Hey there—fall’s here, and the Seattle market’s finally catching its breath.

After a sharp summer cooldown, prices have leveled off. September closed with a median home price of $975,000, up 4% year-over-year but still well below June’s peak. Inventory is holding steady around two months, the highest fall supply we’ve seen since 2018. That means buyers finally have breathing room, and sellers are having to meet the market head-on.

Well-priced homes still move fast, but the rest? They’re sitting longer and often selling after a price cut. For sellers, precision matters more than optimism. For buyers, patience is starting to pay off—and if rates ease toward 6%, that window of leverage could narrow quickly.

Always here to help you read the market, not chase it.

— Erik
 

Why the Fed Cut Rates & What It Means for Housing

The Fed has finally started cutting. The two big questions are: 
Why? And now what?

Click to view video & full Market Update
 
 
 

Seattle Market Update

The latest Seattle real estate trends and statistics from trusted sources like the Northwest MLS and Windermere Real Estate, brought to you by Erik Stanford. Data is current through September 2025.

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Eastside Market Update

The latest Eastside real estate trends and statistics from trusted sources like the Northwest MLS and Windermere Real Estate, brought to you by Erik Stanford. Data is current through September 2025.

Read More
 
 
 

Wildfires are a growing concern in Western Washington. 

One of the best ways to protect your property—and help firefighters defend it—is by creating a defensible space around your home. This buffer reduces fire risk and increases safety.

 What Is Defensible Space?

Defensible space is the area between your home and potential wildfire hazards. It’s designed to slow or stop the spread of fire and give firefighters a safe area to work. Proper vegetation management is key.

https://www.nfpa.org/

  The Three Zones of Defensible Space

 Zone 0 – Ember-Resistant (0–5 feet)

  • Use noncombustible ground cover like gravel or pavers.

  • Clear debris, dead plants, and weeds from roofs, gutters, decks, and porches.

  • Keep branches 10 feet from chimneys.

  • Limit combustible items like furniture or planters.

  • Move firewood and lumber to Zone 2.

 Zone 1 – Lean, Clean, and Green (5–30 feet)

  • Remove dead or dry vegetation and maintain space between trees.

  • During drought, pay extra attention to clearing dead or dying material.

 Zone 2 – Reduced Fuel (30–100 feet)

  • Remove litter, debris, and decaying plant material.

  • Thin smaller trees growing among mature trees.

  • Reduce the density of taller trees to prevent fire spread.

  Extra Tips for Fire Safety

  • Plant Selection: Opt for fire-resistant species.

  • Tree Maintenance: Prune dead branches and maintain vertical spacing.

  • Regular Upkeep: Keep gutters, roofs, and decks clear of leaves and debris.
 
Click for details!

Visit Kenneth Showell Artworks

 

QUESTION:

Which Seattle building is often called one of the world’s greenest commercial buildings, with solar panels, rainwater recycling, and composting toilets?

ANSWER:

The Bullitt Center

Why it’s so green:

Net-Positive Energy: Rooftop solar array generates more power than the building uses.

Water Self-Sufficiency: Rainwater collected in a 50,000-gallon cistern supplies all water needs.

Composting Toilets: Eliminates traditional sewage use and saves water.

Sustainable Materials & Design: Non-toxic materials, geothermal heating/cooling, and energy-efficient systems.

FUN FACT:
It’s the first urban commercial building to earn Living Building Challenge certification!

 

NORTH BEACON HILL

Private Spaces — Shared Roots

1304 15th Ave S

$875,000
2,954 SF
MLS# 2439303
View home online
 
 
 
 

‌ERIK STANFORD‌‌‌

‌‌Windermere Real Estate Mount Baker‌‌

‌erikstanford@windermere.com
E‌rikStanford.com‌
‌+1 206-280-3773‌‌
‌‌4919 South Genesee Street‌, ‌Seattle‌‌

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