Who doesn’t love a "Top 10" list? I certainly do. But if a move is on your radar for 2026, there is one crucial thing you need to understand before you look at the national rankings: There isn’t just one housing market this year.
Experts agree that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically divided markets in years. While some cities are fiercely competitive for buyers, others are wide open. As Zillow and Realtor.com highlight, it all depends on where you live.
Don't rely on national headlines to make your local decisions. Call Kim at 206-225-8325 for a free market analysis. I can tell you exactly where our specific neighborhoods stand in the rankings.
Where Sellers Are Winning Big
According to Zillow, the strongest seller’s markets for 2026 are areas with limited inventory and high demand (think cities like Hartford, Buffalo, or Providence). In markets like these, sellers call the shots. They can expect:
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Multiple offers
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Fast sales
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Sale prices at (or above) asking
Even if our market conditions are different, you can still achieve these results with the right strategy. Call Kim for a unique marketing plan for getting your home sold for top dollar, regardless of what the national trends say.
Where First-Time Buyers Have the Edge
On the flip side, Realtor.com points to markets in the Midwest and South (like Indianapolis or Rochester) as the best spots for first-time buyers. In these areas, affordability is better, and inventory is higher. Buyers here can expect:
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Less intense competition
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More room to negotiate
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A clearer path to getting an offer accepted
Are you looking for these conditions right here in the South Sound? Call Kim for a free buyer consultation. I know exactly which local pockets offer the best opportunities for buyers right now.
What About Our Local Market?
You likely noticed that our local cities didn't make those extreme national lists. That is actually a good thing.
National snapshots don't tell the full story of what is happening here. They don't capture the micro-climates of SeaTac, Des Moines, or Burien, nor do they reflect the unique demand we are seeing in Normandy Park or Lake Tapps.
You don’t need to live in a "national top 10" city to have a successful move. You just need the right strategy for your city.
Your Local Advantage
Whether our market leans slightly toward buyers or sellers often changes from neighborhood to neighborhood.
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Sellers: You may still need to prep and price strategically to stand out.
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Buyers: You may still need to craft a strong offer to win the best homes.
As Kim Morgan Storey, the Top #1 Real Estate Agent, I don't rely on national averages. I rely on local expertise.
Proudly serving: Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake.
The Bottom Line
Real estate isn't one-size-fits-all. Don't stress about the national lists—let's focus on what is happening right here in your backyard.
Ready to make your move in 2026? Call Kim today at 206-225-8325!
Serving the Greater Seattle Area: King, Pierce & Snohomish Counties
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