A Season of Change — What Today’s Market Means for You

Autumn is here, and with it comes a season of change. Just like the leaves turning colors, our real estate market is shifting. Homes are sitting longer, buyers are gaining leverage, and sellers are adjusting strategies to meet the moment.

But here’s what history tells us: change always brings opportunity.

📉 Real Estate During Recessions

When people think of recessions, they often assume housing prices must collapse. But history paints a different picture:

• In 4 of the last 6 U.S. recessions, home values actually went up.

• Even during the Great Recession (2008), housing’s drop was fueled by a very unique combination of loose lending and oversupply — conditions we simply don’t have today.

• More often, recessions bring lower mortgage rates as the Fed stimulates the economy, giving buyers renewed affordability and sellers a more active market once confidence returns.

In other words: real estate has consistently proven to be one of the most stable long-term investments, even when the economy feels uncertain.

🏡 Why This Autumn Is Different

Locally, here’s where we stand:

• King County: Median home price $861,500 (down just 0.5% year-over-year). Homes are averaging 35 days on market, with sellers closing at 97% of list.

• Snohomish County: Median home price $715,000 (down nearly 5%). Homes are averaging 34 days on market, sellers closing at 96.8%.

That’s a big change from just a couple of years ago, when buyers had to submit offers within hours, waive inspections, and compete with multiple bidders for every home.

Now? Buyers have more choices, more time to decide, and more power to negotiate.

💡 Opportunity for Buyers

For anyone who felt shut out during the ultra-competitive market of 2021–2022, this Autumn may be your opening:

• More inventory means less stress and more options.

• Longer days on market means sellers are open to negotiation.

• Price softening in Snohomish County means buyers looking north have more flexibility.

Yes, mortgage rates remain elevated compared to a few years ago. But here’s the perspective: you can always refinance later, but you can’t go back and capture today’s home price once the market picks back up.

🏠 Strategy for Sellers

If you’re selling, the market has shifted — but homes are still selling. Pricing strategy and presentation matter more than ever. Well-positioned homes are finding buyers, and demand is still strong for move-in-ready, correctly priced properties.

The key is working with a strategy that reflects today’s market conditions, not last year’s peak frenzy.

🌟 Looking Ahead

Every Autumn brings change — in the weather, in our routines, and in our markets. But with change comes possibility. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying informed, this is a season to get clear on your goals and make smart moves.

👉 Click here to read the full September Market Report with detailed numbers for King and Snohomish Counties, and let’s talk about how this season of change can work for you.