Seattle Housing Market Update: Street Talk Radio

Is the Seattle Housing Market Slowing… or Just Shifting? A Mid-February Street Talk Recap

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The real estate headlines can feel dramatic right now.

Sales are down nationally. Consumer debt is up. Interest rates are fluctuating. And some buyers and sellers are wondering… is this the start of something bigger?

On this week’s episode of Street Talk, Chris Davies sat down with Carmen “CC” Crispeno of RE/MAX and Gail Wolfinger of FirstMark Insurance to unpack exactly what’s happening — both nationally and here in the Seattle Housing Market.

Here’s what you need to know.

February vs. January: A Market in Transition

January saw a noticeable increase in inventory but slightly slower activity. February, however, is showing signs of renewed movement.

Some homes are selling quickly — even receiving multiple offers — while others are sitting for weeks or months.

The difference? Pricing and strategy.

As CC shared during the show, “It’s all about pricing — and marketing — and pricing especially.”

In today’s market, thoughtful positioning matters more than ever.

The Bigger Economic Picture: Consumer Debt

One staggering statistic discussed on the show: since 2019, consumer debt has increased by $4.6 trillion nationwide. That includes credit cards, auto loans, HELOCs, and mortgages.

This doesn’t automatically mean a housing crash is coming — but it does mean many households are feeling financial pressure.

The key question becomes: Do you have an exit strategy? In uncertain times, strategy replaces speculation.

National Sales Are Down — But Context Matters

Existing home sales nationwide are projected at 3.91 million — well below the historical norm of approximately 5.2 million.

That’s a slowdown. But here’s what’s important:

Low volume does not equal a crash.

Foreclosures remain historically low. Many homeowners who purchased prior to 2023 still hold significant equity. And unlike 2008, today’s lending standards have been far more conservative.

This is not a replay of the Great Recession.

Are Short Sales Coming Back?

One listener recently asked about short sales — a term many haven’t heard in over a decade.

While isolated situations exist (especially for buyers who purchased recently with minimal down payments), widespread distress is not currently reflected in the data.

Most homeowners today have equity.

And equity changes everything.

Want the Full Conversation?

This blog captures some highlights — but the real value is in the full discussion. The candid dialogue about pricing, debt, market psychology, and what’s really happening on the ground offers deeper insight than headlines ever could.

👉 Listen to the full Street Talk episode here:

If you’re considering buying or selling in 2026, clarity starts with conversation.