Local Market Update – December 2025

Whatcom County Real Estate | Residential & Condo Market Wrap-Up

As we wrap up 2025, the Whatcom County real estate market tells a story of stabilization, adjustment, and opportunity. After several years of rapid swings, this year felt more measured—giving both buyers and sellers clearer signals and more room to make smart, strategic decisions.

Below is a breakdown of what we saw in December and how the year finished overall, along with what it means as we head into 2026.

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Residential Market Overview

Inventory & Activity

Inventory was one of the biggest headlines in 2025. In December alone, active inventory rose nearly 28% year over year, bringing total months of supply to 2.5 months, up from 2.0 last December. While this is still technically a seller-favored market, it represents a noticeable shift toward balance.

New listings were also up 18.2% year-to-date, giving buyers more options and reducing some of the urgency that dominated prior years.

Despite this increase in supply, closed sales held steady, finishing the year up 1.1%, a sign that demand remained resilient even as conditions normalized.

Pricing Trends

Prices softened modestly in 2025, but not dramatically:

• Median home price finished the year at $625,000, down 1.6% year over year

• Average sales price remained essentially flat, down just 0.1% year to date

This combination tells an important story: while bidding wars cooled and overpricing was punished, well-prepared and properly priced homes continued to sell.

Days on Market & Negotiation

Homes took longer to sell in 2025. Average days on market increased to 41 days, up nearly 14% year over year. Buyers had more time to evaluate homes, inspections regained importance, and negotiation returned to the conversation.

The percent of list price received dipped slightly to 98.8%, reinforcing that pricing strategy—not wishful thinking—was the difference between success and stagnation.

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Condo Market Overview

The condo market experienced a more pronounced adjustment in 2025.

Slower Pace, More Selective Buyers

Pending sales declined sharply in December, and days on market increased significantly—finishing the year at an average of 60 days, up more than 36% year over year.

Inventory remained steady at 3.7 months of supply, suggesting buyers had choices and were willing to wait for the right property.

Pricing Signals

• Median condo price dipped slightly to $399,000 year to date

• Average condo price rose 5.1%, indicating that higher-quality or well-located units continued to perform well

Interestingly, condos sold for an average of 98.7% of list price, showing that accurate pricing and strong presentation still paid off—even in a slower segment.

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What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, 2025 brought something many had been waiting for: leverage.

• More inventory

• Longer decision windows

• Greater opportunity to negotiate on price, repairs, or terms

That said, the best homes still moved quickly. Buyers who came prepared—pre-approved, decisive, and well-advised—were rewarded.

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What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, the message is clear: strategy matters more than ever.

The days of “list it high and see what happens” are largely behind us. Homes that were:

• Properly priced

• Well prepared

• Professionally marketed

continued to sell, while overpriced homes often sat longer and ultimately sold for less.

This is where experience, market knowledge, and a strong understanding of home condition make a real difference.

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Looking Ahead to 2026

As we head into 2026, the Whatcom County market appears healthier and more balanced than it has in years. While we don’t expect dramatic swings, we do expect:

• Continued pricing discipline

• Opportunity for well-informed buyers

• Sellers who succeed by leaning into preparation and smart pricing

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Everson, Sumas, Blaine, or surrounding areas, having a clear plan—and the right local guidance—will be key.

If you’d like to talk through what these trends mean for your specific situation, you can always call or text me anytime. I’m happy to help you build a smart plan for the year ahead.

— Marty Whitman
Whatcom County Real Estate

Data provided by Northwest Multiple Listing Service®.