Spring is in full swing, and the real estate market in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake is gaining momentum. If you’ve been considering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, here’s why this season presents a great opportunity.
More Homes Are Available
After a period of low inventory, the number of homes for sale is finally increasing. According to recent data from Realtor.com, active listings are up 27.5% compared to this time last year.
For buyers, this means more options in cities like Tacoma, Puyallup, and Auburn, allowing for a more selective home search. For sellers, even with more homes on the market, inventory remains below pre-pandemic levels, ensuring that demand in places like Sumner, SeaTac, and Des Moines is still strong.
Home Prices Are Stabilizing
With more homes becoming available, the pace of home price growth is slowing down, creating a more balanced market for buyers and sellers. Freddie Mac explains:
“In 2025, we expect the pace of house price appreciation to moderate from the levels seen in 2024, while still maintaining a positive trajectory.”
For buyers, slower price growth in areas such as Burien, Normandy Park, and Bonney Lake means home values aren’t rising as rapidly, making it easier to enter the market before appreciation picks up again. For sellers, while home prices in Lake Tapps and surrounding areas are still increasing, pricing competitively remains key to attracting buyers in a shifting market.
Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing
High mortgage rates have been a challenge for many, but recent trends show that rates have stabilized and even declined slightly since early 2025. This makes purchasing a home more predictable. According to Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic:
“With the spring homebuying season upon us, the recent improvements in mortgage rates may help invite homebuyers back into the market.”
For buyers, stabilized mortgage rates provide better financial clarity when searching for homes in Tacoma, Puyallup, or Auburn. However, since rates can still fluctuate, staying informed with a lender is essential. For sellers, improving affordability means more buyers are re-entering the market in areas like Sumner, SeaTac, and Burien, helping to create a competitive environment.
Buyer Demand Is Increasing
As inventory grows, price growth moderates, and mortgage rates stabilize, buyer confidence is returning. Recent data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows an increase in mortgage applications, a clear sign that demand is strengthening.
For buyers, acting sooner rather than later may be a wise move before market competition increases further, especially in Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake. For sellers, more active buyers in the market provide a better chance of securing a sale at a strong price point.
Bottom Line
The real estate market in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake is picking up. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, this spring presents a promising opportunity to make your move.
