Brokers reported 10,289 pending sales in March – fewer than the same month a year ago, but significantly more than the previous month, according to the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. That total, which encompasses 17 counties, was down about five percent from twelve months ago when brokers notched 10,841 pending sales. Compared to February, when there were 7,673 pending sales, the volume jumped 34 percent.

King County ‘s median price jumped more than $40,000 from a year ago, rising to $365,000 from $324,950. For single family homes only (excluding condominiums) the median price for sales that closed last month was $405,000. That’s almost $145,000 more than the median sales price of $260,300 for single family homes that sold last month in Pierce County.

Rates on 30-year mortgages now average 6.54 percent, up from the month-ago average of 6.39 percent, according to HSH Associates, a mortgage information publisher.