6 Reasons Fall Might Be the Best Time to List
“In 2024, King County homes sold in October had a median sale price of $962K—above the yearly average of $960K—with fewer new listings to compete against.”
—Trendgraphics & Infosparks, NWMLS 2024
Are you wondering, “Is October a good month to sell a house in Seattle?” If you’re thinking about selling this fall, you might be in a better position than you think.
While spring tends to get all the glory, October listings in King County have held their own—and even outperformed yearly averages in recent years. The fall market offers a unique blend of serious buyers, crisp curb appeal, and less competition from other listings.
Let’s explore the top reasons why selling a home in October could be your golden window—especially if you prep your home right after summer break wraps up.
What to Expect:
- Sell at or above the annual average price
- List with less competition from other homes
- Move quickly with fast median days on market
- Wow buyers with fall curb appeal
- Hit peak buyer motivation after school starts
- Understand how new buyer compensation rules affect your sale
Why Selling a Home in October in Seattle Just Works
1. You’ll Likely Sell at or Above the Annual Average Price
According to Trendgraphics and Infosparks NWMLS data, homes listed in October often sell at higher-than-average prices:
- 2024 Median Sale Price in October: $962,000
- 2024 King County Yearly Average: $960,000
- 2023 October: $889,000 vs. Yearly $880,000
It’s not just a good month—it’s a consistently strong one for pricing in Seattle real estate.
2. You’ll Face Less Competition from Other Sellers
New listing inventory dips in the fall:
- 2024 Monthly Avg: 2,022 listings
- October 2024: 1,975 listings
- 2023 Monthly Avg: 1,765 listings
- October 2023: only 578 listings
Fewer homes on the market = more eyes on your listing.
3. Homes Sell Fast in October
Speed is on your side. In October 2024, the median days on market was just 9 days in King County. That means fewer showings to juggle, less stress keeping things spotless, and a quicker move to closing.
4. You’re More Likely to Get Full Price
In October 2024, the median sale-to-list price ratio was 100%. In 2023, it held steady at 98%.
That means most sellers were getting full asking price—even in a market with higher interest rates. You’re not just listing; you’re closing strong.
5. Buyers Get Serious After School Starts
Here’s the part most folks overlook: September is when fall buyers show up.
After a summer of road trips and lake days, people get back into routine. Kids are back in school. And serious buyers re-enter the market looking to move before the holidays.
That’s why your home should be staged, photographed, and listed by mid-September—to hit peak buyer energy before October even begins. ake your house feel like a home in the fall than it is when snow’s falling or the sun’s baking the siding.
6. The Weather Works in Your Favor
Fall in Seattle brings cool, crisp air and plenty of natural light—ideal for both showings and listing photos. You’re not battling summer heat, winter slush, or spring pollen. Buyers feel more comfortable touring homes, and your house can feel cozy and inviting with warm lighting, fall staging, and seasonal curb appeal.
It’s the perfect time to show off energy-efficient upgrades, fireplaces, or covered outdoor spaces. And those pops of fall color in your landscaping? They make a big impression in photos and in person.
How to Maximize Your October Listing
The trick to a successful October sale? Start prepping in early September. While closings may happen in October, the buyers are already out and about the first week school starts.
Many buyers take summer off to enjoy vacations, travel, or just soak up the sun. But right after Labor Day, interest ramps back up. Kids go back to school, and folks get serious about moving before the holidays hit.
That’s why it’s key to have your home market-ready with great curb appeal in early September.
Here’s what you can do:
- Power wash, prune shrubs, and clean gutters before leaves fall
- Add subtle fall décor like planters, pumpkins, or seasonal wreaths
- Schedule photography and listing early so you hit those first wave of motivated post-summer buyers
The earlier you prepare in September, the better positioned your home will be when those buyers return—ready to make strong offers and close quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is October a good time to sell a house in Seattle?
A: Yes. Home prices in October have matched or exceeded yearly averages in recent years—and with fewer listings on the market, your home stands out more.
Q: How fast do homes sell in October?
A: In 2024, King County homes sold in a median of just 9 days.
Q: Are there fewer homes for sale in October?
A: Yes. October consistently sees a drop in new listings, which means less competition for you.
Q: Do buyers shop in October?
A: Definitely. Buyer activity ramps up right after Labor Day. Listings that hit the market in mid-September get the most attention.
Q: What’s changed with compensation in 2024?
A: Brokers now negotiate their compensation directly. It’s no longer assumed the seller pays the buyer’s broker—so sellers must plan ahead and disclose clearly.
Takeaways
- October listings in Seattle and King County perform strongly, with solid prices, fast closings, and motivated buyers.
- Inventory drops, which makes your home stand out more to buyers.
- Buyers return after summer and get serious about closing before the holidays.
- Homes listed by mid-September ride the wave of renewed buyer demand.
- New broker rules mean sellers must now negotiate and disclose compensation directly—so team up with a knowledgeable local broker.
Internal Links to Help You Sell Smarter
- Understand today’s buyer agency law
- Get tips for how to add curb appeal to your house
- Follow the full roadmap to a successful closing
- Learn how fast listings move with how long does it take to get a house on market and sold
- Stay updated with the Seattle housing market report
Final Thoughts on Is October a Good Month to Sell a House in Seattle
We’ve walked through the verified numbers, and they’re telling a clear story: October offers Seattle and King County sellers a very real chance to sell quickly and at strong prices. Year after year, the data shows median home prices holding strong or even outpacing the yearly average, especially when inventory dips and serious buyers come back into the market.
But here’s the secret sauce that seasoned sellers—and brokers—know well: the action starts before October. Buyers show up in September. After a summer of road trips, camping, and long weekends, many folks hit pause on house hunting. But once school starts and routines return, they get laser-focused on finding a home they can close on before the holidays.
That’s why getting your home photo-ready, staged, and listed by mid-September is so important. You’re not just selling to October buyers—you’re positioning your home to be first in line when that wave of fall urgency kicks in.
Let’s lay out the benefits one more time:
- ✅ Higher buyer demand: September brings back motivated shoppers who are ready to make offers.
- ✅ Less competition: October listings compete with fewer new homes, so yours stands out.
- ✅ Strong pricing: Median home prices in King County during October have outpaced the yearly average in both 2023 and 2024.
- ✅ Fast closings: Median days on market in October 2024 was just 9. That’s fewer showings, less stress, and faster results.
- ✅ Beautiful presentation: Fall weather and colors help your listing photos shine—and create that cozy, move-in-ready feel buyers love.
- ✅ Pre-holiday peace of mind: Listing now gives you time to sell, close, and get settled before the holiday rush begins.
Bottom line: If you’re thinking about listing your home in Seattle or Snohomish County, getting it prepped and marketed in early September sets you up to ride the wave of motivated buyers—and to enjoy everything that October selling success has to offer.
Reach out to The Madrona Group today and let’s get your home ready for its big fall moment. We’ll handle the strategy. You enjoy the payoff.
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