Why Some Seattle Homes Sell Faster Than Others

As you plan your next move, you may be wondering why some homes sell quickly while others sit on the market—understanding what makes a house sell fast in today’s real estate market can make all the difference. As Redfin says:

“. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.”

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic

The first thing to know about today’s housing market is that home sales have slowed slightly compared to the peak pandemic years—while homes once sold in days, current real estate trends show longer listing times are becoming the new normal.

Now that inventory has grown, according to Realtor.com, homes are taking a bit longer to sell in today’s market (see graph below):

But before you get hung up on the ten-day difference compared to the past few years, Realtor.com will help put this into perspective:

“In April, the typical home spent 50 days on the market . . . This marks the 13th straight month of homes taking longer to sell on a year-over-year basis. Still, homes are moving more quickly than they did before the pandemic . . .”

Even if your home takes a bit longer to sell this year, it’s still faster than pre-pandemic norms. Longer listing times in today’s real estate market give you extra flexibility to scout neighborhoods, secure your next property, and streamline your move—making the home-selling process less stressful.

Keep in mind that while some homes sell in days, others can sit on the market for weeks. So, what makes the difference? Understanding why certain homes attract motivated buyers quickly—while others struggle to sell—can help you position your property for a faster sale in today’s competitive real estate market.

It comes down to having the right agent and strategy. Here are a few tips you need to know. 

1. Price It Right

One of the top reasons homes stay on the market too long is overpricing—many sellers list too high, hoping to adjust later, but this strategy often drives away serious buyers and reduces overall interest in the property. Pricing your home correctly from the start is key to selling fast in today’s real estate market.

What to do: To sell your home quickly, partner with a real estate agent who can price your home accurately using recent comparable sales in your area. A well-priced home attracts more qualified buyers and positions your property competitively in today’s housing market. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, explains:

“My advice to sellers is to price your home fairly for the shifting market; you may need to price lower than your initial instinct to sell quickly and avoid giving concessions.”

2. Focus on the First Impression

A messy yard or a house in need of a fresh coat of paint can instantly turn potential buyers away. With homebuyers making quick decisions within seconds, creating a strong first impression is crucial to capturing their interest and increasing your chances of a sale.

What to do: Boost your home’s curb appeal by cleaning up your front yard, tidying landscaping, power washing walkways, and adding fresh mulch. Inside, focus on decluttering and depersonalizing to create a welcoming environment. Consider simple updates like repainting in a neutral color to appeal to a wider audience. Your real estate agent can provide expert advice on the best areas to focus on for maximum impact.

3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos

If your listing or photos lack a professional touch, you may struggle to attract buyers who could perceive it as an attempt to cut corners. High-quality listings and images are essential for showcasing your home and building trust with potential buyers.

What to do: Instead, lean on your agent’s skills, expertise, and resources. They’ll help you make sure you have:

• High-resolution listing photos showing the home in its best light.
• Detailed descriptions that highlight differentiating features of your house.
• Your listing on multiple platforms, including major real estate sites and social media.

4. The Location of the Home

You’ve likely heard the saying “location, location, location” in real estate, and there’s good reason for it. Homes in prime, highly desirable neighborhoods typically sell faster and for higher prices. The right location can significantly impact the success of your property sale.

What to do: While you can’t change your home’s location, your real estate agent can emphasize the top features of your neighborhood or community in your listing. By highlighting the unique advantages of your area, your agent can help potential buyers envision the lifestyle they would have living in your home.

Bottom Line

Homes that sell quickly don’t necessarily have better features – they have better agents and a better strategy.

Are you thinking about selling? Let’s talk about how to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.