The $280 Shift in Affordability Every West Seattle Homebuyer Should Know

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home in West Seattle, you may want to take a fresh look at your numbers. According to First American, affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets—and West Seattle is feeling the effects, too. For the fifth straight month, buying a home has started to get a little bit easier.  

Let’s break down what this means in real dollars—and why this could be the moment to find your spot in West Seattle.

Monthly Payments Are Finally Coming Down  

One of the biggest signs of this shift? Lower monthly payments.  The latest Redfin data shows that mortgage payments on a median-priced home are now $283 lower than they were just a few months ago. That’s nearly $3,400 in annual savings—money that could go toward home improvements, a rainy-day fund, or exploring all the local favorites in your new West Seattle neighborhood.  

While a few hundred dollars might not sound huge, it can make a real difference in your homebuying budget. A small drop in your monthly payment could mean the difference between “maybe next year” and “let’s start house hunting.” And it might even change what price range you can comfortably shop in.

As Redfin reports: 

“A borrower with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford a $468,000 home, about $22,000 more than in June.” That added flexibility might be just what you need to find the home you love—especially in a desirable area like North Admiral, Alaska Junction, or Fauntleroy. 

What’s Behind the Shift?

Two key trends are driving this positive change in affordability:  

- Mortgage rates have eased from their highs earlier this year

- Home price growth is slowing in many markets, including parts of West Seattle

Both are giving buyers a bit more breathing room.  As Andy Walden from ICE Mortgage Technology explains:

“The recent pullback in rates has created a tailwind for both homebuyers and existing borrowers. We’re seeing affordability at a 2.5-year high.”  

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to move up into a larger home, these shifts could make your next move in West Seattle real estate more achievable than you think. 

Bottom Line  

Affordability is improving, and that resets the math on your move. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now’s the time to check your updated numbers and see how much more buying power you may have than just a few months ago.  

Let’s explore your options together—reach out to The Pearsall Team to see what your monthly payment could look like at today’s rates and discover which West Seattle homes for sale fit your goals. Your next chapter might be closer (and more affordable) than you think.