After a few years where the housing market seemed to be idling, 2026 is shaping up to be the year things get moving again. Real estate experts are predicting that more homeowners and buyers will be ready to make a move — and that could open exciting opportunities for you.
As Kim Morgan Storey, the Top 1 Real Estate Agent serving Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake, I am already seeing signs of this shift and helping clients prepare for the opportunities ahead.
Thinking about making a move in 2026?
Call Kim at 206-225-8325 for a free buyer consultation. Let's build a strategy that puts you ahead of the curve.
More Homes on the Market
Many potential movers have been holding off due to affordability challenges. But that “pause” can only last so long — life changes, family needs, and job relocations keep housing demand steady.
Industry forecasts show that more people are expected to buy and sell homes in 2026, marking a much-needed shift in market momentum.
Do you need to sell your current home to capitalize on this momentum? Call Kim for a unique marketing plan for getting your home sold. I can position your home to stand out as more buyers enter the market in cities like Auburn and Sumner.
Mortgage Rates May Keep Easing
Buyers have been watching one number closely: mortgage rates. After peaking near 7% earlier this year, rates have gradually started to ease. Experts predict they’ll continue to dip through 2026 — though progress will likely be slow and steady rather than dramatic.
Remember, even a modest decrease can have a big impact on monthly payments. If you compare today’s rates to earlier highs, the difference could mean hundreds of dollars in monthly savings — a meaningful shift in affordability that could help buyers re-enter the market in communities like Puyallup, SeaTac, and Bonney Lake.
Want to know what your monthly payment would look like today? Call Kim at 206-225-8325. I can connect you with trusted local lenders to clarify your budget.
Home Prices Expected To Rise Slowly
National forecasts also indicate that home prices will keep rising, but at a more moderate pace. Lower rates tend to bring more buyers back, which can keep light upward pressure on prices. Still, experts agree the days of rapid price surges are behind us.
Locally, price trends will vary — Tacoma and Burien might see different appreciation levels compared to Lake Tapps or Normandy Park — but the overall expectation is for steady, sustainable growth. That stability makes it easier for both buyers and sellers to plan their next steps confidently.
Curious how much equity you have gained over the last few years? Call Kim for a market analysis. I can show you exactly what your home is worth in today's shifting landscape.
The Bottom Line
As 2026 approaches, all signs point toward a more balanced and active real estate market. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply explore your options around the South Puget Sound, it could be the perfect time to start planning your move.
Call Kim Morgan Storey today at 206-225-8325. Let's navigate this new market together.