Kirkland has a way of winning people over. The waterfront, the walkable downtown, the neighborhoods that feel like actual neighborhoods. It draws people in, and then keeps them. I’ve been working in this market for a long time, and I can tell you: there’s a reason buyers fight for homes here.
Whether you’re thinking about buying in Kirkland, selling a home you’ve loved for years, or just trying to figure out what the market is doing right now, I’d like to be the person you call.
What I’m Seeing in the Kirkland Market Right Now
The Eastside market in May 2026 has more breathing room than it did a year ago, but that doesn’t mean the best homes are sitting. What I’m seeing is a market that’s sorting itself quickly: homes that are well-prepared and priced accurately are still generating strong interest in the first week or two, while homes that need price reductions are taking longer.
In the $1M to $1.5M range, which covers a lot of Kirkland’s single-family inventory, roughly one in four new listings is going under contract within the first seven days. That’s real demand. It means if you’re buying in that range, you still need to be ready to move.
Above $2M, buyers have more options and more time. That segment has meaningfully more flexibility than it did in 2024. If you’re a seller in that range, preparation and positioning matter more than ever.
New listing volume is running about even with last spring, so there’s no dramatic flood of inventory. Just a market finding its footing at a more measured pace.
Here’s the bottom line as I see it: the Kirkland market rewards people who are prepared. Buyers who’ve done their homework, gotten pre-approved, and know what they want are still winning. Sellers who invest in presentation and price thoughtfully are still selling well.
Why People Choose Kirkland
Kirkland gives you something that’s genuinely hard to find on the Eastside: walkability with waterfront access. The stretch along Lake Washington, from Carillon Point to Marina Park and the restaurants along Lake Street, creates a livability that doesn’t require getting in the car for everything.
The neighborhoods fan out from there: Juanita to the north, Bridle Trails to the east, Houghton closer to the lake. Each one has its own feel, its own price point, its own type of buyer. Part of what I do is help people find the right fit within Kirkland, not just Kirkland in general.
Commute access matters here too. Kirkland is well-positioned for people working in Bellevue, Redmond, or heading into Seattle, and increasingly for remote workers who just want to live somewhere they love.
Who I Work With in Kirkland
I work with a lot of different types of clients in Kirkland. Move-up buyers who’ve outgrown a starter home and want more space or a better location. Sellers who’ve been in the same house for a decade and want to understand what it’s worth now and what the process looks like. Buyers relocating to the Seattle area who’ve done their research and put Kirkland near the top of the list.
What they all have in common: they want someone who knows the market well enough to give them real information, not just enthusiasm. That’s what I try to deliver.
Let’s Talk
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Kirkland, I’d love to have a real conversation about where things stand and what makes sense for you.
Also serving nearby communities: Bellevue, Bothell, Redmond, and West Seattle.
No pressure. Just honest information and a clear plan.
Phil James | Realtor®
John L. Scott Real Estate
425.970.0900 | contact@philjamesrealty.com
Personalized Service. Proven Results.