Most listing launches take two to three weeks. This one took four days.Last Sunday, I met a seller for the first time at his home in Lake Stevens. He was relocating, the house was empty, and he
Feb. 2026 Monthly Market Letter
Dated: February 18 2026
Views: 483
Monthly Market Letter
Pacific Wolf Realty
King · Snohomish · Kitsap · Kittitas
February 2026
"
February is one of my favorite times to be in this business out here — not because the weather is great (it's not), but because the people who are serious about buying or selling in the spring are already moving. Inventory is starting to wake up across all four counties, and with rates sitting at three-year lows right now, the window for buyers who've been on the sidelines is genuinely good.
I'll give you some firsthand context on January: I put three homes on the market last month. Two of them went under contract with multiple offers above asking price. The third is a condo, and the condo market is moving slower right now — that's a real distinction worth understanding if you're buying or selling in that space. The point is, when you look at the January numbers and see prices dipping or days on market creeping up, don't read that as the market falling apart. Priced right, in the right product type, demand is very much there.
That said, affordability in King County is still a real challenge for first-time buyers. That's exactly why I think it's worth having a real conversation about what's possible in Kitsap or Kittitas if you have any flexibility — the value there is strong, and the commute story is changing with more remote-friendly work. Reach out anytime, I'm always happy to talk through your options honestly.
Dylan Wolf
Broker / Owner · Pacific Wolf Realty
Local Market Update
January 2026 closed sales data from NWMLS across our four-county service area. All median prices and days on market are real figures — no estimates.
King County
Median Sale Price
$775K
↓ 0.6% vs. Jan 2025 ($780K)
Median Days on Market
42
↑ +11 days vs. Jan 2025 (31)
Prices essentially flat year-over-year. Homes sitting longer than last January — typical winter pattern.
Snohomish County
Median Sale Price
$650K
↓ 10.3% vs. Jan 2025 ($725K)
Median Days on Market
39
↑ +13 days vs. Jan 2025 (26)
January volume is typically thin — watch February before drawing conclusions on the trend.
Kitsap County
Median Sale Price
$525K
↑ 4.5% vs. Jan 2025 ($502.5K)
Median Days on Market
27
↓ 8 days vs. Jan 2025 (35) — fastest in region
Strongest YoY price growth of any county we serve. Demand here is real.
Kittitas County
Median Sale Price
$425K
↓ 1.6% vs. Jan 2025 ($432K)
Median Days on Market
127
↑ +41 days vs. Jan 2025 (86)
Buyers have real negotiating room here. Low-volume January can amplify this figure.
The honest read: January is always a thin month for closed sales, which can exaggerate year-over-year swings — keep that in mind across the board. To put it in real terms: two of the three listings we brought to market in January went under contract with multiple offers above asking. The third is a condo — and the condo market is genuinely slower right now, which is worth knowing if that's your situation. Kitsap is the standout with 4.5% price growth and the fastest days-on-market in the region at just 27 days. Listings are picking up heading into spring, rates are at three-year lows, and buyer activity is following. If you're a buyer, spring 2026 is shaping up to be the best window in two years.
Mortgage Rate Watch
Rates at 3-Year Lows
As of February 17, 2026 · Source: Mortgage News Daily
30-Yr Fixed
6.04%
MND Daily
15-Yr Fixed
5.61%
MND Daily
30-Yr Freddie
6.09%
Feb 12 Survey
A year ago the 30-year fixed was averaging 6.96% — so buyers today are working with meaningfully lower payments than they were in early 2025. On a $500K loan, that difference is roughly $250–$300/month. If you've been on the fence waiting for rates to drop, the drop has happened. Rates are expected to hold near current levels through spring, though nothing is guaranteed.
Rates shown are national averages and will vary based on credit profile, down payment, loan type, and lender. Contact a licensed mortgage professional for a quote specific to your situation. Data sourced from Mortgage News Daily (mortgagenewsdaily.com) as of Feb 17, 2026.
Featured Listing
Active · MLS# 2466990$340,000
4231 NE 5th St, Unit C102
Renton, WA 98059 · King County
2
Beds
1.5
Baths
936
Sq Ft
$363
Per Sq Ft
Ground-floor living with no stairs, easy access, and a layout that genuinely feels like a home. The primary suite has its own bath, there's a half bath for guests, and a covered patio perfect for morning coffee or winding down. EV charging, ample parking, and a location that makes daily life easy — I-405, Boeing, top-rated Renton schools, grocery stores, parks, and The Landing are all close by. A strong option for first-time buyers, those downsizing, or investors looking for a solid rental in a high-demand area.
View Full Listing MLS# 2466990 · Listed Jan 13, 2026Looking for something specific? We work across all four counties — reach out and let's find the right fit for your situation.
Dylan Wolf
Born and raised in the Netherlands, I started my career in banking, where helping people navigate big financial decisions felt natural to me. When I moved to the United States in 2017, I assumed I&rsq....
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