Your Kent Real Estate Agent
Kent Real Estate Agent: Emily Cressey
By Emily Cressey, Broker, HomePro Associates at Keller Williams Greater Seattle. Updated October 2026.
Kent is one of the most affordable places in King County to buy a house, and it keeps getting more attention from buyers priced out of Seattle. I have helped buyers and sellers here, including a buyer who was determined to own her own home by her birthday, and I have filmed driving tours around Kent and nearby Des Moines.
I serve King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, so I can help you compare Kent with Renton, Auburn and the north end and pick the right fit.
What is your home worth? Enter your address and I will prepare a free value report for you, by hand, not a robot.
Video tours of Kent
I have driven Kent and Des Moines on camera so you can see the neighborhoods before you visit.
Over 20 years industry experience
I became a real estate investor in 2002 and was first licensed in 2008. I have been a full time Kent real estate agent since 2020.
Value-focused buyers
I help buyers find the most home for their money without ignoring the trade-offs.
Take a Drive Around Kent With Me
Here is my driving tour around Kent, so you can see the hills, the valley and the neighborhoods in between.
What Is Kent Really Like?
Kent sits in the Green River Valley between Seattle and Tacoma. The valley floor is a big industrial and warehouse hub, with homes up on the hills on either side. East Hill and West Hill are where most people live. Downtown Kent and Kent Station have shops, restaurants and the Sounder train stop.
Things to Do
- Trails: the Green River Trail and the Soos Creek Trail for walking and biking.
- Downtown: the Kent Farmers Market in summer, Kent Station and local restaurants.
- Events: hockey and concerts at the accesso ShoWare Center.
- Day trips: Mount Rainier is closer from here than from Seattle.
Kent Neighborhoods and Homes
- East Hill: the largest residential area, with ramblers, split-levels and newer subdivisions.
- West Hill: closer to I-5 and Sea-Tac, with some Sound views toward Des Moines.
- The Lakes: a planned community with townhomes, detached condos and lake access.
- Downtown and the valley: apartments, townhomes and condos near the train.
What Locals Love
- Some of the most affordable homes in King County
- Sounder train to Seattle
- Green River and Soos Creek trails
- Close to Sea-Tac Airport
- Newer subdivisions on East Hill
What to Know Before You Buy
- SR 167 and I-5 traffic can be heavy.
- The valley floor is mostly industrial.
- Prices have risen in recent years.
- Schools vary, so check each address.
- It rains a lot here, like everywhere in the area.
A Kent Story: Home by Her Birthday
One of my buyers, Deborah, set a goal to be in a home of her own by her birthday. That deadline did not move, so neither did we. I stayed available for last-minute showings and questions, and she bought her home in Kent.
“Emily was so instrumental in helping me find my new home. She was always available for questions and last-minute scheduling.”
You can read more from my clients on my testimonials page.
How I Help Kent Sellers
Kent buyers are value-focused. They compare your home with everything in their price range from Renton to Federal Way. I price carefully, prepare the home so it shows well, and market the things buyers care about: the yard, the commute and the neighborhood.
How I Sell Your Home: The A-PLUS Method
Every listing I take follows the same five steps. It is the system I wrote up in my free A-PLUS seller guide, and it is how I keep a sale organized when life is anything but.
A: Assess
We walk the house together, talk about your timeline and your bottom line, and look at what similar homes actually sold for.
P: Prepare
Cleaning, paint, repairs that affect financing, and staging. I have contractors who will wait to be paid at closing.
L: Launch
Professional photos, video, the MLS, social media and my email list, all going live on the same day.
U: Urgency
Pricing and showing schedules designed to bring buyers in at the same time so they compete.
S: Sell
I negotiate the offers, the inspection and the appraisal, and I stay with you through closing.
Curious What You Would Walk Away With?
Try my seller net proceeds calculator, then book a call and I will walk you through a real net sheet for your home.
Buying in Kent
If you want a house with a yard in King County at a lower price, Kent is worth a serious look. I will help you compare East Hill, West Hill and the valley and test the commute before you commit.
For a deeper look, read my guide to living in Kent.
This Month in Kent
All home types, three months ending September 2026.
$649,691
Median sale price
Up 5.6% from a year ago
224
Homes sold
22 days
Median days on market
98.7%
Sale-to-list price
22.2% sold over list
My take: Prices are up from last year, but most homes are selling a little under asking. Price it right from day one and you avoid chasing the market down.
Source: Redfin, based on NWMLS data. I update these numbers every month. For the bigger picture, see my Seattle real estate market update.
Kent Real Estate Questions
Is Kent a good place to buy a house?
For many buyers, yes. Kent offers some of the most affordable single-family homes in King County, with access to the Sounder train and Sea-Tac.
How long is the commute from Kent to Seattle?
About 30 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic. The Sounder train runs from Kent Station to downtown Seattle on weekdays.
Which school district serves Kent?
Most of Kent is in the Kent School District, and some areas are in the Federal Way, Highline or Auburn districts. Confirm for each address.
What is The Lakes in Kent?
A planned community with townhomes, detached condos and homes around small lakes, with an HOA. Read the HOA documents carefully.
What other areas do you serve?
I serve King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, including Kent, Renton, Auburn, Des Moines and Seattle.
More Places I Help Buyers and Sellers
Let’s Talk About Your Kent Move
Whether you are selling on East Hill or buying your first home in the valley, I would love to help. Book a quick call, or ask for a free home value report prepared by me, not a robot.
Call or text (206) 245-8813 | Office: 1307 N 45th St #300, Seattle, WA 98103
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