Whether you’re at a family gathering, a holiday party, or catching up with friends, the housing market always seems to come up. And with everything shifting over the past few years, people have a lot of questions.
As the #1 real estate agent in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake, here are the top three questions I’m hearing right now — along with clear, straightforward answers to help you feel confident about what’s really happening.
1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?”
Yes — far more than you could a year or two ago.
Inventory has been rising steadily. According to Realtor.com, we’ve had over one million homes on the market for six straight months — something we haven’t seen since 2019.
This means:
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Buyers have more options, so you’re not fighting over the same handful of listings.
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Sellers have more choices for where they can move next.
Homes also aren’t disappearing within hours like they did during peak demand. Buyers now have:
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More breathing room
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More time to compare
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More confidence when making decisions
If you pressed pause in 2023 or 2024, it may be worth starting your search again.
2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?”
Affordability is finally starting to improve.
The past few years have been tough — there’s no denying that. But 2025 brought some positive changes:
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Mortgage rates have eased
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Home price growth has moderated
Combined, these shifts mean today’s monthly payments are hundreds of dollars lower than they would’ve been just months ago.
Is buying suddenly easy? No.
Is it becoming more realistic for more people? Absolutely.
3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?”
Most experts say a major price drop isn’t coming.
Here’s why:
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Inventory has increased, but not anywhere near the level needed for prices to fall significantly.
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Homeowners today have strong equity and solid financial foundations — very different from 2008.
Nationally, home prices are expected to:
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Keep rising,
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But at a slower, more sustainable pace.
Fannie Mae’s expert panel projects continued appreciation — not a crash.
Waiting for a massive price drop is usually a losing strategy. Long-term wealth is built by time IN the market, not timing the market.
Bottom Line
The market is shifting in a healthier direction — more inventory, improving affordability, and stable price expectations. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding these trends helps you make informed, confident decisions.
If you’re considering a move in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, or Bonney Lake, I’m here to help you navigate it with clarity and strategy.
