R
aymond Gravelle, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty, Inc., serves as the president of the Grant County Association of Realtors. He was mayor of Soap Lake from 2012 to 2019 and has been helping people become homeowners in Washington for over 20 years. "I love being a realtor because I get to help people achieve their dreams," Gravelle said, noting that one of the most satisfying moments is handing keys to a first-time homebuyer.

    Gravelle started his career as a national training coach in Western Washington and later moved to Soap Lake with his family about 20 years ago. He has been working in residential and commercial real estate in Soap Lake and Ephrata since 2009, with Keller Williams Realty making up 20% of the local market.

    The Grant County market is experiencing fluctuations, with Ephrata being the strongest city. Data from Zillow shows that four towns in Grant County are among the top 16 in Washington State for home price growth rates. Currently, Ephrata sits in a seller's market, with homes selling in an average of 29 days, down 43.8% from last year.

    However, other cities in the area are shifting towards more neutral or buyer-friendly markets. Moses Lake has seen a significant increase in days on market, while Quincy and Soap Lake have also slowed down. Gravelle attributes this to increased inventory and interest rates, which are currently around 6.5%.

    As a result, Grant County is leaning into a buyer's market, with buyers having more options and sellers being more willing to negotiate. Gravelle advises potential homebuyers to get preapproved for a loan and work with a reputable real estate agent who can help them navigate the current market.

    "Find an agent who will send you updated listings and negotiate on your behalf," Gravelle said. "Interest rates may go down again, so it's essential to be prepared to make a purchase when the right opportunity arises."