Local Market Update: March 2024

Seasonal changes are starting to take shape across the region and the local real estate market is experiencing cautious optimism. As we transition from winter to spring, home and condo sales are increasing, in both units and price. Low inventory means motivated sellers are finding success in about a week’s time, while buyers thread the needle between needing to present enticing offers and having to adjust their price ceilings due to recent mortgage rate increases.

Last month was the second month in a row that King County home and condo prices rose. February’s median residential sold price increased to $914,500, up 14% from a year prior, while the number of homes selling over list price rose by 16 percent. These homes averaged just under a week on the market, likely due to the continued low inventory of available properties. King County condo prices jumped 17% year over year, from $468,500 in February 2023 to $550,000 last month.

In Seattle, the median sold price for a single-family home increased 12% year over year, from $825,000 in February 2023 to $927,450 last month. The market pace picked up in February, with 41% of homes selling above list price and in just over a week. Inventory still sits around one month’s supply, benefiting sellers who are ready to list. Seattle condo prices also are on the rise, with an 8% year-over-year jump to $558,000, up from $515,000 in February 2023. Condo inventory in the city was up 16% between February 2023 and 2024, from 1.7 to 2.0 months of supply.

The median sold price for a single-family home on the Eastside experienced a 10% jump year over year, from $1,340,000 in February 2023 to $1,470,000 last month. In that time, supply (as measured in months of inventory) dropped from 1.1 to 0.8, spurring competition among buyers – 42% of homes sold above list price and in an average of 5 days. Eastside condo prices leapt by 23%, from $540,000 in February 2023 to $665,000 last month.

The median sold price of a Snohomish County home rose again last month, to $750,990 in February, up 9% from a year prior. Inventory remained the lowest of any area reported here, at just 0.6 months of supply. Homes are moving quickly, with 35% selling above the asking price and in an average of six days. Snohomish County condo prices jumped by 14% last month compared to February 2024, up from $437,725 to $500,000.

Homes are selling faster and with more offers, benefiting sellers ready to enter the market while spurring competition among buyers. Despite a quarter-percent interest rate increase over the past month, prospective buyers have strong motivation to get under contract in the face of rising prices. And on-the-fence sellers – of both condos and single-family homes – also have price motivation to engage with this market.

When faced with a rapidly moving market, it’s vital to have a knowledgeable expert by your side. Your Windermere broker is ready to provide invaluable insight regarding the evolving dynamics of your local market and can guide you to make the right move at the right time to achieve your real estate goals.