Author: April Patterson

As we moved through mid-Q3, the U.S. housing market saw the supply of homes for sale reach its highest point in six years. New listings increased about 3% month-over-month, marking the most we've seen in over four years, and total homes for sale rose by around 4% to their highest since 2020. Meanwhile, buyer demand stayed steady: pending sales didn’t budge, closed sales dipped slightly by about 1%, and home prices reached a record for the period—even as mortgage rates hovered near 7%.

Many homeowners decided to list their properties as rate lock-in became less of a barrier, life changes encouraged moves, and sellers adapted to a slower-paced market. This shift has opened up more options for buyers, making it possible to compare homes and negotiate with greater confidence. By mid-Q3, about 60% of U.S. homes sold for less than their original asking price, giving buyers the leverage to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs—or even to walk away if the deal wasn’t right.

As a managing broker and advocate for informed decisions, I see this as an opportunity for buyers—especially those navigating VA loans or weighing their first investment—to take advantage of a market where negotiation is possible. Even with higher costs and flat national demand, today’s buyers have more room to find what fits their needs. My ongoing commitment is to provide the community with the tools and knowledge to make these choices confidently, whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned investor.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

As someone deeply involved in both homebuying education and community advocacy, I pay close attention to the questions shaping US housing affordability. Lately, we’ve seen signs of housing disinflation—buyers and sellers are not always on the same page, and sellers are offering more concessions to help families move toward homeownership. Yet, borrowing costs are still the main obstacle: benchmark Treasury yields remain close to 5%, and the average 30-year mortgage rate has crept into the low 7% range. For the four weeks ending September 13, the typical monthly mortgage payment climbed to about $2,600—a 3% increase from last year—highlighting how financing continues to stretch buyers’ budgets. The resale market is still tight, with many owners holding onto low-rate loans and listings remaining scarce. Sellers, meanwhile, are often hoping for pandemic-era prices. Industry experts suggest this is a market correction toward stability—not a crash—thanks to strong homeowner equity, responsible lending, and opportunities for both buyers and sellers. As a managing broker and Military Residential Specialist, I see firsthand how these trends impact real people, especially veterans and their families. My goal is to ensure you have the information and support you need to make the best decision for your future.

As someone deeply invested in guiding Washington families and veterans through their real estate journeys, I keep a close eye on our state’s housing landscape. It’s striking that Washington needs roughly 50,000 new homes every year just to keep pace with our growing population. Housing supply isn’t just a headline—it’s a real challenge for so many neighbors and service members I meet, and I see firsthand how tight inventory impacts options and affordability.

Behind the scenes, builders navigate a maze of land, labor, material costs, financing, and—maybe most challenging—complex regulations and permitting. Delays, uncertain fees, and shifting rules can make even well-planned projects tough to deliver. A recent state review showed that permitting timelines are often unclear and inconsistent, which lines up with what I hear from local builders: delays are a major obstacle to increasing housing supply.

While federal reforms might offer some help, it’s local city hall decisions that will truly shape whether more families and veterans will have choices—or continue to feel squeezed by rising costs. As someone passionate about community advocacy and supporting property rights, I’ll keep sharing updates and resources to help empower your decisions in this ever-changing market.

As someone who’s walked alongside many buyers, sellers, and investors—especially veterans—I know firsthand how interest rates shape our real estate journeys. With persistent inflation and long-term Treasury yields holding steady, it’s becoming less likely that we’ll see a quick return to lower interest rates any time soon. The Federal Reserve is carefully weighing inflation risks against some signs of a slowing economy, but for now, higher long-term yields may keep borrowing costs up for everyone: families buying homes, business owners, and those looking at commercial real estate. This shifting landscape means it’s more important than ever to stay informed and take a balanced approach when planning your next step. My focus remains on empowering you with the information you need to make confident decisions—especially for veterans navigating VA loans or anyone looking to understand how these changes impact their options. If you have questions, know that I’m here as both a resource and an advocate for our community’s property rights.