Home Prices, Inventory & Whatcom County Real Estate Update
Written by Jolene Baijot, Designated Broker
The Bellingham and Whatcom County housing market moved toward better balance in July 2026. More homes were available for buyers, sales remained active, and prices varied depending on where you looked.
In Bellingham, 128 new listings came on the market, bringing active inventory to 345 homes. There were 110 pending sales and 148 closed sales during the month. The median sale price was $799,500, down from $851,000 in July 2025.
Across Whatcom County, 553 new listings came on the market, up 11.7 percent from 495 a year earlier. The countywide median sale price reached $631,500, up 1.5 percent year over year, while months of inventory increased to 4.0.
The takeaway from July is fairly clear: buyers have more choices, sellers face more competition, and the market remains active.
These figures are based on the latest Northwest Multiple Listing Service data for July 2026, the most recent full month available as of this August update.
Bellingham Housing Market Snapshot
Bellingham recorded:
128 new listings
345 active listings
110 pending sales
148 closed sales
$799,500 median sale price
The median sale price was down from $851,000 in July 2025.
That does not necessarily mean Bellingham home values broadly fell by the same amount. Median price can shift based on the mix of homes sold during a particular month. What July does show is a market with considerably more choice for buyers and less pressure to make immediate decisions.
At the same time, 148 homes closed during the month, showing that buyers are still purchasing when the property, condition, location, and price line up.
Whatcom County Housing Market Snapshot
Across Whatcom County, July brought 553 new listings, an 11.7 percent increase from 495 in July 2025.
Closed sales totaled 290 compared with 307 a year earlier. The median sale price increased from $622,500 to $631,500, a 1.5 percent year over year gain.
Months of inventory reached 4.0 compared with 3.4 last July.
The countywide numbers tell a slightly different story than Bellingham. While Bellingham’s median price moved lower for the month, the Whatcom County median continued to edge higher.
That is why looking beyond a single headline number matters when evaluating the local real estate market.
More Inventory Is Changing the Market
One of the most important numbers in July was 4.0 months of inventory across Whatcom County.
More inventory means buyers can compare properties, evaluate pricing and condition more carefully, and sometimes negotiate terms that were difficult to achieve when inventory was extremely limited.
For sellers, it means pricing matters more.
A home is no longer competing only against a handful of available properties. Buyers have alternatives, and they are paying closer attention to condition, location, presentation, and value.
What Is Happening in the Bellingham Housing Market?
Bellingham remains one of the most active real estate markets in Whatcom County, with 345 active listings and 148 closed sales in July.
The increase in available homes is creating a healthier market dynamic. Buyers have more choices, but demand has not disappeared.
Well positioned homes can still attract strong interest. Properties that are priced above what buyers perceive as current market value may take longer to sell or require a price adjustment.
For both buyers and sellers, understanding recent comparable sales and current competition has become increasingly important.
What July Means for Buyers
For buyers, the biggest improvement is choice.
There are more homes available than buyers have become accustomed to seeing, which can provide additional time to compare neighborhoods, evaluate condition, review inspections, and make a more measured decision.
That does not mean every property is negotiable. Desirable homes in strong locations can still move quickly.
But overall, buyers are entering a market with more leverage and more options than they had during the most competitive years.
What July Means for Sellers
For sellers, this is still an active market, but strategy matters.
With more homes competing for attention, buyers are becoming more selective. Pricing a property correctly from the beginning, preparing it well, and giving it strong online exposure can have a meaningful impact on the final result.
The first few weeks on the market remain especially important. Buyers are watching new inventory closely, and homes that appear overpriced relative to competing properties can lose momentum.
Bellingham Neighborhoods
Real estate conditions can vary considerably from one part of Bellingham to another.
Fairhaven, Edgemoor, Columbia, South Hill, Barkley Village, Sunnyland, Silver Beach and the Lake Whatcom area each have different housing styles, price points, inventory levels, and buyer demand.
If you are considering a move within the city, our Bellingham Neighborhood Guide can help you compare different areas and determine which part of Bellingham may be the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Bellingham?
The median sale price in Bellingham was $799,500 in July 2026, compared with $851,000 in July 2025.
What is the median home price in Whatcom County?
The Whatcom County median sale price was $631,500 in July 2026, up 1.5 percent from $622,500 in July 2025.
How much housing inventory is available in Whatcom County?
Whatcom County reached 4.0 months of inventory in July 2026, compared with 3.4 months a year earlier.
How many homes are for sale in Bellingham?
Bellingham had 345 active listings in July 2026, with 128 new listings entering the market during the month.
Is the Bellingham housing market cooling?
Bellingham is becoming more balanced rather than simply cooling. The median sale price was lower than a year earlier, but 148 homes still closed during July and active inventory increased to 345 listings.
Is now a good time to buy a home in Bellingham?
Buyers currently have more inventory to choose from and generally more room to evaluate properties and negotiate than they did when inventory was extremely limited. The right timing still depends on the property, financing, neighborhood, and individual buyer.
Is now a good time to sell a home in Bellingham?
Homes are still selling, but sellers are competing against more inventory. Accurate pricing, preparation, presentation, and marketing are increasingly important in the current market.
Looking Ahead
July’s numbers point toward a more balanced Bellingham and Whatcom County real estate market.
Inventory is improving. Buyers remain active. Countywide prices are holding relatively steady, while Bellingham’s monthly median showed some softness.
For buyers, that creates more opportunity to be selective. For sellers, it makes accurate pricing and strong marketing increasingly important.
Josh and I have spent more than 25 years helping buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County.
If you are wondering what these numbers mean for your neighborhood, your property’s value, or a move you are considering, contact us for a local market analysis and a strategy based on what is happening in your specific part of the market.
