In this insightful podcast episode, Tucker Maxwell from Guild Mortgage joins Dan Edwards of The Seattle Real Estate Team to break down the 2026 housing market outlook, with a special focus on the Seattle/Puget Sound region and broader U.S. trends.

The discussion kicks off with interest rates, where the experts explore forecasts showing 30-year fixed mortgage rates likely averaging around 6.0% to 6.3% throughout 2026—potentially dipping below 6% at times—thanks to expected Federal Reserve actions, cooling inflation, and economic factors. This represents a modest improvement from recent levels, unlocking more buyer affordability and qualifying power without returning to pandemic-era lows.

They then dive into whether 2026 will feel like a buyer's market, highlighting a shift toward more balanced conditions. With growing inventory (projected increases of 9% or more nationally), moderating home price growth (often 1-3% or even flatter in Seattle), and slightly more negotiating leverage for buyers, the market is transitioning away from the extreme seller advantages of recent years—offering greater selection and opportunities, especially for first-time buyers leveraging incentives like rate buydowns or grants.

Finally, the episode covers overall market activity, with expectations of increased home sales (ranging from 3-14% nationally, and similar upticks in the Puget Sound area) as lower rates and improved supply draw more participants off the sidelines. The conversation emphasizes a more stable, strategy-driven year—neither a boom nor a bust—where confident buyers and realistic sellers can thrive amid gradual recovery and better affordability conditions.

Tune in for expert perspectives from a seasoned mortgage professional and a top local real estate leader on what buyers, sellers, and investors should prepare for in the year ahead!

Want to buy/sell or invest in Seattle
The Seattle Real Estate Team | The Eastside Real Estate Team
Call Dan Edwards
425-276-7008

In Episode 158 of the Seattle Real Estate Podcast, join hosts Dan Edwards and Tucker Maxwell as they break down the latest trends in Seattle's dynamic housing market. From inventory shifts and buyer demand to rising prices in key neighborhoods, they provide expert insights tailored to the Emerald City. Plus, dive into the ripple effects of Congress's recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes expanded mortgage interest deductions and boosts for low-income housing credits that could reshape affordability and investment opportunities for local buyers and sellers. Tune in for actionable advice on navigating these changes!

Want to buy/sell or invest in Seattle
The Seattle Real Estate Team | The Eastside Real Estate Team
Call Dan Edwards
425-276-7008

Join hosts Dan Edwards of The Seattle Real Estate Team and Tucker Maxwell of Guild Mortgage as they dive into what 2025 has in store for the real estate market. In this episode, they explore:

Emerging market trends and how they’ll impact homebuyers and sellers.
Interest rate projections and their influence on affordability.
Tips for navigating a shifting market, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.
Strategies to stay ahead in a competitive and evolving real estate landscape.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or just curious about the market's future, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions in 2025.

The Fed
Unemployment
Interest Rates
AI
Inventory

Don’t miss it!

📍 Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest real estate trends and tips.

Want to buy/sell or invest in Seattle
The Seattle Real Estate Team | The Eastside Real Estate Team
Call Dan Edwards
425-276-7008