Whatcom County Housing Market Insights - What you need to know right now and what it means for our county

What’s Really Happening in the Whatcom County Housing Market Right Now?

Over the last six months, Whatcom County’s real estate market has been shifting—but not in a way that’s likely to make big headlines. It’s been more of a quiet rebalancing: a move toward stability after years of rollercoaster pricing, limited inventory, and high-pressure bidding wars. For buyers and sellers alike, this creates new opportunities—and new challenges. Let’s break it down in terms that actually matter to you, your home, and your goals.

More Time to Decide—But Not Too Much

The average home in Whatcom County is now taking about 68 days to sell, which is longer than it was even a year ago. That means buyers have a little more time to think, compare, and act with intention. But it’s still a seller-friendly market—just one that doesn’t move at lightning speed anymore. That breathing room can be a relief for families trying to coordinate a move, line up financing, or make the right decision for the long term.

Buying Under $500K? You’re Not Alone

There’s steady demand for homes under $500,000, especially from first-time buyers and downsizers looking for something manageable. The average price in this range is around $328,000, and it’s not unusual for homes here to go pending quickly—especially if they’re clean, updated, and in desirable neighborhoods. If this is your price point, we’re encouraging clients to be ready: get pre-approved, know your must-haves, and be prepared to act when the right one hits the market.

Mid-Range Homes Are Moving Fast

Homes priced between $500,000 and $1 million are seeing the strongest activity across the board. This is the “sweet spot” in our market, and homes in this range are often getting the most attention. Whether it’s a growing family upgrading their space, remote workers looking to settle in a beautiful community, or people relocating for lifestyle reasons, competition is strong. Sellers in this range are getting close to—or sometimes even more than—their asking price, especially if the home is well-staged and move-in ready.

Luxury Market? Different Rules Apply

If you’re in the market for a luxury property—say, something over $1 million—things look a little different. The pace is slower, and there’s more inventory to choose from. Buyers here tend to take their time, do their homework, and look for specific features: views, privacy, craftsmanship. That means sellers in this segment need to be patient but strategic. The good news? When a luxury home sells, it’s still selling close to asking price. The key is standout marketing and thoughtful presentation.

A Shift Toward Balance

Right now, we’re seeing about 970 homes for sale and 351 that are pending, which gives us a “pending ratio” of about 36%. That’s a healthy sign—it means buyers and sellers are fairly well matched in terms of activity. It also means we’re not in a hyper-competitive market, but we’re not in a slow one either. We're in a place where thoughtful, informed decisions can actually thrive.

Recently? Things Are Picking Up

Over the last three months, we’ve seen things accelerate. More homes are selling each month—about 257 on average—and they’re going under contract faster, in just 43 days. That’s a big difference from where we were six months ago. It suggests that buyers are feeling more confident and that well-priced homes are moving quickly. Sellers are receiving nearly 98% of their original list price, which reinforces the value of good pricing strategy right out of the gate.

Your Home’s Value Depends on Its Story

Market averages are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story. A home in Lynden will perform differently than one in Fairhaven or Sudden Valley. A fixer-upper near downtown Bellingham isn’t going to sell the same way a brand-new build in Blaine will. That’s why we spend so much time understanding the specifics: condition, location, style, and buyer demand. The market might be steady overall, but real estate is always hyper-local.

Advice We’re Giving Our Clients Right Now

If you’re buying: be ready to move when you find the right home, especially under $1 million. This is still a competitive space, and the best homes don’t sit long. Having your financing in order and working with an agent who can help you move quickly is key.

If you’re selling: the mid-tier market is in your favor. Price it well, stage it smartly, and you’re likely to see strong interest. If you’re in the luxury space, patience is your ally—paired with marketing that elevates your home and tells its full story.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

Markets ebb and flow, but what matters most is how the numbers affect your plans. Whether you're planning to buy your first home, thinking of moving up, or considering selling after years of ownership, we're here to help you understand how to time it right, price it smart, and make your move with confidence.

Reach out—we’d love to talk about what this market means for you.