When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Washington State?

Selling trends in Washington

Home prices have surged

Washington’s real estate market has experienced remarkable growth, with home prices increasing by an astounding 828% from 1984 to 2024, far surpassing the national average of nearly 500%. This substantial appreciation presents a significant opportunity for homeowners looking to sell.

Those who have owned their properties for several years may find themselves with considerable equity, allowing for a strong return on investment. With Washington’s desirability and economic growth, many areas continue to attract buyers despite market fluctuations.

However, rising home prices also present affordability challenges, which drastically affect buyer demand. Sellers should carefully consider current market conditions, including interest rates and inventory levels, to determine the optimal time to list their homes. Strategic pricing and proper home preparation remain crucial in maximizing profit.

Affordable areas see an uptick

Given the affordability challenges in the state, affordable locations have become in demand. Moreover, the pandemic had a profound effect on how remote workers chose where to live, says Spokane agent Steven Silbar, who works with over 72% more single-family homes than the average area agent.

Residents fled expensive cities for more affordably-priced markets, fueling buyer demand for cities like Spokane. “It has really become kind of a cool city that is really growing and has a lot going for it. [It offers the] quality life that you can’t get [in the] the big city at lower than big city cost of living.”

The median home price in Spokane is $359,600, which is notably more affordable compared to larger cities like Seattle, where the median home price reaches $800,100.

While Seattle has held down a multi-million-dollar real estate market for some time, other parts of the state are now seeing growth spurts.

Homebuyers tend to move during warmer seasons

Closing data underscores that cooler, rainier months are typically the slowest on the market. This can mean that your home will be extra competitive against the available inventory but don’t bet on the idea that buyers are out looking. They may be — but like sellers, they are keen to wait on drier, warmer weather (and the close of the school year) before shopping in earnest.

Insider tips for selling your Washington State home

Your circumstances may demand that you sell in Washington’s “off-season,” but chances are, inventory will play in your favor — especially during slower listing months. The supply of available inventory runs behind demand across the state, with acute shortages in certain areas. So while your home could sell at a higher cost or more quickly during certain months of the year, there is no “bad” time to list.

“We’re going to sell your house at any time of the year; we’ve just got to price it right,” says Harber; “It never stops in Spokane, by any means,” Silbar says of the market on his side of the state.

Outdoor living spaces are never a bad investment, stresses Harber. With rain likely in the forecast, he adds that covered outdoor spaces are a big bonus for buyers.

“It’s a very desirable thing,” he says of this feature on a property. If you are looking to improve your property during slower months or give yourself an edge once warmer weather hits, throw some weight behind your property’s outdoor living area (or consider creating one).

Answers to other Washington home-selling questions

Are Washington homes appreciating faster or slower than in other states?

Washington homes are appreciating slower than in many other states. With an appreciation rate of 3.05%, the state ranks 8th in the lowest appreciation rates in the U.S. This is considerably lower than Hawaii, which saw a much higher rate of 10.44%. Compared to the national average of 0.71%, Washington’s rate is significantly higher, indicating that homes in the state are still appreciating, but at a slower pace than in some regions.

See what your home might be worth now using HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator. Our free tool uses transaction data from multiple sources to create a real-time ballpark value estimate based on current market trends.

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Washington?

If you’re facing a life change that requires a fast home sale, or you don’t have the time or money to make needed repairs, consider requesting an all-cash offer using HomeLight’s Simple Sale. Our platform provides cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Washington.

Complete a short questionnaire and receive a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. You can skip the repairs and showings and close in as few as ten days.

Find a top agent in Washington for a successful home sale

A key first step in timing your home sale right is identifying a Realtor® who understands the local nuances of your area. Use HomeLight’s Agent Match Tool to start your search, and be sure to interview several agents before making a decision.

You will want someone who is an expert in your market and a person with whom you are comfortable. Partnering with a proven real estate professional is one of the smartest choices you can make when deciding the best time to sell a house in Washington State.

Header Image Source: (Thorn Milkovic / Unsplash)