2025 May Housing Market Update

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.

Are you thinking about selling this summer? You need to see what’s happening in Snohomish County. We just wrapped up May, and the market is shifting. More homes are hitting the market, and more are staying there longer. If you’re planning to list your home soon, understanding the numbers could help you price correctly, avoid sitting too long, and attract serious buyers.

Inventory is rising quickly. At the end of April, Snohomish County had 987 active listings. By the end of May, that number grew to 1,234. That’s a jump of 247 homes in just one month. Compared to this time last year, inventory is up about 60%. Sellers are entering a more competitive environment, and buyers now have more choices.

More inventory means more listings are staying on the market longer. At the end of April, 56% of homes had been on the market for more than three weeks. By the end of May, that number reached almost 60%. That’s a clear sign that buyers are taking more time and being more selective.

Even with longer market times, the number of homes reducing prices has remained steady. Each week, about 10% to 14% of active listings see a price cut. This trend has held firm throughout the year. In most cases, these reductions happen because the home was priced too high or the condition didn’t match the asking price. Despite more homes for sale and longer timelines, average sale prices are up.

Year-to-date, Snohomish County has seen a 5.3% increase in prices compared to the same time last year. That shows there’s still solid demand, even if buyers are being more cautious.

What to expect this summer. The big question moving forward is how much more inventory will increase this summer. We’ve already passed last year’s peak inventory levels. If that trend continues, we may start to see more pressure on pricing. I’ll be watching this closely in the months ahead.

If you’re thinking about selling or want help understanding your local market, I’m here to talk. Call or text me at 206-940-4557, email matt@mattstarkrealestate.com, or start your search at searchhomesnw.com. Let’s figure out your next best step.