November 2025

I was going to wait until the end of the year to write my final 2025 newsletter, but lately so many people have asked me about the current state of our real estate market, and specifically whether it’s a good time to put their home on the market, I thought it appropriate to address these questions now to provide potential sellers more time to plan for 2026.

At a national level, the housing market is increasingly split between extremes: equity-rich cash buyers are at an all-time high, while cash-strapped first-time buyers are at a record low. Interest rates hover around 6.2%, which is lower than last year but still far higher than the ~3% rates of 2020-2022. Inventory continues to rise but remains below pre-pandemic level. Sales volume and sales prices have both risen modestly, as the market attains a more balanced position between sellers and buyers.

With that said, we know we live in a unique area and have unique market dynamics. National headlines are interesting to understand broader trends, but when it comes to selling or buying a house in a small town like ours, it’s important to examine the hyper-local data, literally down to the sales trends within your particular neighborhood.

Comparing same period* 2025 sales to 2024, the volume of homes sold in Kala Point rose 79% – it was a big year for sales here. Sales in 2025 reflected a 5% increase in the average per sq foot price paid over 2024. The number of days on market in 2025 was 36, a significant 59% reduction over 2024, reflecting both pricing refinement as well as increased demand. Notably, 40% of the homes sold within 10 days or less in 2025, versus 30% in 2024. 24% of homes in 2025 sold for over asking price. Over 52% of sales were cash in both 2024 and 2025, more than double the national average of 26%, reflecting our target buyer demographic.

Kala Point offers a special combination of features many buyers request when they look for a home in Port Townsend: Consistently well-maintained homes on beautiful spacious lots, reasonable proximity to town, extensive amenities including a pool and private beach, safe environment, and a sense of community. And while lately many buyers have expressed hesitancy to make such a significant financial decision with so much uncertainty and angst in the world, they realize they need to live somewhere, and our area is seen as a lovely, calm respite.

So, the short answer to the question of whether it’s a good time to sell your home is Yes. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your specific situation, preparatory needs, goals, and timeline. I’ve sold over 60 homes in Kala Point – I know the neighborhood, and I’m here to help.

* 1/1 through 11/10

(Click on table to enlarge.)

---