The housing market may not be roaring back to pre-pandemic highs, but things are finally heading in a better direction for homebuyers in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and Monroe. Existing-home sales saw a modest bump in September, helped along by slightly lower mortgage rates and improving affordability.
Even though the national picture still looks restrained, local buyers and sellers are finding more opportunities as the fall season unfolds.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), existing-home sales rose 1.5% in September, reaching an annual rate of 4.06 million. That’s also 4.1% higher than a year ago, a sign that easing mortgage rates and more realistic home prices are starting to bring buyers back into the market.
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun put it simply: “Falling mortgage rates are lifting home sales, and improving affordability is helping drive the increase.”
Locally, this trend is playing out across Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and Monroe, where demand has stayed strong even through rate fluctuations. Many homeowners in the area remain financially secure, meaning very few distressed or forced sales are hitting the market. As a result, prices have continued their slow and steady climb—helping local homeowners build equity while keeping buyer competition manageable.
Here’s a snapshot of the national housing data for September 2025—and how it reflects what we’re seeing in Snohomish County:
Home Sales: Up 1.5% from August and 4.1% higher year-over-year.
Inventory: Up 1.3% from the previous month and 14% higher than last year—a sign of progress.
Median Price: $415,200 nationally, up 2.1% from last year (marking the 27th straight month of annual growth).
First-Time Buyers: Made up 30% of purchases, up from 26% a year ago.
Time on Market: 33 days, giving buyers just a bit more breathing room.
If you live in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, or Monroe, you’ve probably noticed the same thing: there are more “For Sale” signs around, homes are staying on the market slightly longer, and buyers finally have a chance to shop without feeling rushed.
With its lakeside charm and growing neighborhoods, Lake Stevens continues to attract buyers who want suburban living without giving up convenience. Easing rates could open the door for more move-up buyers and families looking for space before the holidays.
In Snohomish, steady demand and limited inventory have helped prices hold strong. A more balanced market means sellers can still list confidently—while buyers may finally find some wiggle room during negotiations.
Monroe’s family-friendly vibe and growing housing developments make it a bright spot for first-time buyers. As mortgage rates ease, affordability improves here faster than in pricier nearby markets, creating real opportunities this fall.
While some optimists see these numbers as the start of a housing rebound, others are keeping expectations grounded. The reality is somewhere in between. Mortgage rates are easing from their highs earlier this year, but the market remains far from its pre-pandemic pace.
Still, it’s a healthier kind of normal—steady prices, growing inventory, and fewer bidding wars. In places like Lake Stevens, Snohomish, and Monroe, that balance is exactly what buyers have been waiting for.
If rates continue to soften and inventory keeps improving through the winter, we could see even stronger activity by early 2026.
September’s housing data might not be earth-shattering, but it’s good news for Snohomish County. Sales are up, affordability is improving, and the local market is regaining some balance.
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to buy in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, or Monroe, this could be it. A combination of easing rates, rising inventory, and strong local economies is setting up a more buyer-friendly market than we’ve seen in years.
Home Right Lending is here to help you take advantage of it. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or refinancing, our team works with multiple lenders to find the loan that fits your needs—without the stress, confusion, or big-bank red tape.
Call us today to get pre-approved and make your next move in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, or Monroe with confidence.