Spring is traditionally the busiest season for Seattle real estate, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different. Inventory is rising slightly from last year's historic lows, but demand from both local and relocating buyers remains strong.

What's Driving the Market

Tech sector hiring continues to bring skilled workers to the Seattle metro, fueling consistent demand — particularly in neighborhoods with easy access to major employment hubs like South Lake Union, Bellevue, and Redmond.

At the same time, interest rates have stabilized compared to the volatility of previous years, which has brought buyers who were sitting on the sidelines back into the market. The result is a spring season with more competition than many buyers are expecting.

What Buyers Should Do Right Now

Get pre-approved before you start touring. In this market, waiting until you find the right home to start your financing is too slow. Have your documentation ready and a lender lined up so you can move within 24–48 hours of finding the right property.

Know your neighborhoods. Seattle is a city of micro-markets. Prices, competition levels and timelines vary dramatically between Fremont, Capitol Hill, West Seattle and Bellevue. Working with someone who knows each area deeply makes a real difference.

Be ready to act decisively. The buyers I see winning in this market aren't necessarily offering the most money — they're the most prepared and the most decisive.

"The buyers I see winning in this market aren't necessarily offering the most money — they're the most prepared and the most decisive."

What to Watch This Spring

• Multiple offers are returning on well-priced, move-in-ready homes under $800K
• Contingency-free offers are becoming more common again in competitive situations
• Corporate relocation buyers are active from January through June — this is prime season for my corporate clients, which means more competition for the inventory that suits them best

Ready to Start Your Search?

If you have questions about the current Seattle market or want to know what to expect in your target neighborhood, I'm happy to share what I'm seeing on the ground. Reach out here and let's talk.