Market Pulse: Where King & Snohomish Stand This Fall
Welcome to the first edition of The Otter Report's Market Pulse, a quick, honest snapshot of what's really happening in our local market, minus the hype.
Here's the headline: after years of frenzy, both King and Snohomish counties have shifted toward balance. That's good news for buyers and an important signal for sellers.
The numbers
In Snohomish County, the median sold price is sitting around $699,000, down a little under 2% from a year ago. There are roughly 2,970 homes on the market, and they're taking about 26 days to sell, around three and a half months of inventory.
In King County, the median sold price is about $841,000, also down a touch year over year, with more than 8,400 active listings, around 27 days on market, and closer to four and a half months of supply.
What's driving the shift
First, mortgage rates. According to Mortgage News Daily, the thirty-year fixed is hovering in the mid-seven-percent range, up meaningfully from a year ago. You can watch their live daily index right here. Higher rates mean higher payments, which naturally cools how fast buyers can move.
Second, a cautious job market. Ours is a tech-driven region, and with uncertainty around layoffs and the pace of AI, a lot of would-be buyers are simply taking their time.
Third, bigger-picture uncertainty. An upcoming midterm election, ongoing conflict involving Iran, and elevated oil prices are all sources of volatility that can nudge rates around week to week. None of it is a forecast, just a reminder that today's rate is a moving target, which is exactly why I've linked the live tracker above.
One nuance worth knowing: it's a bit of a tale of two markets. The higher-end Eastside communities have stayed relatively steady, while the broader mid-market is where the extra breathing room is showing up most.
As always, I'm here if you or someone you love ever needs a hand with anything real estate related. No pressure, no sales pitch, just help when you want it.
Warmly,
Virginia
Market data as of early October 2026; figures rounded. Rates change daily, so check the live index for today's numbers. Virginia Otter, Broker, John L. Scott Metro Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.