Seattle’s real estate market has always been dynamic, and today’s buyers are learning to navigate it with clarity and creativity. Mark Koks and his wife, for instance, set out to upgrade from their Greenwood townhome with a healthy budget of up to $1.2 million. While they initially hoped for the perfect single-family home in popular neighborhoods like Ballard or Phinney Ridge, they quickly discovered the reality of Seattle’s fast-moving housing market: even $1 million isn’t a magic ticket anymore—but there’s still opportunity.

With Seattle’s median single-family home price hovering right at $1 million, buyers are seeing smaller homes with more competition. The typical $1 million home now averages around 2,120 square feet—down more than 400 square feet since 2020. Still, buyers are finding success by being open-minded, focusing on location, and recognizing the long-term value of their investment.

There are pockets of promise. Areas like Beacon Hill, West Seattle, and Northgate still offer homes under or around $1 million, some even move-in ready. Homes near public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and good amenities continue to draw multiple offers, but for those who remain patient and flexible—like the Koks—there’s still a path to finding a great home in the city they love.

Ultimately, while the definition of a “dream home” may shift, many buyers are discovering it’s still possible to plant roots and build a future in Seattle—especially with the right guidance and a clear sense of priorities.