2025 October 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.

Many homeowners are wondering if they’ve missed their chance to sell this year. Headlines talk about a shifting market, but what’s really happening on the ground in Seattle? I’d like to share the key statistics from October to provide you with a clear, data-driven picture of our local market, allowing you to plan your next move with confidence.

Why prices are still strong. Despite talk of a cooldown, the data tells an interesting story. The year-to-date average sale price in our county is still up 2.7%. This is a key indicator that sufficient buyer demand remains to support strong prices, even as the market pace adjusts.

The inventory roller coaster is shifting. Inventory peaked in mid-September at 1,640 active listings but has since dropped to 1,511 by the end of October. The reason? Fewer new listings are hitting the market. We’ve gone from over 200 new listings per week to about 175, and this number is expected to keep falling. With pending sales holding steady at 230 homes per week, this shrinking supply is a positive signal for sellers.

Understanding the new pace of the market. The market is undeniably more balanced than it was in the frenzy of previous years. The average days on market is now 32, up from 23 last year, which is a 30% increase. While some homes still sell in a weekend, others may take 60 to 100 days. Overall, we have approximately 2.4 months of inventory, indicating a neutral market that favors neither buyers nor sellers overwhelmingly.

What sellers should do now. If you’re considering selling, there is still a clear path to success. With strong buyer demand and a shrinking pool of competition, well-priced homes continue to sell. Sellers have three choices: withdraw for the holidays and relist in Q1, adjust their price to meet the current demand, or stay the course. For those ready to move now, there is still time, and active buyers are still in the market.

The bottom line for your home. The broad trends point to a stable market with consistent demand. The key is understanding these metrics to price your home correctly and market it effectively. Treating your sale as a strategic business decision, informed by local data, is the key to a successful and profitable outcome.

If you have questions about your home’s value or your local neighborhood’s dynamics, I’m here to help with hyper-local insights. For a personalized market analysis, call 206-940-4557, email matt@mattstarkrealestate.com, or visit https://searchhomesnw.com. I look forward to hearing from you!