What’s really happening in the 2026 Seattle-area Real Estate Market?

Seattle Active Listings

Seattle Active Listings, five year trend

Philadelphia Area Active Listings

There was a recent article in The Seattle Times (May 10) discussing changes in our housing market, and locally, the Lynnwood market is still showing strong activity. But when you dig deeper into the numbers, a more detailed story begins to emerge.

According to the April NWMLS report, active listings are rising. While inventory normally increases this time of year, today’s numbers are significantly higher than what we’ve seen over the past five years.

What does that mean?
• Homes are staying on the market longer
• Price appreciation is slowing
• Buyers have more choices
• Sellers need to price strategically for today’s market

There are also larger economic and political factors influencing housing activity, especially in our tech-heavy employment region. To compare trends, I looked at other markets across the country.

In Santa Clara, another tech-centered market, the impact appears smaller. Meanwhile, the greater Philadelphia market, which is far less dependent on tech employment, currently has active listings near a three-year low. Every MLS reports data differently, but comparing markets helps us better understand the bigger picture.

For buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, this may be the time to start exploring your options. Purchase prices are becoming more reasonable, there are numerous down payment assistance programs available, and the cost difference between renting and owning is the lowest it has been in quite some time.

It may be worth testing the waters, without pressure and at no risk to your current situation.

If you would like more information about the market, financing options, or available assistance programs, feel free to contact me.
C: 971-599-1739 Email: davidkoeger@c21nhr.com

#SeattleRealEstate #HousingMarket #SeattleHomes #RealEstateUpdate #MarketTrends #SeattleLiving

References:

Whitman, V. (2026, May 10). Priced-out homebuyers look north to a market that’s ‘never too hot’. Seattle Times, The (WA), p. C 5. Available from NewsBank: America’s News: https://infoweb-newsbank-com.us1.proxy.openathens.net/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/1A8022C29ACDA608.

NWMLS April Report – Please contact me for the link.

NWMLS April Report Video – https://vimeo.com/1188481609?fl=pl&fe=sh

Santa Clara, CA MLS Report Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUoWc5UYcjA

Bright MLS Graph – self generated.