Navigating the Summer Real Estate Market in the PNW

It's not 2021 anymore folks. It's clear the Pacific Northwest real estate market is experiencing its annual "summer slowdown." Unlike the frenzied pace of 2021, we're seeing a more deliberate market, and it's understandable that sellers might feel a bit anxious. However, this is a familiar pattern for us. With school out, beautiful weather, and vacation plans in full swing, house hunting often takes a backseat for many, especially in the PNW. 

I've observed this trend year after year: the summer months in the PNW are typically not the busiest time for real estate. In fact, because many sellers choose to list during this period, we often see an increase in inventory, leading to more supply than demand. This is a classic case of supply and demand at play – more homes on the market can mean less competition among buyers.

While it might seem counterintuitive compared to other markets, the optimal times to sell in our region are generally between February and May, and again from August through October. These periods often see more active buyers and less competition from other listings.

Even in our slower market, we still see "unicorns," homes that sell quickly and sometimes even above asking price. Then there are others that sit stagnant. The secret to being a "unicorn" is strategic pricing.

Think of your home's price as an invitation to potential buyers. It's the very first thing they see, and it needs to be compelling. With current interest rates and increased inventory, buyers are more discerning than ever. They are actively looking for value. We can enhance your home's appeal with professional staging, stunning photos, and engaging videos, but if the price isn't right, it's unlikely to sell.

 

Understanding Current Inventory Levels

This graph depicts available active inventory, and you can clearly see the spike from the start of the year. In January 2025, King County (green) had 1,659 available listings compared to 4,443 available residential listings today. Similarly, Pierce County (red) saw a large spike as well, going from 1,339 to 2,355 available listings.

My Key Advice for Sellers Today:

 

For sellers in today's Pacific Northwest real estate market, gone are the days of simply putting a "for sale" sign in the yard and expecting immediate multiple offers. Here are some pieces of advice I am giving my sellers. 

 

1. Patience is paramount: Understand that it might take a little more time to find the right buyer, but with the right strategy, a successful outcome is well within reach. Currently, the average median days on market for a home to sell in King County is around 28 days, and in Pierce County, it's approximately 39 days. 

 

If your home hasn't hit these benchmarks yet, please know that it's not a reflection of failure on your part or your home's value. It's simply the reality of our current market. We are navigating a more balanced environment, and sometimes, finding the right buyer takes a bit more time.

 

2. Home Preparation is Crucial: To stand out in today's market, prepping your home is incredibly important. Buyers are looking for value and a move-in ready experience. This means investing in some cleaning, necessary repairs, and often, professional staging. These efforts elevate your home's appeal, helping buyers envision themselves living there and making them more likely to submit a strong offer. Homes that are well-prepared often spend less time on the market and can sell for a higher price.

 

3 Craft a Compelling Pricing Strategy: This is where a listing can truly succeed or fail. Your pricing strategy is an invitation to buyers, and it's the first thing they see. With current interest rates and increased inventory, buyers are more discerning than ever. They are actively looking for value, and if they don't see it, they simply won't engage. Correct pricing attracts the largest pool of potential buyers and encourages competitive offers.

 

Navigating the current market requires a clear plan and expert guidance. If you're considering selling your home in the PNW, let's connect for a personalized consultation. We can discuss these strategies in detail and tailor a plan specifically designed to help you achieve your selling goals with confidence.