The First 7 Days on the Market Are Critical!

In Our Fairly HOT Western WA Real Estate Market

Despite higher interest rates, Western Washington’s real estate market remains strong—especially in areas with dense populations and lucrative job markets. While the days of nearly every home flying off the market with multiple offers are behind us, one thing hasn’t changed: your first 7 days on the market are the most important.

What the Latest Data Tells Us

Using NWMLS data, I analyzed Snohomish County home sales from January 1st to February 12th, 2025, and the results speak for themselves:

·         49% of homes were under contract within the first 7 days.

·         Only 10% sold in week two.

·         A mere 8% in week three.

·         Just 3% in week four.

The takeaway? New listings capture the most attention from buyers. If your home isn’t under contract within the first week, the odds of selling quickly drop dramatically.

How Sellers Can Win in This Market

Preparation and Pricing are the two biggest factors sellers can control. To make the most of your first week on the market:

·         Maximize Curb Appeal: Clean gutters, pressure wash driveways and sidewalks, and refresh landscaping.

·         Deep Clean & Paint: Professionally clean windows, touch up or repaint interiors/exteriors.

·         Address Maintenance: Handle all deferred maintenance before listing

·         Stage for Success: Fully staging your home makes a major impact.

·         Open Houses Matter: Allow your broker to host open houses to maximize exposure.

Bottom Line

The first 7 days can make or break your home sale. If you’re thinking about listing, let’s create a strategy that ensures your home is market-ready from day one.

Stay Tuned

Next month, I’ll analyze what happens to listings that linger on the market for weeks 5-8.

Stats by Kat: Snohomish County Housing Market Update

Welcome to this week’s Stats by Kat, your trusted source for the latest Snohomish County housing market insights. These numbers are fresh, and the market is moving fast—let’s break it down.

Market Inventory & New Listings

Snohomish County’s housing inventory continues to tighten, now sitting at just 0.8 months of supply, reinforcing a highly competitive seller’s market. Last week, 154 new listings hit the market—however buyer demand is currently outpacing supply.

Offer Review Trends

Sellers are strategically setting Offer Review Dates (ORDs), with 39% opting for this approach to maximize competition.

Multiple Offers & Contingencies

The latest NWMLS data (March 1–12) highlights Pending Data for recently accepted offers:

·         37% of pending homes received multiple offers.

·         34% of accepted offers included an Inspection Contingency.

·         71% included a Financing Addendum.

How Fast Are Homes Selling?

If you’re a seller, the market is in your favor. Recent data shows:

·         54% of homes listed between Feb 23 – Mar 1 went under contract within 7 days.

·         62% of homes listed between Feb 9 – Feb 22 were under contract within 14 days.

·         71% of sellers accepted offers within 30 days (based on closed sales).

For homes that recently closed, the average days on market was 33 days, while the median was just 6 days—proving that well-prepared, competitively priced homes are selling fast.

What This Means for Sellers & Buyers

The Snohomish County market remains highly competitive, with strong buyer demand and multiple offers still the norm for the most well-prepared homes.

Sellers: Demand remains high, and prices are rising. Strategic pricing, strong marketing, and setting an Offer Review Date can lead to multiple offers and optimal results.

Buyers: Be ready to move quickly and present strong, competitive offers to stand out.

If you're considering buying or selling, let's create a winning strategy for you. Reach out today to get started!

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