Published October 11, 2026 in Market Update

One part of Pierce Co Buy Box is still moving at a very fast pace

By Thomas Earnest

Real estate, Pierce Co Buy Box

Redfin reported that 24.3% of sellers around this market's area cut their asking price in the four weeks ending September 20. That is a real signal. But it does not tell the whole story for every ZIP code in Pierce Co Buy Box.

These numbers cover the three months ending August 31, 2026. One ZIP code stands out from the rest.

ZIP 98406 is the fastest corner of this market

The Real Estate Data Aggregator counted 1.7 months of supply in ZIP 98406 for the three months ending August 31, 2026. That is the tightest reading in the whole buy box. It held flat from a year before.

The median home there sold in 6 days, according to the Real Estate Data Aggregator. That is 2 days faster than the same period last year.

For sellers, a well-priced home here still faces real competition from buyers. For buyers, 6 days is not much time to think.

The Real Estate Data Aggregator also showed that 61.4% of homes in 98406 went under contract within two weeks of listing. That is up 6.5 points from a year ago.

Homes there sold at 101% of list price on average, per the Real Estate Data Aggregator. That is up 0.9 points from last year. And 34.7% sold above list price.

How the other ZIPs compare on speed

Not every ZIP moves like 98406. The Real Estate Data Aggregator shows a wide range of pace across this market.

ZIP 98405 also had a 6-day median, per the Real Estate Data Aggregator. That is 12 days faster than the same period last year. And 52% of its homes went under contract within two weeks.

ZIP 98465 had 63.6% of homes under contract within two weeks, the Real Estate Data Aggregator found. Its median was 9 days.

At the other end, ZIP 98391 had a 30-day median and only 29.8% of homes under contract within two weeks. ZIP 98338 also sat at 30 days.

Homes under contract within two weeks, ZIP by ZIP

The wider picture: price cuts and rates

Redfin reported that 24.3% of sellers in this market's area cut prices in the four weeks ending September 20. That is above the national figure of 21.1%, also from Redfin.

Realtor.com reported that price cuts hit 20.8% of listings nationally in September, the highest since October 2022. Active listings topped 1.16 million homes nationally, also per Realtor.com.

CNBC reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a conforming balance rose to 7.49% as of October 7, 2026. Realtor.com put the 30-year rate at 7.40% as of October 8, 2026.

Redfin noted that mortgage rates have climbed above 7% for the first time since January 2025. Higher rates slow buyers. That shows up in some ZIPs more than others.

Prices vary a lot across the buy box

The Real Estate Data Aggregator found median sale prices ranging from $425,000 in 98418 to $715,000 in 98391 for the three months ending August 31, 2026.

ZIP 98402 saw the biggest price gain: up 15.2% from a year ago, with a median of $475,000, per the Real Estate Data Aggregator. ZIP 98403 saw the sharpest drop: down 9.7% to $631,200.

Not every ZIP told the same story. Prices dipped a little in several areas. That is honest, and it matters when you are setting a number.

Supply is tighter in some spots than others

The Real Estate Data Aggregator counted 1.7 months of supply in 98406, the lowest in the buy box. ZIP 98338 had the most, at 3.8 months.

More supply gives buyers more choices. Less supply keeps sellers in a stronger spot, if the price is right.

If your home is in one of the faster ZIPs, the numbers above may not match your block. One street can read very differently from the whole ZIP code. I am happy to look at what is happening right where you are.