📊 Seattle Real Estate Market, Summer 2025

1. Market Overview at a Glance

Takeaway: Prices are no longer skyrocketing—but there’s no collapse either. The market is simply shifting into a more sustainable phase.

2. Inventory & Sales Dynamics

• Inventory rising:

  • Seattle inventories hit ~2.5 months in June (up from 2.1 in May)

  • King County active listings jumped 71% YoY in April

• Sales speed remains competitive:

  • ~44.6% of homes go pending within 30 days (June)

  • Median days on market: 9–10 days; up slightly from last year

• Sales volume:

  • ~2 006 new listings, 970 pendings, 834 closings in June

  • King County closed ~2 127 homes in April (–2.6 % YoY)

Interpretation: Inventory is growing—giving buyers more options—yet demand remains robust enough to keep homes selling quickly. We’re entering a balanced, still-buyer-cautious market.

3. Price Trends & Appreciation

• Single-family avg price: $1 142 811, Condos: $683 180 (June)

• Five-year appreciation: Overall +24.1%, single-family +25.3%, condos +22.7%

• By bedroom (May):

  • 1-bed: ↓3.4 % to $420 000

  • 2-bed: +1.1 %

  • 3-bed: +0.5 % (~$904 800)

  • 4-bed: +5.0 %

  • 5+-bed: +6.1 %

Long-term outlook: Despite short-term dips, home values have steadily climbed over the past five years—making Seattle a wealth-builder for homeowners.

4. Mortgage Rates & Affordability

• Mortgage rates (May–June):

  • 30-year: ~6.7%

  • 15-year: ~5.9%

• Affordability analysis:

  • Seattle saw one of the steeper declines in monthly mortgage payments, thanks to subtle price corrections and stronger seller concessions.

Context: Rates remain high, but buyers can leverage modest price dips and seller flexibility to improve affordability.

5. Why Now? For Buyers & Sellers

✅ Buyers:

1. More leverage than a few months ago – Higher inventory and slower pending rates (50% → 44%) mean less frenzy.

2. Strategic price zones – Homes between $500K–$1.25M still draw plenty of interest.

3. Negotiation window – With ~36% selling below asking, buyers can win deals.

4. Long-term gain – Prices are stable and poised for continued appreciation; waiting could just mean higher future pricetags.

💼 Sellers:

1. Still in control — with caveats – It’s a seller’s market, but overpricing is less tolerated.

2. Prepare & polish – Listings under $1.5M sell quickly; luxury homes need extra finesse.

3. Equity to cash out – Many sellers enjoy +20‑30% equity gains over 5 years; that’s a powerful opportunity.

6. Visualizing the Data

7. Expert Insights & Forecast

• The summer market has “cooled” from spring’s intensity—but remains “very strong.”

• Forecasts project steady price growth of 2.8–4.0% into early 2026.

Bottom Line 👇

• Buyers gain traction now—navigate thoughtfully, get pre‑approved, and move on quality listings.

• Sellers can still achieve top dollar—just price accurately, present effectively, and move with market rhythm.

• Everyone benefits from a more balanced market—fewer bidding wars, more negotiating space, and healthier outcomes.

💬 Economist Video: June 2025 Update

Final Takeaway

Now is a unique sweet spot. Buyers have more room to breathe and negotiate. Sellers can still tap into strong equity—but only with savvy preparation. If you’re planning to move in the next 6–12 months, June 2025 offers your best balance of opportunity and timing.