. More choices and room to negotiate could make this a good time to find the right home. But if buyers rush back in, bidding wars and rising prices could turn out to be the real monster!
Let’s connect to build a plan around your goals!
-Rob & Alvina Blair with Movement Mortgage (206) 779-5711
