Is the Sky Falling? What September's Numbers Really Say About King and Snohomish Counties
If you've been reading the headlines lately, you might think the sky is falling on our housing market. I've had a few clients ask me about it this month, so I pulled the September numbers straight from the NWMLS to see what's really going on.
Here's the short version. The sky isn't falling. It's just fall. 🍂
More homes to choose from
This is the biggest change. In Snohomish County there were 2,967 homes on the market in September. That's up 44% from last September! In King County it was 8,058 homes, up 31%.
If you're a buyer, this is good news. You have more choices than you've had in a long time, and a little more room to breathe while you decide.
Fewer homes going pending
Pending sales were down about 17% in both counties compared to last year. Buyers are taking their time. I'm seeing that with my own clients too, and honestly I think it's healthy.
So did prices crash?
Nope! The median sold price in King County was $850,000. That's exactly what it was last September. In Snohomish County it was $720,000, down just 0.35% from $722,525.
So when you hear the word "crash," take a deep breath. Prices have held steady. What's changed is the pace.
What this means for you
If you're buying, you have options and time to be choosy. Of course you can still negotiate on price and ask for seller credits toward your closing costs. Rates have been moving around a lot, so I like to point people to Mortgage News Daily to check the live number for themselves.
If you're selling, pricing it right from day one matters more than it did a couple of years ago. King County has about 4.7 months of inventory right now and Snohomish has a little under 4. That's a lot closer to a balanced market than the frenzy we all got used to. Buyers are comparing, so a home that's priced well and shows well is still selling.
Curious about your own home?
Every neighborhood is a little different, and these are county-wide numbers. If you're wondering what this means for your home, I'm always happy to run the numbers with you. No pressure at all! Give me a call at 425-221-1670, or comment WORTH on the video and I'll reach out.
Talk to you soon,
Virginia
Source: NWMLS County Recaps, September 2026, residential and condo combined, compared with September 2025. Figures rounded. This is a snapshot of recent sales, not a forecast. Rates change daily, so check the live index for today's numbers. Virginia Otter, Broker, John L. Scott Metro Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.