Pricing Listings in an Evolving Market

Stats by Kat

The real estate market tends to follow a predictable rhythm. Historically, home prices rise steadily from the start of the year and typically peak around May or June, then soften slightly heading into the second half. So, what happens when you’re preparing to list a home at what’s likely the high point of the year?

It sounds ideal, right? But late spring brings more than just peak pricing. Inventory is rising, buyer activity is shifting, and the broader economic picture, including mortgage rate movement starts to play a bigger role. I could tell from reviewing the listings in the area and talking to listing brokers, that the level of buyer activity had decreased recently. Many of the Active listings also seemed over-priced by quite a bit. The question of how to price a listing during this time becomes more nuanced, especially when you're seeing recent comps that had multiple offers.

Case Study: Sheridan Heights, Lake Forest Park

The Tuesday before Memorial Day weekend, I listed a beautifully updated 1950 split-level home in the sought-after Sheridan Heights neighborhood. My sellers had already purchased their next home, moved out, and were preparing for international travel, so timing was critical. They understood that presentation and pricing were key—and the house was picture perfect:

·       2,250 sq ft

·       Vaulted ceilings with skylights

·       Massive windows and stunning light

·       A true chef’s kitchen with quartz counters, pot filler, hot water tap, built-in desk, and an island for four

·       Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, all with showers

·       Full pre-listing inspection completed and available

Even so, there were a couple of inherent challenges: accessing the garage required walking outside under cover from the front door, and the living/dining area was modest in size compared to the oversized kitchen.

For further details here is the property website. https://dldrealtymedia.gofullframe.com/ut/14207_Evergreen_Way.html

And don’t miss the property cinematic video. https://dldrealtymedia.gofullframe.com/vt/14207_Evergreen_Way.html

We listed at $1,150,000 on Tuesday afternoon (just before Memorial Day weekend). By end of day, we already had 7 showings. I held it open daily Wednesday through Saturday to maximize exposure for the sellers, and interest never let up—about 30 groups total, and nearly 20 brokers scheduled showings. We had 12 inspection requests and 3 offers submitted by Saturday afternoon (the Offer Review Date), all with escalation clauses. One waived every contingency, and all had waived the inspection. The final sales price? Well over asking. (Stay tuned for the official number once it closes!) Congratulations to the Sellers and to the Buyer with the Winning Offer!

 
 
 

Market Summary: King County | June 5, 2025

 Inventory & Activity:

·       576 new listings hit the market last week

·       Only 313 homes went pending, almost a 2:1 disparity

·       Months of Inventory: 1.6 months (slightly decreased)

 Showings & Buyer Engagement:

·       Average of 7.6 showings per listing in May

·       Takes an average of 14 showings to go pending

·       Activity is slower compared to early 2025

 Buyer Behavior (May 28–June 3):

·       29% of homes received multiple offers

·       36% included inspection contingencies

·       61% had financing contingencies

Speed & Pricing:

·       29% of listings went pending within 7 days

·       46% went pending within 14 days

·       Average Days on Market: 15 | Median DOM: 6

 Sold Price Results:

·       45% sold over asking

·       20% sold 5%+ over list

·       10% exceeded list by 10%+

·       4% by 15%+

·       2% by 20%+

·       But 33% sold below asking, showing overpricing risks momentum.

 Final Takeaway

Today’s market remains strong—but not as frenzied. The pace is steady, not urgent. Buyers are engaged but cautious. For sellers, success comes down to this: smart preparation, compelling presentation, and precise pricing. When those align, you’ll see results, just like we did in Sheridan Heights.

 
 
 

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this version of Stats by Kat. Please feel free to reach out. I value your questions and comments! And don’t forget to follow me on Social Media (links are below), as the most up to date information on our real estate market will also be covered in my most recent videos. And check out a variety of playlists on my YouTube Channel.

Tips for Sellers & Buyers

Since I’ve started creating content in 2023, I’ve put together several hundred videos to help Buyers and Sellers navigate our local real estate market. Here are a couple of the more popular Playlists:

Real Estate Tips for Sellers

Real Estate Tips for Buyers

Katherine Howard | Broker
Windermere Real Estate/HLC
13901 NE 175th Street | Suite 100
Woodinville, WA 98072

 
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