Skagit County sees drop in early 2026 single-family home sales

Skagit County has seen a slower-than-usual first quarter when it comes to home sales in 2026.

Adrik Brashear, a broker with The Muljat Group in Northwest Washington, 238 single-family Skagit homes have been sold since the new year began. This number represents a 16.8% decrease from the same time frame in 2025.

When combined with condominium sales, the decline is roughly 9%.

The average number of days on market for Skagit County homes was up 31% during the first quarter of 2026. Brashear said this number is also increasing in Whatcom County.

"Things are kind of just sitting," he said.

For those looking to sell their current home and buy a new one, Brashear said, now may not be the best time, particularly for those struggling with a current mortgage.

"Knowledge is power," he said, emphasizing that it's worthwhile for buyers and sellers to speak with a real estate professional and lender to ensure they're as informed as possible before making critical decisions.

Brashear said some buyers are feeling apprehensive about a home search due to the financial implications of the war in Iran.

With gas and shipping costs rising - and impacting daily expenses - Brashear said there is a "fear in the air" when it comes to factoring in buying a home.

It's always worthwhile to consider the numbers, he said, noting that prices continue to fluctuate year by year.

The current stability of median home prices in the county, Brashear said, can be attributed to the presence of qualified buyers.

According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, the median price of Skagit County home being sold is $590,000, a 1.3% decline from 2025.

Chad Paulsen, managing broker for NextHome 365 Realty and Skagit County spokesperson for the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, said if prospective homebuyers feel comfortable making mortgage payments and don't plan to move within a couple of years, it's always a good idea to buy.

"Homeownership is the No. 1 way that Americans gain wealth," Paulsen said.

The difference in wealth gain between renters and homeowners is stark. As of 2025, the net worth of the average U.S. homeowner was about $400,000, while that of the average renter was $10,000.

Brashear said he feels hopeful for the upcoming quarters, especially as the weather improves and buyers are more enthusiastic about getting out and shopping for homes.

When it comes to affordability, Brashear said that Sedro-Woolley continues to be one of the most attractive areas in Skagit County. The average price of a Sedro-Woolley home in the first quarter of 2026 was $552,615.

Anacortes, Brashear said, has become increasingly expensive, approaching Bellingham prices. The average price of an Anacortes home during this first quarter was $870,000.{/div}

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