Rates Down, Inventory Up: Smart Moves Now. Eastside, Seattle & Sno. Cnty Real Estate Insights – 1/26

I am Tony Meier with Windermere Real Estate in Kirkland. Over 36 years, 74,000 plus hours, and 779 successful Eastside closings, I have learned how to turn shifting data into a calm, strategic plan that protects your time, money, and peace of mind. In “Eastside, Seattle and Snohomish County Real Estate Insights | January 2026,” I break down what today’s numbers mean if you are selling and buying again in Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bellevue, Bothell, and surrounding communities. 🔢 This Month’s Big Three 💰 Interest Rates: Down 0.95% vs 2024 and lower than December 2025, improving payment and buy-down options. 🏘️ Months of Inventory (MOI): Above the 10 year trend, giving buyers more choice and requiring sharper strategy for sellers. Eastside: 2.6 MOI (10-yr Dec avg 1.5 | Dec 2024 1.6) Seattle: 2.3 MOI (10-yr 1.3 | Dec 2024 1.8) Snohomish: 1.9 MOI (10-yr 1.1 | Dec 2024 1.2) 📈 Median Sales Price (YoY): Eastside: −2.91% Seattle: +1.68% Snohomish County: −3.79% 🧭 What this means for seasoned homeowners More selection, less frenzy — inventory and pending sales are softer than 2024, so you can shop deliberately and negotiate with purpose. Quality still commands attention — homes near Lake Washington, Bellevue, Northshore, Issaquah schools, close to Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington, trail networks, and quick commutes to Microsoft, Google, Meta, Amazon continue to show durable demand. Confidence through process — my weekly market updates and home tours on the channel help you anticipate obstacles, line up financing, and synchronize the sell and buy so you are never between homes: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyMeier 🛠️ How I position you to win ✨ Preparation that pays: targeted updates, light staging, pro media, and a launch calendar designed to beat competing listings in a 2 plus MOI landscape. 🎯 Pricing and negotiation: hyper local comps, value framing, and strategic concessions such as rate buydowns, credits, and flexible terms to maximize your net, not just the headline price. 🔄 Seamless sell and buy: bridge tools, rent backs, and synchronized closings so the move feels simple and well timed. ✅ One sentence recommendations Buyers: With rates lower and MOI elevated, secure approval, negotiate credits or buydowns, and target well located homes before selection tightens this spring. Sellers: Lead with preparation and precision pricing, then use terms and credits to reduce buyer friction and protect your net in a choice rich market. If you have any questions while navigating your real estate journey, we're here to help! Tony Meier & Team - Windermere 🏡 If you need assistance or know someone who does, give us a call at 425-466-1000! 📞 Connect with us online at: Web: 🌐 http://www.eastsidehomes.com Facebook: 👍 https://www.facebook.com/tmeier Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tonymeier.windermere LinkedIn: 🌟 https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymeier/ Our mission: With 36 years of real estate expertise, we empower you to make confident decisions. We handle every detail as if you were family—offering personalized guidance, skilled negotiation, and unwavering support. From the first conversation to long after closing, you can count on us for professionalism, insight, and results. If we can help you or your referrals, call today!