Spring Awakening: What March’s Real Estate Trends Mean for Buyers and Sellers

Spring is officially in the air — tulips are blooming, daylight is stretching longer, and the real estate market is starting to heat up. Just like clockwork, March brought a wave of fresh activity, with housing inventory rising across the board and buyers beginning to re-engage. But what do these seasonal shifts really mean if you're thinking about buying or selling this spring?

Let’s dive into the highlights from March and unpack what they could mean for you.

🌷 Inventory on the Rise, Especially for Condos

Across King, Snohomish, Seattle, and the Eastside, all four major markets posted double-digit increases in new listings year over year. One of the biggest standouts? Condos. This segment saw sharp inventory growth — a trend likely influenced by growing interest in alternatives like townhomes, ADUs (accessory dwelling units), and backyard cottages.

More listings are great news for buyers, especially those who’ve struggled with tight inventory over the past few years. But whether this added supply will translate into better affordability remains an open question, as broader economic forces — including interest rates and global trade dynamics — continue to shape the playing field.

📍King County: More Options, Modest Price Growth

In King County, the median price for residential homes climbed 3% year over year to $977,500. At the same time, active listings jumped 50%, opening up more options for buyers. However, closed sales rose just 3%, suggesting that while buyer interest is present, many are still weighing their options or watching the market carefully.

The condo market saw stronger movement — the median sale price rose 9% to $590,000, while active listings surged 77%. This could spell good news for condo buyers looking for greater variety.

🏙️ Seattle: Rising Prices, Rising Activity

Seattle’s market continues to push forward. The city’s median home price reached $1 million in March, up 8% from the same time last year. Despite higher prices, buyer activity also picked up — pending sales were up 12%, and active listings grew 31%, giving hopeful buyers a bit more breathing room.

Condos are gaining steam here, too. Prices rose 7% to a median of $627,650, and listings increased by 55%, helping meet the steady demand for more affordable urban living options.

🌄 Eastside: High Prices, Cooling Pace?

The Eastside saw a more tempered increase, with the median home price rising just 2% to $1.71 million. This slight slowdown may reflect growing affordability concerns, as closed sales dipped 8% compared to March 2024.

However, inventory is telling a different story — active listings shot up 86%, which could help balance the market and give buyers more leverage. The condo scene is particularly active, with prices up 16% and listings up a massive 119%, giving buyers fresh opportunities in this competitive segment.

🌲 Snohomish County: The Affordability Magnet

Snohomish County continues to attract buyers looking for value. The median home price rose 4% to $790,000, while residential inventory jumped 79%. With more homes on the market, buyers are gaining more options without dramatic price increases.

Condo prices also ticked up 3% to just under $530,000, and listings more than doubled — a 104% increase year over year. Whether you're a first-time buyer or someone looking to downsize, this market is full of potential.

💬 What’s Next?

As we head deeper into spring, two things are clear: inventory is expanding, and buyer interest is gradually returning. But it’s still a fast-moving market, and success — whether you're buying or selling — comes down to having the right insights at the right time.

If you're ready to make a move or just want to understand what these trends mean for your neighborhood, now’s a great time to connect with your Windermere agent. Local expertise can make all the difference in navigating a market that's evolving week by week.