May 16 - Wenatchee Market Update: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

by Evan Brown

If you're thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to the Wenatchee area this year, staying up to date on the local market is key. Here's a quick, no-fluff breakdown of what’s happening right now and what it means for you.

🔹 Local Home Sales & Demand

Home sales in Wenatchee are up 36% month-over-month, while national sales are down 5.9%—the biggest national drop since 2022. Source

What this means for you:

Demand in the Wenatchee Valley remains strong across all price points. While buyers are pulling back nationally, they’re still showing up in force here. With demand outpacing supply, we expect this trend to continue.

🔹 Home Prices

Down 4.1% year-over-year (location-specific, but that's the average).
Average sale price: $446,000
Key pressure points: Higher interest rates and the mismatch between home prices and local incomes. Source

🔹 Price Outlook

I expect home prices to remain steady in the near term. Why? Because affordability is capping further growth.

Here’s the reality:

Average local household income: ~$70,000/year
At current rates and prices, the typical monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) is around $3,187
Even with slight levy reductions, property taxes are still high due to increased home values
Interest rates remain in the high 6% range

🔹 So, What’s the Path Forward?

To bring monthly payments back into reach, here are the top 3 scenarios:

Rate Buy-Down (Most Strategic)

The smartest move right now.
You can negotiate with the seller to help buy down your rate and slash your monthly payment.
Want to learn how this works? [Click here for more info] or just reply and ask

Interest Rates Drop

Possible, but unlikely in a meaningful way this year.
Remember the saying: “Date the rate, marry the house.” You can always refinance later.

Demand Drops

Also unlikely.
With population growth outpacing new construction, supply remains tight and competition stays high.