Rates at a 15-month high. Eastside demand still active. Selection is shrinking.
Early fall on the Eastside: inventory is off the late-July peak, pending sales have firmed, and mortgage rates just printed a 15-month high. More choice than last year’s scramble — but the “max choice” window is closing on schedule.
Eastside snapshot — as of September 2, 2026
- Rates: 6.91% (15-mo high · +16 bp)
- Actives: 1,845 (off late-July peak)
- Pending: 130 (3rd weekly gain)
- MOI: 3.26 (upper balanced)
- 30-day median sold: about $1.56M
What changed
Active listings peaked near 1,923 in late July and have now fallen to 1,845 — the sharpest weekly drop of the year. Pending climbed three weeks in a row (110 → 117 → 130) even as rates jumped to 6.91%. Months of inventory pulled back into mid/upper balanced territory.
If you’re buying
Keep a live search on for Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Redmond, Kirkland, and Mercer Island, and add First Look so you don’t miss pre-Active marketing. Washington down payment assistance programs may help eligible buyers on purchases up to about $1,063,750 (income and program rules apply).
First Look (quick note)
Live in NWMLS since September 4. Eligible homes off-market ≥ 60 days can market up to 21 days before Active. Brokers still see them in the MLS. Active-only auto-emails miss them until First Look is added.
Selling this fall? Want a number for your address? https://checkmyvalue.net
Paul and Christine Nelson
Homes Northwest Real Estate
206-261-7355
1400 112th Ave SE Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004
Selling Eastside homes since 1992