Homeowners Are Hitting Pause
Across the country, more sellers are deciding to pull their homes off the market after not getting the offers they hoped for. Realtor.com reports that since January, delistings are up 38%, and compared to last June, they’ve surged 48%. In June alone, for every 100 homes listed, about 21 were taken off the market.
If you’ve made that same decision, it’s natural to feel disappointed. When the market feels like it’s working against you, it’s easy to lose confidence. But slowdowns like this aren’t new—and they’ve never lasted forever.
History Repeats Itself
Looking back, there have been multiple times when the housing market stalled:
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1980s: Mortgage rates spiked above 18%, freezing buyer activity for years. Once rates eased, sales surged back.
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2008: The housing crash during the Great Financial Crisis saw steep drops in both sales and prices, yet the market eventually rebounded as the economy improved.
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2020: At the height of COVID, real estate nearly stopped overnight. But demand came roaring back once restrictions lifted.
The lesson? Every slowdown eventually turns into an opportunity.
Where the Market Stands Today
In recent years, affordability challenges have slowed buyer demand. Rapidly rising mortgage rates in 2022—paired with already climbing home prices—made it difficult for many families to purchase. As demand softened, home sales followed.
This trend has been felt in local markets from Tacoma to Puyallup, Auburn to Sumner, and SeaTac to Des Moines. Even nearby communities like Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake have experienced similar patterns.
Looking Ahead: Why Optimism Makes Sense
The good news? Experts are projecting improvement in the near future. While about 4 million homes sold last year, forecasts from Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAR predict roughly 4.6 million home sales by 2026. One big driver is the expectation that mortgage rates will ease, opening the door for more buyers to re-enter the market.
Just like past cycles, today’s slowdown is temporary.
What This Means for You
If you’ve put your plans on hold, you made the best choice with the information you had. But remember: housing cycles always move forward. When signs of a rebound appear, having a trusted local agent can make all the difference.
As the market shifts in places like Tacoma, Auburn, Bonney Lake, and beyond, I’ll help you spot opportunities early so you can relist with confidence.
