From Bidding Wars to Breathing Room: A Summer Check-In on Seattle’s Housing Market

Anyone else feel like summer showed up fast this year? One minute I was hunting for lost water bottles in the school pickup line, and the next, I’m brushing sand out of car seats and trying to keep popsicles stocked. It’s chaotic in all the best ways.

And much like my calendar, the Seattle housing market has shifted from fast-paced to… well, still busy, but with a little more breathing room.

If you’re curious about what’s actually going on out there—whether you’re actively looking to buy, thinking about selling, or just love a good Zillow scroll—here’s a peek into what I’m seeing (and feeling!) in the local real estate scene this summer.

Prices Are Still Up—But Slowing Down

The Seattle market isn’t crashing, it’s correcting. And honestly? That’s a good thing.

In King County, median home prices are hovering around $920,000, up about 3-4% from this time last year. In Seattle itself, that number’s a little higher, closer to $935,000, but what’s changed is how homes are selling.

Last year, everything under a million dollars flew off the market within a week. This year? Houses are still moving, but they’re taking a bit longer, about 11-12 days on average, which gives buyers a chance to think (and maybe even breathe) before making an offer.

More Homes to Choose From

This is probably the biggest shift I’ve noticed lately: Inventory is up. Like, way up. In King County, the number of active listings has jumped 71% compared to last year. On the Eastside, that number is even higher. That means buyers aren’t scrambling in quite the same way, and sellers need to be strategic with pricing, prep, and presentation.

If you’re listing your home this summer, it’s no longer just about throwing a sign in the yard and waiting for multiple offers. Staging matters. Curb appeal matters. And working with an agent who understands how to position your home (hi! 🙋🏼‍♀️) really matters.

Buyers Are Getting Creative—and So Are Sellers

The playing field is balancing out, and sellers are sweetening the deal. Reportedly, over 70% of sellers in Seattle are now offering concessions like closing cost credits or interest rate buydowns. That’s a huge jump from last year and a great opportunity for buyers to get a little more flexibility.

On the flip side, rates are still hovering around 6.7-6.8%, which means buyers are watching their budgets carefully. If you’re shopping right now, don’t be afraid to explore homes just above your price range — you might just have room to negotiate.

Zooming Out: What’s Next?

While the pace has softened, demand in Seattle isn’t going anywhere. New construction has slowed dramatically, especially for apartments and condos. That might not affect buyers right away, but long-term, it means inventory could tighten again, which usually pushes prices back up.

We’re also seeing a return of micro-units and higher-density zoning laws. small changes that aim to ease the housing crunch. It’s a little too early to tell how those will play out, but it’s something I’m keeping my eye on.

My Take

This market is steady. It’s not a freefall, and it’s not a frenzy. It’s a moment to be smart. For buyers, it’s time to explore your options without the pressure cooker of last year’s bidding wars. For sellers, it’s about pricing realistically and making your home shine.

And if you’re in a holding pattern, wondering whether now is the time to make a move — I’m always happy to talk through your options, judgment-free.

Summer always brings a little bit of magic to Seattle. Backyard BBQs, ferry rides, lake dips, and farmers market runs — it’s the perfect time to dream a little. And if that dream involves a new front porch, a bigger kitchen, or downsizing to something a little simpler? I’d love to help you get there.

Let’s chat soon. And in the meantime, if you’ve got a favorite spray park or sunset hike I should check out with the kids, send it my way!