Over the past few years, real estate headlines have been dominated by low inventory, bidding wars, and record-high price appreciation. But today, we’re entering a new phase—and Washington State is at the forefront of this shift.
According to ResiClub’s latest June 2025 inventory report, Washington is now among the ten U.S. states where active housing inventory has returned to, and even exceeded, pre-pandemic levels. Compared to the overheated days of 2020–2022, this marks a significant cooling. Nationally, active listings have surged over 31% year-over-year, signaling the return of much-needed buyer leverage. That means more options, more negotiating room, and—for many—less pressure.
What does that mean in practice? In a market like Washington, we can anticipate a moderation in price growth. The frenzied pace of bidding wars is giving way to a more balanced playing field. While prices are still seeing year-over-year increases in many regions, the momentum is slowing—and in some parts of the country, price declines are already showing up.
This isn’t a crash. It’s a recalibration.
Strained affordability, elevated interest rates, and buyer fatigue are all playing a role in tempering what was, for many, an unsustainably hot market. As inventory levels continue to normalize, savvy buyers may find opportunities in negotiation that simply didn’t exist two years ago. And for sellers, thoughtful pricing and strategy have never been more important.
At Cindy Kelly & Associates, we’ve always believed that understanding the market is the first step to making a smart move—whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying informed.
The market is changing. Let’s navigate it with clarity.