Months of Inventory Reaches a Milestone Not Seen in a Year. Will It Last? Eastside Update 1-21-2026

🏡 Months of Inventory Reaches a Milestone We Have Not Seen in a Year. Will It Last? **Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Update 01-21-26** Hosted by **Tony Meier**, Windermere Real Estate, **36 years experience**, **779 closed sales** The Eastside market just delivered one of the most meaningful signals we have seen in months: **Months of Inventory dropped to 1.32**, a milestone level we have not seen in roughly a year. When MOI moves this quickly, it is often the market’s way of saying momentum is shifting, and strategy needs to shift with it. Here is what this week’s data is telling us across Seattle’s Eastside. ### 📉 Interest Rates Rates are **down 0.88% compared to a year ago**, now at **6.20%**. Lower rates are not just helping affordability, they are changing buyer psychology. More buyers are deciding that waiting is riskier than acting. ### 🏘 Active Listings Active listings are **steady from last week** and **up 59% year over year**. Inventory is still higher than last winter, but the week over week flattening matters. When supply stops building and demand rises, MOI can fall fast. ### ✍️ Pending Sales Pending sales are **up 61% from last week** and **up 64% from a year ago**. This is the clearest sign that buyers are re-engaging. Even with more overall inventory than last year, the best homes are getting absorbed quickly. ### ⏳ Months of Inventory MOI dropped to **1.32**, down from **2.13 last week**, and **down 3% year over year**. That is a major step toward a tighter market. The big question is whether this is a one week move or the start of a pattern. One week does not make a market, but it absolutely can mark a turning point. ### 💰 Closed Sales Price The rolling 30 day median sold price is **$1,500,000**, **down 3% from last week** and **down 13% year over year**. This tells us buyers are still value-focused and selective, while well-positioned homes continue to attract serious attention. ## ✨ For Sellers This is where disciplined preparation pays off. A falling MOI is often the early stage of a tighter market, but buyers are still pricing sensitive. Homes that show better, feel move-in ready, and are priced with precision tend to separate quickly, even when headlines sound mixed. If this MOI milestone holds, early sellers may benefit from stronger competition before the spring crowd fully arrives. ## 💼 For Buyers Lower rates are helping bring more buyers back, and MOI tightening is a sign that negotiating leverage can disappear quickly. The advantage right now comes from being ready, moving decisively on the right home, and using smart offer structure rather than simply paying more. If this trend continues, competition is likely to build. ## 📌 Communities Covered Bellevue | Redmond | Kirkland | Woodinville | Sammamish | Issaquah | Bothell | Lake Washington | Lake Sammamish ## 💼 Expertise In ✔ Eastside luxury listings ✔ Strategic market positioning ✔ Pricing and negotiation mastery ✔ Buy and sell coordination ✔ Real-time data insights ## 🔑 Trusted Guidance for a Moving Market When the market shifts this quickly, it rewards people who act with a plan, not guesswork. With **779 successful Eastside sales**, my focus is helping you interpret the data, anticipate the next move, and execute a strategy that protects your time and long-term outcomes. 👍 If you want a pricing plan for selling, or an offer strategy for buying, reach out and I will help you map the best next step. 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!