03/25/2026
π The Fed just hit PAUSE β and here's why Puget Sound buyers should pay attention.
Last week, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50%β3.75% at their March 18 meeting. Chair Powell signaled only ONE more cut for all of 2026, citing sticky inflation at 2.4% and new price pressures from the Iran conflict driving oil higher and lingering tariff costs still working through the economy.
Here's the chain: geopolitical tension β energy prices spike β inflation stays stubborn β Fed keeps rates on hold β mortgage rates climb back above 6.4% (previously 5.99 which is a pretty big jump).
But here's what most people are missing β inventory across Puget Sound is SURGING. New listings are up 16.5% year-over-year, and in Snohomish County, closed sales dropped 8.4%. That means more homes sitting, more negotiating power for buyers, and sellers who are finally willing to talk price.
Source: Federal Reserve, CNBC, Axios Seattle
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