There’s still plenty of summer left here in the valley. It’s been a different kind of season with the fires and smoke, but there’s still a lot happening across North Central Washington and a lot to appreciate about this time of year.
The real estate market is shifting too. Buyers have more choices than they did a year ago, and sellers are seeing that good pricing and presentation really matter.
And as always, every community is a little different. What’s happening in Wenatchee can look very different from Lake Chelan, Manson, or Leavenworth.
If you’re thinking about a move later this year, I’m always happy to help you make sense of what’s happening in your particular market.
— Arturo Zavala
Across the four-county North Central Washington market, inventory expanded much faster than sales in July. That gives buyers more room to compare, but 295 homes still closed, more than last July. This is a more selective market, not a stalled one.
Regional averages only tell part of the story. Here is what July looked like in four local communities.
Source: July 2026 vs. July 2025 single-family residential statistics. This report does not include condos. For this report, North Central Washington includes Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, and Grant counties. Community medians are monthly snapshots, not property valuations, and small samples can create larger swings, particularly Lake Chelan (24 closings) and Leavenworth (15).
Once a historic South Shore rock quarry, this remarkable property has been transformed into a private timber-frame retreat overlooking Lake Chelan. The 33-acre setting includes a character-filled primary residence, a separate one-bedroom guest cabin, expansive lake and mountain views, and direct access to surrounding public land. Recent clearing and terracing have opened the views even further, creating a property unlike anything else currently available around the lake.
July was extra sweet for the Zavala family: the arrival of baby Nellie.
We’re thrilled for Arturo and the whole family as they settle into life as a family of five. Congratulations, Zavalas and welcome to the world, Nelli!
Broker | Luxury Advisor
Windermere Real Estate / Lake Chelan
509.630.6365
arturozavala@windermere.com