A Balancing Market Emerging as Interest Rates Ease
Mortgage rates dipped again in October—closing the month at an average of 6.17% for 30-year fixed-rate loans, the lowest level since early October 2024. With this change, many buyers are regaining confidence, and listings across the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) are showing more balanced activity.
Across Washington, active listings increased 27% year-over-year, giving buyers more options, while closed sales fell 4% and median prices dipped slightly by 1.5% compared to October 2024.
But how does Whatcom County compare?
Whatcom County Market Highlights – October 2025
According to NWMLS data for residential and condominium sales combined:
- New Listings: 347 new listings were added to the market in October, up 10.5% from September 2025 and 33.5% higher than October 2024.
- Pending Sales: 260 homes went pending, down 4.1% year-over-year and roughly 6% below September—indicating that while buyers are active, affordability and rate fluctuations continue to impact decision timelines.
- Closed Sales: 236 homes closed in October, up 2.6% from a year ago and nearly flat month-over-month, showing consistent activity as fall settled in.
- Median Sale Price: The county-wide median price rose to $615,000, up 6.5% year-over-year and 1.5% compared to September 2025—a modest but steady increase reflecting strong demand for well-priced listings.
- Active Listings: 944 total active listings at the end of October, up 33.5% from 707 a year ago, though slightly lower than September’s 1,000+ inventory, following seasonal norms.
- Months of Inventory: Sitting at 4.0 months, Whatcom County remains in a balanced zone between buyer and seller markets.
Local Insight from The Johnson Team
“October was a strong month for Whatcom County real estate,” said The Johnson Team. “While inventory levels are higher than last year, homes that are priced right and well-presented are still moving quickly. The slight softening in rates has helped buyers step back into the market—especially those who paused earlier this year.”
Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or investing, understanding where the market stands now can help you make confident decisions heading into winter.
📞 Call The Johnson Team today at (360) 303-2734 or email Info@JohnsonTeamRealEstate.com for personalized insights into your neighborhood’s market trends and property value.
Key Takeaways for Whatcom County (October 2025 vs. September 2025)
| Metric | October 2025 | % Change (vs. Sept 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| New Listings | 347 | +10.5% |
| Pending Sales | 260 | -6% |
| Closed Sales | 236 | ≈0% |
| Median Price | $615,000 | +1.5% |
| Active Listings | 944 | -6% |
| Months of Inventory | 4.0 | Even |