Weekends are filling up fast with pumpkin patches, fresh cider, and spooky front porches. Somewhere between the first jack-o'-lantern and the last bag of candy, the year starts to feel different.

The housing market, meanwhile, has been quietly changing course. Compared to last year, fewer homes are going under contract and more are on the market. In King County, that shift has moved the market into the range NWMLS considers balanced, giving buyers more room to negotiate while prices stay close to last year's. In Pierce County, sales slowed noticeably after a strong start to summer, yet prices have continued to edge higher. That is good news for sellers, though with homes taking longer to sell, preparation and a realistic price matter. In Kitsap, inventory has been building month after month, giving buyers more choice and sellers more reason to stand out. Wherever you are in the process, this fall rewards a clear plan.