Published October 25, 2026 in Market Update

One part of Pierce Co Buy Box is growing even with higher rates

By Thomas Earnest

Real estate, Pierce Co Buy Box

Most of the Pierce Co Buy Box is steady. One ZIP code is moving faster than the rest. That tells sellers something important: demand is still there when a home is priced well.

The ZIP that stands out: 98445 in Tacoma

For the three months ending August 31, 2026, the Real Estate Data Aggregator counted 185 new listings in ZIP 98445. That is up 40.2% from the same months of 2025. At the same time, pending sales rose 37%, reaching 137. Buyers are showing up, and sellers are listing. Both sides are moving.

Nationally, Realtor.com reported that active listings topped 1.16 million homes in September 2026. More supply across the country is the backdrop. In 98445, that same energy showed up locally.

What the numbers say about 98445

Homes are taking a little longer to sell than last year. The Real Estate Data Aggregator shows the median days on market rose 10 days, to 19. That is a real change. But 124 homes still closed, up 31.9% from 2025. Buyers are still buying.

The Real Estate Data Aggregator also shows that 42.7% of homes in 98445 sold above list price. That is up 4.4 points from 2025. Sellers who price well are still getting strong results.

Rates are higher, but buyers are still active

Realtor.com reported that mortgage rates climbed above 7% for the first time since January 2025. That is a real cost for buyers. It has not stopped activity in 98445, but it does shape what buyers can afford.

CNBC reported that a monthly payment on a median-priced home now takes about 33% of a median family's income. In 2022, that figure was 26%. Buyers are stretching further. Price still matters.

How 98445 compares with nearby ZIPs

Not every part of the Pierce Co Buy Box saw the same growth. The Real Estate Data Aggregator shows new listings fell in several ZIPs during the same period. 98445 moved in the other direction.

Pending sales also rose in 98445 by 37%. In most other ZIPs, pending sales were flat or down. The Real Estate Data Aggregator counted pending sales falling in 98338 by 27.1% and in 98403 by 37.8% over the same period.

What this means for you

If you own in 98445, more buyers are looking and more homes are closing. The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported that U.S. house prices rose 2.6% from July 2025 to July 2026. Local prices in 98445 are up 1% over the same stretch, per the Real Estate Data Aggregator. Modest, but moving in the right direction.

If you are buying in 98445, you have more options than last year. Supply is up 42.4%, per the Real Estate Data Aggregator. That gives you more room to find the right home.

One street can read very differently from the whole ZIP code. The numbers above cover all of 98445, but your block may be faster or slower than the median.