Matt Stark profile image

By Matt Stark

Matt Stark is a top 1% REALTOR® in Seattle with over 19 years of experience. A Seattle native, he began his career in 1999 as an investor before transitioning to full-time real estate.

Transform Your Home Sale into a Success Story. Understand what a good agent can do to maximize your sales price. Free Strategy Call

We’re now at the end of April, and the spring real estate market is in full motion. This is the time of year when many sellers who held off during the winter finally list their homes, and buyers get more active. On the surface, it feels like a strong market, and in many ways, it is. But activity doesn’t always equal results. If you’re thinking of making a move, it’s important to understand what’s happening behind the headlines.


Inventory is rising, and homes are sitting longer. Compared to last year, we’re seeing about 20% more inventory. That means more homes on the market and more options for buyers. It also means more competition for sellers. The average days on the market have gone from 20 to 27 days, about a 35% increase. Homes are still selling, but they’re taking longer to go pending.

“The average sale price is up about 3.9% from this time last year, which signifies a healthy market with steady buyer interest.”

Price reductions are steady. Around 10 to 12% of active listings are reducing their prices each week. That trend has held steady for several months. It shows that some sellers are still starting too high and adjusting to meet buyer expectations. If you’re pricing your home this spring, staying in line with current demand is critical.

Prices remain stable year-over-year. Even with higher inventory and more price cuts, sale prices are holding steady. In fact, the average sale price is up about 3.9% from this time last year. That signifies a healthy market with steady buyer interest, even if conditions aren’t as fast-paced as before.

What to watch heading into summer. Looking ahead, I’m watching three key trends: changes in the economy, the impact of the stock market on buyer confidence, and interest rates, which are currently around 6.75%. A drop closer to 6% could unlock more movement in the market and improve affordability.

Whether you’re thinking about selling or buying or want to understand what’s happening in your area, I’m here to help. Call or text me at 206-940-4557, email me at matt@mattstarkrealestate.com, or visit searchhomesnw.com to explore what’s possible in today’s market. Let’s have a conversation about your next move.

 

  • Transform Your Home Sale into a Success Story. Understand what a good agent can do to maximize your sales price. Free Strategy Call

  • Free Home Value Estimate. Begin with an estimated home valuation, and we'll follow up to gather additional details to determine the exact value. Request My Value

  • Free Real Estate Newsletter. Get our latest Q&A, insights, and market updates to make smarter decisions. Subscribe Now