If you’re getting ready to sell your home in Seattle, you’re probably hoping to make a strong sale — whether that means getting the best price or finding a buyer quickly. Working with a top local agent and prepping your home are both important, but the timing of your listing can also play a big role in the outcome of your sale.
To determine the best time to sell a house in Seattle, we spoke with Hao Dang, a HomeLight Elite Agent who works with 76% more single-family homes than most agents in the area. He also shares helpful advice to make the selling process smoother and more successful.
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Seattle housing trends
“Inventory has been low for quite some time,” says Dang. But recent trends point to a shift, with more homes hitting the market — signaling a possible move toward a more balanced playing field for buyers and sellers.
Homes in Seattle generally sell within about 2 days of listing. This timeframe is known in real estate as days on market (DOM), measuring the period between a home’s listing date and the signing of a contract. By comparison, the national DOM is currently 51 days.
The median sales price in Seattle is near $925,000, reflecting a 1.1% drop compared to the previous year.
“Homes are still selling in less than one week if a home is priced at what the last listed for, rather than what it sold for. If the home was listed for $1 million, sold for $1.1 million, and received five offers, and you list at $1 million, you should get multiple offers as well. Whereas, if you list for $1.1 million, you may sit for a while,” says Dang.
What do these conditions mean for sellers? Homes are still moving quickly, but with more listings on the market, it’s become even more important to price your home competitively and present it well. Smart pricing and thoughtful staging can help your Seattle property stand out and attract serious buyers.
When is the best time to sell a house in Seattle?
Seattle traditionally experiences seasonal patterns, with sales activity picking up during the spring and summer. This period, spanning from April to July, generally represents the ideal window to list your home for the highest returns. If your priority is a quick sale, the best time to put your Seattle house on the market begins in March.
Typically, it takes 2 days to secure a buyer and approximately 40 days for the buyer’s financing to finalize, so listing your property two to three months before the peak selling season is wise.
Now, let’s take a closer look at local sales data to identify the best time to sell a house in Seattle, whether your goal is maximizing profits or achieving a fast sale.
Best times to sell a house in Seattle
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | April | July | You could sell your house for 3.42% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Mercer Island
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | May | August | You could sell your house for 5.20% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | July | October | You could sell your house 8 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Bellevue
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | March | June | You could sell your house for 4.44% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | April | July | You could sell your house 9 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Kirkland
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | March | June | You could sell your house for 2.92% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | March | June | You could sell your house 10 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
Best times to sell a house in Newcastle
| Selling objective | List month | Close month | Benefit |
| Best time for higher price | February | May | You could sell your house for 6.18% more than the yearly average. |
| Best time to sell fast | May | August | You could sell your house 22 days sooner than if listed in other months. |
All tables are based on historical home sales data, 2014-2024
To explore home-selling trends in other cities, visit our Best Time to Sell Calculator.
Armed with this insight, you’ll be ready to connect with a top-performing local real estate agent who can offer tailored advice on the best time to sell a house in Seattle based on your neighborhood, circumstances, and local market dynamics.
What’s the worst time to list a house in Seattle?
According to Dang, the worst time to sell a house in Seattle is in September, once the school year begins. He says, “Homes tend to look nicer in the spring than in the fall or winter.”
Wondering about your net proceeds? Try HomeLight’s free Net Proceeds Calculator to estimate how much you might earn from selling your Seattle home.
What seller concessions help close a sale in Seattle?
Sellers in Seattle often provide seller concessions or extend buyer credits to encourage a successful transaction. According to Dang, the most common seller concessions in his market involve covering closing costs or addressing repairs identified during the inspection.
Here are some typical seller concessions and credits you might think about offering to improve your chances of closing a sale in Seattle:
- Help with a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
- Provide funds toward a temporary interest rate buy-down on the mortgage
- Give a credit to cover repairs identified during the home inspection
- Cover the costs for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal fees
- Pay for the initial months of HOA dues, if relevant
- Cover the commission fees for the buyer’s agent
- Prepay property taxes or homeowners’ insurance for the first year
Insider tips to help sell your house in Seattle
As a top-performing Seattle real estate agent, Dang is experienced in guiding sellers to meet their selling goals, regardless of seasonal challenges.
Here are Dang’s expert recommendations for selling your Seattle property:
1. Set the right asking price from the outset
Listing your home above market value often results in an extended time on market and eventual price cuts. Adopting a pricing approach grounded in recent sales data (comparable listings) can generate strong early interest and attract competitive bids.
2. Select a skilled real estate professional
Partner with a knowledgeable local agent familiar with the Seattle market who can assist you in pricing, marketing, and negotiating effectively. Top agents can position your home competitively, and according to HomeLight’s insights, the top 5% of agents close deals at prices 10% above the average.
3. Prioritize necessary repairs
Address visible flaws such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint — buyers often associate minor defects with bigger problems. Concentrate on repairs that deliver a strong return and build buyer confidence. A savvy Seattle agent can also advise you on which repairs to skip.
4. Enhance both physical and online curb appeal
Maintaining tidy landscaping, a spotless exterior, and a bright entryway creates immediate curb appeal that impresses buyers in person. In the digital realm, professional photos and virtual tours help your Seattle home grab attention right away.
5. Clear out clutter and depersonalize spaces
Eliminate excess items such as bulky furniture, family photos, and collectibles to make rooms appear more spacious and inviting. A simple, neutral environment helps buyers picture themselves living there.
6. Provide a home warranty
Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers about potential repair expenses, especially for older properties in Seattle. It’s also an effective way to differentiate your listing in a busy market.
7. Be accommodating with showings
Having your home accessible to buyers increases the chance of a quicker sale. Offering evening and weekend viewing appointments can be particularly helpful for buyers who work full-time or live out of town.
8. Think about staging
Homes that are professionally staged tend to sell more swiftly and at a higher price since staging helps buyers visualize how the space can be used. Partial or virtual staging options can still significantly boost your listing’s appeal in Seattle’s market.
Connect With a Top Agent to Sell Your Seattle Home
It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process. To connect with an agent, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you’re looking to sell.
Our data shows the top 5% of agents across the U.S. help clients sell their home for as much as 10% more than the average real estate agent.
Answers to other Seattle home-selling questions
What if I need a fast sale and closing in Seattle?
While some homes in Seattle do sell quickly, a fast sale is never guaranteed. If you’re aiming for a quick home sale or don’t have the time and funds to complete necessary repairs, think about requesting an all-cash offer via HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.
Within minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-commitment cash offer within just 24 hours. Simple Sale buys homes in nearly any condition across Seattle, allowing you to bypass staging, showings, and repairs and close in as little as 7 days.
What is the biggest mistake Seattle home sellers make?
Dang points out that the top mistake homeowners make when putting a house on the market in Seattle is “pricing too high and expecting a quick sale.” This can lead to your home sitting on the market longer and ultimately selling for less.
Find a top Seattle agent for a successful sale
The best time to sell a house in Seattle depends largely on your goals. However, selling your home quickly and at a desirable price doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge, you can make smarter decisions and steer clear of common mistakes.
“Work with a seasoned Realtor who knows the market well and can get you the highest sale in the quickest amount of time,” says Dang.
Partnering with a top local agent ensures you have a knowledgeable partner and advisor guiding you toward a successful sale. Connect with a top agent today.
If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, explore HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This solution taps into your home equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your new property and move just once. Watch this short video to discover more.
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