If you’ve been browsing houses for sale in Seattle or keeping up with Seattle real estate headlines, you’ve probably wondered why home prices still feel so high—even with shifting mortgage rates and market adjustments. Many assume investors or big corporations are driving up costs, but the reality is more complex—and a lot more local.

The Truth About Investors

It’s easy to point fingers at investors when prices rise, but data shows they’re not the main reason homes feel out of reach. While investors do play a role, most homes are still being purchased by everyday buyers—people looking for a place to live, not just an asset to flip. The true drivers of cost are tied to long-term supply and demand imbalances.

What’s Really Behind Today’s Home Prices

Seattle, like many U.S. cities, simply doesn’t have enough homes to meet demand. Years of underbuilding, coupled with population growth and limited land availability, have created upward pressure on prices. Even as mortgage rates fluctuate, that shortage keeps values elevated. It’s not manipulation—it’s math.

Bottom Line

Home prices may feel high, but they reflect the ongoing gap between how many people want to buy and how many homes exist. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, understanding the why behind these numbers gives you the power to make smarter decisions. And with the guidance of an experienced Seattle real estate agent, you can navigate this market with clarity and confidence.