September 2026 Eastside Market Update

Before rates crept back up, we actually had a few bright spots: pending sales jumped 19% from the prior month, and inventory dipped 2% — the first drop we’ve seen all year. That’s worth noting. But zoom out, and inventory is still up 45% year-over-year. Months of supply sits at 3.5, up 30% from last year. If we were cruising at 65 mph in 2025, we’re doing 39 mph now.

Pricing is down roughly 6% year-over-year — which puts us squarely back in 2023 territory. The peak pricing of early 2022 and most of 2024–2025? Unreachable for now. What that means practically: some sellers will net less than they paid, and it has a 2010 feel to it. The key difference is that most sellers today came in with real equity — this isn’t the sub-prime, zero-down era. That said, I’ve already seen a few short sales listed, and I expect more.

The elephant in the room: interest rates are at their highest since January 2025, and the Fed raised the Fed Funds rate for the first time since 2023. Layer in ongoing pressure on tech employment and general buyer hesitancy, and it’s a tough climate for sellers right now.

That said, the sky isn’t falling. It just feels that way. What we’re navigating is closer to a new normal than a freefall, and there is always a market. People will always need to sell, and people will always need to buy.

For sellers: Price war and beauty contest still applies. Prep the home well, price conservatively (meaning ahead of a declining market, so below current market value), and offset any real shortcomings — power lines, busy street, steep driveway, challenging layout — with perceived value. Depending on the issue, that might mean a 10% or so reduction. Don’t fight the market; get ahead of it.

For buyers: Same story: can you comfortably afford the monthly payment, and can you commit to 3–5+ years? If yes, this is your moment. Negotiate. You have leverage you haven’t had in years.

Now more than ever, both buyers and sellers need seasoned professionals in their corner.