Housing Industry Shifts and What it Means for You
Current Mortgage Rate
Mortgage rates have moved into the 7% range. As of October 1, 2026, Freddie Mac reported an average national 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 7.28%, with the 15-year fixed rate at 6.60%. Rates vary by lender, loan program, credit score, down payment, and other borrower qualifications. If you’re planning to buy, check with a lender to see what loan programs and rates they offer and get pre-approved
september 2026 Kitsap County Housing Market Update
The Kitsap County housing market continues to show more inventory and more choices for buyers, while home values remain relatively stable.
According to the latest Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) report, 865 residential homes were available for sale at the end of September, up 8.7% from 796 homes in September 2025. Inventory reached 3.0 months of supply, compared with 2.7 months a year earlier. The September 2026 median residential sale price was $595,000, up 1.8% from $584,250 in September 2025. The average sale price was $751,957, up 6.0% from a year earlier. Homes that sold in September spent an average of 39 days on the market, compared with 44 days in September 2025. Sellers received an average of 99.6% of the list price.
September 2026 at a Glance
- Median sale price: $595,000 — up 1.8%
- Homes for sale: 865 — up 8.7%
- Months of inventory: 3.0 — up from 2.7 months
- Average days on market: 39 — down from 44 days
- Pending sales: 259 — down 15.4%
- Closed sales: 313 — down 2.8%
- List price received: 99.6% — up from 99.2%
What Today’s Market Means for Buyers
More Choices
With 865 homes available for sale and 3.0 months of inventory, buyers have more options than they did a year ago. The increase in inventory can provide more opportunity to compare homes, conditions, locations, and prices before making a decision. September
Preparation Still Matters
Mortgage rates are currently above 7% for the average 30-year fixed mortgage. Knowing your financing options and monthly payment before beginning your home search can help you shop within a realistic budget and act confidently when the right property comes along. Freddie Mac
The Right Home Can Still Move Quickly
More inventory does not mean every home is negotiating the same way. Location, condition, price, and competition all matter. Well-priced homes that show well can still attract strong interest.
Understanding recent comparable sales and the competition in a specific neighborhood is more useful than relying on countywide numbers alone.
Ready to see what your buying power looks like in today’s market? Let’s talk about your goals, budget, and options.
What Today's Market Means for Sellers
Pricing Strategy Is Key
Buyers have more homes to choose from, making accurate pricing increasingly important. In September, sellers received an average of 99.6% of the list price, showing that properly priced homes can continue to perform well in the current market. September
Presentation Still Matters
When buyers have more choices, condition and presentation can make a meaningful difference. A clean, well-maintained and thoughtfully prepared home can stand out from competing properties.
Know Your Competition
The right price depends on more than the home’s past value. Recent sales, current listings, condition, location and market activity all help determine an effective pricing and marketing strategy.
The Bigger Picture
Looking at the first nine months of 2026, Kitsap County recorded:
- 3,651 new residential listings — up 3.0% from the first nine months of 2025
- 2,790 pending sales — up 1.6%
- 2,630 closed sales — down 0.2%
- Median sale price: $588,750 — up 1.5%
- Average sale price: $710,543 — up 1.5%
- Average days on market: 36 — unchanged from the same period in 2025 September
Overall, the September numbers point to a more balanced Kitsap County market, with inventory increasing while home prices continue to show modest year-over-year growth. Buyers have more choices, while sellers need to pay close attention to pricing, condition and competition.
The most useful market information, however, is often specific to the neighborhood and property—not just countywide statistics.
Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply wondering what your home is worth, a conversation about your particular situation can provide a much clearer picture.