Thinking of buying, selling, or just keeping tabs on the Seattle real estate scene? Here’s what the numbers are saying—and what it all means for you this summer.
The short version? Inventory is way up. Prices are still climbing, but more slowly. The bidding wars of 2021–2022 have cooled, and we’re seeing signs of a more balanced market.
Let’s dig into what’s actually happening right now—and what to expect next.
Home Sales: A Mixed Picture by Region
Total closed sales across King County dipped slightly year-over-year:
April 2025: 2,127 homes sold
April 2024: 2,183 homes sold
That’s a 2.57% decline, but the story changes depending on where you look:
By area:
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Seattle proper: +5.17% (more activity than last year)
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Eastside: -5.98%
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North King County: +13.70% (biggest jump)
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Southwest King County: -6.34%
💡 What this means: Buyers are still active, but more selective. Some areas are hot—others, not so much. Demand is shifting based on value, commute times, and neighborhood growth.
Home Prices: Still Rising, But Slowly
The median price for a home in King County is now:
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$907,000 in April 2025
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That’s a 3.66% increase over last year’s $875,000
Breakdown by area:
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Seattle: $900,000 (+4.05%)
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Eastside: $1,455,000 (+1.22%)
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North King County: $875,000 (-1.46%)
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Southwest King County: $627,000 (+0.32%)
🧠 Takeaway: Price growth is slowing, and some neighborhoods are seeing actual drops. This isn’t a crash—it’s a market cooling, and it’s creating more breathing room for buyers.
Inventory Surge: Buyers Have More Options
The most dramatic change? Listings are way up.
Across King County:
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April 2025: 4,742 active listings
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April 2024: 2,768
That’s a +71.32% jump in available homes.
By area:
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Seattle: +47.19%
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Eastside: +138.19% (yes, more than double)
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North King County: +42.47%
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Southwest King County: +35.86%
📍 What this means: It’s no longer a feeding frenzy. Buyers can take their time, compare, and negotiate. Sellers now need to price smarter and prepare better to stand out.
Interest Rates: Still High, Still Affecting Buyers
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30-year fixed mortgage (May 2025): ~6.76%
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15-year fixed: ~5.89%
This is a key factor holding back demand. Even if prices soften a bit, higher rates make monthly payments harder to swallow. And for many, this reduces how much house they can afford.
King County Market Snapshot (April 2025)
| Metric | April 2025 | April 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Listings | 4,742 | 2,768 | +71.3% |
| Closed Sales | 2,127 | 2,183 | -2.6% |
| Median Price | $907,000 | $875,000 | +3.7% |
| Pending Sales | 2,524 | 2,775 | -9.0% |
| Months of Inventory | 2.23 | ~1.3 | More balanced |
A balanced market typically has 4–6 months of inventory. At 2.23, we’re not there yet—but we’re heading in that direction.
What This Means for You
If You’re Buying:
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More homes to choose from
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Less pressure to waive contingencies
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Still need to be rate-conscious and financially prepared
Tip: Focus on neighborhoods where inventory is up and prices are flat—North King and parts of Southwest King County are good bets.
If You’re Selling:
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You’ll still get solid value, but don’t expect 10 offers over asking
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Prep your home: staging and photos matter more now
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Consider concessions (like a rate buydown) to attract buyers
Tip: Pricing right from Day 1 is key. Overpricing = sitting.
Forecast: Where Is This All Headed?
According to Zillow and local economists:
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Seattle home prices are expected to grow 1.1% by fall, and 1.5% over the next year
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That’s modest growth—but not a crash
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Expect prices to stabilize or climb slowly if interest rates stay flat
Big picture: We’re moving into a calmer, healthier market. That’s a win for both buyers and sellers who are realistic and strategic.
Final Thought from HouseHack Seattle
Seattle isn’t cheap and probably never will be. But right now, the playing field is leveling out.
If you’ve been on the fence about buying, this summer might be your chance to get in without a bidding war. If you’re selling, it’s still a strong market—as long as your home is priced right and ready to show.
Looking for something that actually fits your budget and lifestyle? Connect with Michael Haas for a free consultation: Book Here
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