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Lake Stevens Monthly Housing Report
Lake Stevens Housing Market Report
October 2026 | September results: more choices, selective buyers, and different outcomes by price.
Quick Take
More Choices, but Buyers Were Taking Their Time
Lake Stevens had more homes for sale than in my previous report or this time last year. Fewer homes went pending, and closings eased from August, although they stayed above last September. Closed homes took longer to find their buyer and came close to full original asking at the median.
The $600,000 to $749,999 range remained the busiest resale buyer pool. Under $600,000 closed homes moved faster than August, while the $750,000 to $949,999 range took longer but still reached full original asking at the median. Above $1.15 million, small buyer pools and negotiating continued.
Builders’ five closed sales moved quickly. Condos and townhomes also found buyers faster than August, but both involved more negotiating. Meanwhile, 51 active homes had waited over three months, and Cavalero again had an above-asking sale.
My takeaway: buyers were still here, but the price, payment, and competing choices shaped where they moved forward.
What Happened Across Lake Stevens in September 2026?
September results compared with my August report and September last year. M/M means month over month; Y/Y means year over year. Asking-price changes use percentage points (pp).
Whole-City Snapshot
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 271 Aug 2026: 258 · M/M +5.0%Sep 2025: 201 · Y/Y +34.8%
- Went under contract
- 66 Aug 2026: 76 · M/M -13.2%Sep 2025: 69 · Y/Y -4.3%
- Closed sales
- 61 Aug 2026: 67 · M/M -9.0%Sep 2025: 54 · Y/Y +13.0%
- Time to contract*
- 23 days Aug 2026: 19 days · M/M +4 daysSep 2025: 18 days · Y/Y +5 days
- Original asking received*
- 99.3% Aug 2026: 100.0% · M/M -0.7 ppSep 2025: 98.0% · Y/Y +1.3 pp
- Median sales price
- $710,000 Aug 2026: $670,000 · M/M +6.0%Sep 2025: $750,000 · Y/Y -5.3%
Sellers Who Changed Course
33 Lake Stevens Listings Canceled or Expired in September
Some sellers changed plans or reached the end of their listing period. These outcomes sit alongside the homes that closed; a cancellation does not tell us the seller’s reason or whether the home will return.
How Did Lake Stevens Housing Types Perform?
Residential Resale
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 129 Aug 2026: 126 · M/M +2.4%Sep 2025: 78 · Y/Y +65.4%
- Went under contract
- 39 Aug 2026: 50 · M/M -22.0%Sep 2025: 42 · Y/Y -7.1%
- Closed sales
- 37 Aug 2026: 44 · M/M -15.9%Sep 2025: 38 · Y/Y -2.6%
- Time to contract*
- 23 days Aug 2026: 23 days · M/M unchangedSep 2025: 17 days · Y/Y +6 days
- Original asking received*
- 99.3% Aug 2026: 99.0% · M/M +0.3 ppSep 2025: 99.0% · Y/Y +0.3 pp
- Median sales price
- $710,000 Aug 2026: $687,000 · M/M +3.3%Sep 2025: $727,000 · Y/Y -2.3%
Lake Stevens Residential Resale Summary for September 2026
Resale inventory stayed close to August but was much higher than last September. Fewer homes went pending or closed in both comparisons. Closed homes took the same 23 days to reach contract as August, longer than a year earlier, while the original-asking result improved slightly. Buyers were taking their time, but the homes they chose still came close to their starting price. More showing visits before a pending sale than August did not mean more new contracts overall. The biggest buyer pool stayed in the $600,000 to $749,999 range.
New Construction
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 44 Aug 2026: 41 · M/M +7.3%Sep 2025: 50 · Y/Y -12.0%
- Went under contract
- 5 Aug 2026: 4 · M/M +25.0%Sep 2025: 7 · Y/Y -28.6%
- Closed sales
- 5 Aug 2026: 8 · M/M -37.5%Sep 2025: 8 · Y/Y -37.5%
- Time to contract*
- 1 day Aug 2026: 0 days · M/M +1 daysSep 2025: 83 days · Y/Y -82 days
- Original asking received*
- 100.0% Aug 2026: 100.0% · M/M unchangedSep 2025: 91.3% · Y/Y +8.7 pp
- Median sales price
- $1,099,990 Aug 2026: $776,248 · M/M +41.7%Sep 2025: $840,000 · Y/Y +31.0%
Lake Stevens New Construction Summary for September 2026
Builders had a few more homes for sale than August, but fewer than last September. Five homes went pending, up from four in August but below last year. Only five closed, fewer than either comparison month. Those five had a one-day median to contract and full original asking, but that does not describe the other new homes still waiting. The much higher median sale price reflects a different, small group of closed homes, not proof that every new home gained value. Builders may offer closing-cost help, better terms, or preferred-lender rate incentives. Compare the full payment and deal alongside the price.
Condominiums
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 30 Aug 2026: 24 · M/M +25.0%Sep 2025: 15 · Y/Y +100.0%
- Went under contract
- 7 Aug 2026: 11 · M/M -36.4%Sep 2025: 10 · Y/Y -30.0%
- Closed sales
- 9 Aug 2026: 8 · M/M +12.5%Sep 2025: 7 · Y/Y +28.6%
- Time to contract*
- 20 days Aug 2026: 37 days · M/M -17 daysSep 2025: 13 days · Y/Y +7 days
- Original asking received*
- 96.3% Aug 2026: 96.8% · M/M -0.5 ppSep 2025: 100.0% · Y/Y -3.7 pp
- Median sales price
- $489,950 Aug 2026: $553,500 · M/M -11.5%Sep 2025: $625,000 · Y/Y -21.6%
Lake Stevens Condominiums Summary for September 2026
Condo inventory grew from August and doubled from last September. Fewer homes went pending in both comparisons, even though more closings finished. The condos that closed found buyers faster than August, but slower than last September, and received a smaller share of original asking. A 96.3% median result left room for negotiating. The lower median price also reflects the units that sold. Look at dues, building finances, condition, and the complete monthly cost when comparing condos.
Townhomes
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 12 Aug 2026: 8 · M/M +50.0%Sep 2025: 11 · Y/Y +9.1%
- Went under contract
- 4 Aug 2026: 5 · M/M -20.0%Sep 2025: 7 · Y/Y -42.9%
- Closed sales
- 4 Aug 2026: 5 · M/M -20.0%Sep 2025: 2 · Y/Y +100.0%
- Time to contract*
- 20 days Aug 2026: 36 days · M/M -16 daysSep 2025: 31 days · Y/Y -11 days
- Original asking received*
- 95.4% Aug 2026: 95.7% · M/M -0.3 ppSep 2025: 99.6% · Y/Y -4.2 pp
- Median sales price
- $514,975 Aug 2026: $450,000 · M/M +14.4%Sep 2025: $609,975 · Y/Y -15.6%
Lake Stevens Townhomes Summary for September 2026
Townhome buyers had more choices than August or last September, while fewer homes went pending. Four closed, down from August but up from two last September. Those four reached contract faster than either comparison month, with a median result of 95.4% of original asking. Faster did not mean sellers avoided negotiating. With only four closings, the mix of homes can move the median price substantially; it was higher than August and lower than last September.
How Did Lake Stevens Residential Resale Price Ranges Perform?
Under $600K
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 16 Aug 2026: 10 · M/M +60.0%Sep 2025: 12 · Y/Y +33.3%
- Went under contract
- 8 Aug 2026: 11 · M/M -27.3%Sep 2025: 4 · Y/Y +100.0%
- Closed sales
- 4 Aug 2026: 7 · M/M -42.9%Sep 2025: 6 · Y/Y -33.3%
- Time to contract*
- 8 days Aug 2026: 25 days · M/M -17 daysSep 2025: 6 days · Y/Y +2 days
- Original asking received*
- 99.7% Aug 2026: 95.2% · M/M +4.5 ppSep 2025: 100.9% · Y/Y -1.2 pp
- Median sales price
- $562,500 Aug 2026: $573,000 · M/M -1.8%Sep 2025: $565,000 · Y/Y -0.4%
Lake Stevens Under $600K Summary for September 2026
Buyers had more choices than August or last September. Eight homes went pending, fewer than August but double last year. Only four closed, fewer than both comparison months, so the sample is small. Those closed homes reached contract much faster than August and came close to full original asking. Affordable choices still drew attention, but there were more sellers competing for it. The eight-day median was slightly longer than last September.
$600K to $749K
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 44 Aug 2026: 44 · M/M unchangedSep 2025: 17 · Y/Y +158.8%
- Went under contract
- 18 Aug 2026: 16 · M/M +12.5%Sep 2025: 17 · Y/Y +5.9%
- Closed sales
- 18 Aug 2026: 19 · M/M -5.3%Sep 2025: 14 · Y/Y +28.6%
- Time to contract*
- 27 days Aug 2026: 19 days · M/M +8 daysSep 2025: 18 days · Y/Y +9 days
- Original asking received*
- 99.5% Aug 2026: 99.2% · M/M +0.3 ppSep 2025: 99.6% · Y/Y -0.1 pp
- Median sales price
- $639,100 Aug 2026: $640,000 · M/M -0.1%Sep 2025: $667,000 · Y/Y -4.2%
Lake Stevens $600K to $749K Summary for September 2026
This remained the busiest resale range for both new contracts and closings. Pendings increased from August and last September. Closings stayed close to August and were higher than a year earlier. Inventory matched August but was far above last year, giving buyers plenty to compare. Closed homes took longer to reach contract, with more showing visits before a pending sale than either comparison month. The median sale still received 99.5% of original asking. Buyers were choosing homes here, but they were not rushing through every decision.
$750K to $949K
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 33 Aug 2026: 34 · M/M -2.9%Sep 2025: 23 · Y/Y +43.5%
- Went under contract
- 9 Aug 2026: 12 · M/M -25.0%Sep 2025: 12 · Y/Y -25.0%
- Closed sales
- 9 Aug 2026: 10 · M/M -10.0%Sep 2025: 14 · Y/Y -35.7%
- Time to contract*
- 47 days Aug 2026: 36 days · M/M +11 daysSep 2025: 22 days · Y/Y +25 days
- Original asking received*
- 100.0% Aug 2026: 99.4% · M/M +0.6 ppSep 2025: 99.1% · Y/Y +0.9 pp
- Median sales price
- $777,500 Aug 2026: $806,250 · M/M -3.6%Sep 2025: $772,500 · Y/Y +0.6%
Lake Stevens $750K to $949K Summary for September 2026
Inventory eased slightly from August but stayed above last September. Fewer homes went pending or closed in both comparisons. The nine closed homes took a median 47 days to reach contract, longer than either comparison month, yet received full original asking at the median. A longer wait did not automatically mean a lower accepted price. Buyers were more selective, and the homes that found their match had stronger asking-price results than August or last year.
$950K to $1.149M
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 11 Aug 2026: 10 · M/M +10.0%Sep 2025: 13 · Y/Y -15.4%
- Went under contract
- 1 Aug 2026: 6 · M/M -83.3%Sep 2025: 2 · Y/Y -50.0%
- Closed sales
- 3 Aug 2026: 4 · M/M -25.0%Sep 2025: 1 · Y/Y +200.0%
- Time to contract*
- 23 days Aug 2026: 4 days · M/M +19 daysSep 2025: 17 days · Y/Y +6 days
- Original asking received*
- 100.0% Aug 2026: 101.4% · M/M -1.4 ppSep 2025: 98.0% · Y/Y +2.0 pp
- Median sales price
- $995,000 Aug 2026: $1,052,000 · M/M -5.4%Sep 2025: $975,000 · Y/Y +2.1%
Lake Stevens $950K to $1.149M Summary for September 2026
Only one new contract came together, down from six in August and two last September. Three homes closed, fewer than August but more than last year. Those homes received full original asking at the median, although they took longer to reach contract than either comparison month. Inventory was slightly above August and below last year. This was a small buyer pool, so the strong asking-price result from three closings is not a promise for the homes still competing.
$1.15M to $1.349M
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 10 Aug 2026: 14 · M/M -28.6%Sep 2025: 4 · Y/Y +150.0%
- Went under contract
- 1 Aug 2026: 3 · M/M -66.7%Sep 2025: 4 · Y/Y -75.0%
- Closed sales
- 2 Aug 2026: 3 · M/M -33.3%Sep 2025: 1 · Y/Y +100.0%
- Time to contract*
- 38 days Aug 2026: 70 days · M/M -32 daysSep 2025: 77 days · Y/Y -39 days
- Original asking received*
- 93.7% Aug 2026: 94.6% · M/M -0.9 ppSep 2025: 94.8% · Y/Y -1.1 pp
- Median sales price
- $1,192,500 Aug 2026: $1,299,000 · M/M -8.2%Sep 2025: $1,175,000 · Y/Y +1.5%
Lake Stevens $1.15M to $1.349M Summary for September 2026
There were fewer homes for sale than August but more than twice as many as last September. Only one went pending, below both comparison months, and two closed. Those closed homes reached contract faster than August or last year, but the median result was 93.7% of original asking, lower than either comparison. Some sellers found their buyers sooner, with negotiating still part of the deal. Two closings are too few to set expectations for every home in this range.
$1.35M or More
Lake Stevens | September 2026
- Homes for sale
- 15 Aug 2026: 14 · M/M +7.1%Sep 2025: 9 · Y/Y +66.7%
- Went under contract
- 2 Aug 2026: 2 · M/M unchangedSep 2025: 3 · Y/Y -33.3%
- Closed sales
- 1 Aug 2026: 1 · M/M unchangedSep 2025: 2 · Y/Y -50.0%
- Time to contract*
- 84 days Aug 2026: 4 days · M/M +80 daysSep 2025: 6 days · Y/Y +78 days
- Original asking received*
- 93.6% Aug 2026: 90.6% · M/M +3.0 ppSep 2025: 95.9% · Y/Y -2.3 pp
- Median sales price
- $1,357,500 Aug 2026: $2,400,000 · M/M -43.4%Sep 2025: $1,910,000 · Y/Y -28.9%
Lake Stevens $1.35M or More Summary for September 2026
Only one home closed, just like August, with two new pendings and more homes for sale than either comparison month. That one closing took 84 days to reach contract and received 93.6% of original asking. The asking-price result improved from August but stayed below last year. Its sale price and market time describe one property, not the whole upper range. With a small buyer pool, the individual home and its competition matter much more than a big move in the median.
Where Buyers Still Stepped Up
Cavalero Had Another Above-Asking Sale
Cavalero appeared in last month’s standout sales and again had a September home finish above asking. A home listed at $715,000 closed at $725,000, about 1.4% above both final and original asking, after two days to contract. That is one home’s result, not a promise for every seller in the area.
Strong Sales and Longer Waits Happened Together
Among the 55 September closed homes, 34 sold at or above final asking, including 13 above it. But 21 had reduced their asking price before closing, and 23 took at least 30 days to reach contract.
Above final asking does not always mean above the starting price. One home started at $725,000, was listed at $650,000, and closed at $672,200. Buyers paid more than the final asking price, while the sale still finished below original asking. Sale prices alone also do not tell us how many offers a home received.
First Look: A Head Start for Sellers!
For sellers who want to start getting attention while finishing their preparation, this is exciting news. NWMLS introduced First Look in September, allowing up to 21 days of pre-marketing before an Active launch. Lake Stevens had one listing enter First Look in September.
Sellers can choose whether to allow showings and public website display during that window. All NWMLS member brokers can see the listing. Let’s talk about whether that head start fits your plan. More about First Look from NWMLS.
Questions You May Be Asking
What Does This Mean for Your Plans?
Are buyers still buying in Lake Stevens?
Yes. September had 66 new pending sales and 61 closings. Both were below August, but closings remained above last September. More inventory and fewer new contracts meant sellers had more competition.
Where were resale buyers most active?
The $600,000 to $749,999 range led both new contracts and closings, with 18 of each. Buyers were still choosing homes here, but closed homes took longer to reach contract than August or last year.
Does more than 90 days mean something is wrong?
No. Longer waits are becoming more common again. A home may still be waiting for its buyer to enter the market. Always do your due diligence: check condition, disclosures, pricing history, and the other choices available.
Can I offer less than asking?
It depends on the home. Condos, townhomes, and the resale ranges above $1.15 million had more negotiating in their median results. Some other ranges reached full original asking. Compare the actual home and its alternatives before choosing an offer.
Did builders sell every new home right away?
No. The one-day median describes the five homes that closed, while 44 were for sale and five went pending. Builders may offer incentives or preferred-lender terms, so compare the complete payment and deal.
Why did prices rise from August if activity slowed?
The citywide median describes the middle home that sold. A different mix of homes can move that number even when fewer buyers make offers. It does not mean every Lake Stevens home gained the same amount.
Can I start marketing before my home is ready for a full launch?
First Look allows up to 21 days before going Active, with choices about showings and public website display. We can decide whether that preparation window fits your plans.
Lake Stevens Market Conclusion
Buyers Were Still Here, but More Selective
More choices gave buyers more to compare, and sellers needed their home to make sense against the alternatives.
Lake Stevens added inventory from August and last September, while fewer homes went pending in both comparisons. Closings eased from August but stayed above last year. Closed homes took longer to reach contract, with a median 99.3% of original asking. That was below August’s full asking but above last September’s result.
The homes still waiting matter, too: 51 active homes had been on the market over three months. September also had 16 cancellations and 17 expirations. Longer waits do not automatically mean something is wrong, but closed-sale numbers only describe homes that found their match.
Resale had fewer new contracts and closings than either comparison month. Builders’ five closings moved quickly and reached full original asking, while their unsold inventory told a different story. Condos and townhomes found buyers faster than August but received less of original asking. Buyers still needed to compare condition, dues, and the full payment.
Under $600,000, closed homes moved faster and closer to original asking than August, from only four sales. The $600,000 to $749,999 range remained the biggest buyer pool, though buyers took more time. From $750,000 to $949,999, longer waits still ended at full original asking at the median. From $950,000 to $1,149,999, three closings had a full-asking median, but only one new contract came together. From $1.15 million to $1.349 million, two closings involved more negotiating even as market time improved. At $1.35 million and up, the one closing took 84 days and finished below original asking. Those upper ranges remained small samples.
Cavalero again had an above-asking example. Other September homes also attracted premiums, while many closed only after a price reduction or longer wait. The final asking price and the seller’s original starting price tell different parts of that story.
For Buyers
There are more choices, but some homes still hold close to asking. Compare your monthly cost and the specific competition. Check the full terms if a builder offers an incentive.
For Sellers
Give buyers a clear reason to choose your home. Price, preparation, and presentation need to work together when their budget buys several alternatives.
What Comes Next?
Will the busy $600,000 to $749,999 range keep drawing offers? Will the extra condo choices turn into more contracts? And will the higher resale ranges find more buyers?
My takeaway: Lake Stevens still had buyer activity, but the market changed by housing type and price.
The Monthly Payment
The Price Is Only Part of the Decision
Financing, taxes, insurance, and dues all shape what feels comfortable. The busiest resale range stayed below $750,000, but the price alone does not tell you the payment.
If a builder offers a rate incentive, compare how long it lasts and what terms come with it. A lender can help compare your specific options. Freddie Mac’s mortgage-rate survey offers national context.
Questions About Your Plans?
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
Buying or selling in Lake Stevens? I can help you make a plan that fits your home, budget, and timing.
Never Miss the Next Update
Lake Stevens Whole-City Snapshot Summary for September 2026
There were more homes to choose from than in my previous report or this time last year. Pending sales fell in both comparisons, while closings were below August but still above last September. The homes that closed took a little longer to find their buyer, and the median result was 99.3% of original asking. Buyers had more choices, but that did not turn every sale into a deep discount. The median sale price rose from August and stayed below last year; that also reflects which homes closed. Let’s look at the housing types and prices to see where the activity came from.