Seattle’s housing market is proving that persistence pays. Despite mortgage rates inching back up to 6.37%, sales activity intensity actually rose to 40.2%, keeping the market firmly in Strong territory. Buyers aren’t bowing out — they’re adapting.

Sellers, meanwhile, are leaning into what John L. Scott calls the word of the year: “Positioning.” With inventory steady at 2.9 months, homes that are priced and presented with precision are still commanding attention.

The fall landscape looks like this:

• Rates are slightly higher, but stability rules the day.

• Inventory is holding steady — more choice than spring, less chaos than last year.

• Sales activity has inched upward, proving Seattle’s market still has muscle.

This isn’t a wait-and-see market. It’s a watch-and-move market — where strategic pricing, sharp presentation, and well-prepped buyers are still closing strong.

How active is Seattle’s housing market right now?

Seattle’s housing market is holding its ground with 40.2% of homes going pending within the first 30 days — up slightly from September’s 39.9%. That keeps us squarely in the “Strong” zone, where roughly four in ten listings find buyers fast.

Spring’s frenzy (75% pending in 30 days) is long gone, but don’t mistake this calmer pace for weakness. October’s numbers show that buyer demand is adapting, not fading.

🔍 Market Snapshot:

• New Listings: 1,755
• Homes for Sale: 2,873
• Pending Sales: 866
• Closed Sales: 686
• Average Days on Market: 36
• Showings to Pending: 12

Even with slightly higher rates, activity nudged up. That’s resilience in real time.

📌 What This Means

For Buyers: You’ve got a bit more breathing room, but the best listings still vanish fast. Have financing dialed in — and move when you find the one.
For Sellers: Properly prepped, well-priced homes still pull serious offers. Overpricing is the fast track to collecting dust.

Monthly Inventory Levels: Holding Steady at 2.9 Months — A Balanced Pressure Zone

Is inventory giving buyers more room to breathe?

Yes — but only a little. Seattle’s 2.9 months of supply marks the highest level of 2025 and matches last month’s figure. That’s still the upper end of the “Low” range, meaning it’s a seller-leaning market with a touch of balance.

🔍 Inventory Breakdown:

• New Listings: 1,755
• Active Listings: 2,873
• Pending Sales: 866
• Closed Sales: 686

Homes are spending an average of 36 days on market, with about 4.4 showings per listing before going under contract.
The takeaway? Buyers finally have selection, but not control.

📌 What This Means

For Buyers: You can negotiate — especially on listings past 30 days or needing updates.
For Sellers: The competition is growing. Positioning your home — pricing, presentation, and timing — matters more than ever.

💬 “Thirty days remain of good selection and availability of homes for sale, until next March.” — Lennox Scott

Interest Rates: 6.37% – Slightly Higher, But Still Manageable

Are higher rates cooling demand?

Not yet. According to Mortgage News Daily (10/1/25), the 30-year fixed sits at 6.37%, up just a tick from September’s 6.27%. Despite that, Sales Activity Intensity rose, proving Seattle buyers are finding ways to make it work.

Creative financing, seller buydowns, and concessions are keeping deals alive. A 2/1 buydown can still shave early payments by 1–2%, softening the monthly sting.

📌 What This Means

For Buyers: Explore buydowns, adjustable-rate options, or closing-cost credits — flexibility is your edge.
For Sellers: Incentives like rate buydowns or concessions can attract buyers without cutting price.

Overall Market Trends: Cooling Seasonally, Still Seller-Strong

Is Seattle’s market slowing down for fall?

Yes — but it’s a strategic slowdown, not a stall. Inventory has plateaued, days on market are inching up, and price growth has softened. Yet homes are still selling at 99.4% of list price — proof that demand is still steady.

🔍 Quick Metrics:

• Average Resale Price: $983,432
• Average DOM: 36
• Sales-to-List Ratio: 99.4%
• Price per SqFt: $572

This is the kind of steady market where both sides can win — if they’re strategic.

📌 Takeaways

For Sellers:
✔ Inventory is at its 2025 high — list now, before competition thickens.
✔ Presentation, pricing, and positioning define success.
✔ Concessions can bridge the gap for rate-sensitive buyers.

For Buyers:
✔ You’ve got the most options you’ve had all year.
✔ Still act fast on move-in-ready homes.
✔ Look for longer-DOM listings for negotiation leverage.

Pricing vs. Historical Trends: Long-Term Strength Holds

Are Seattle home prices falling or holding?

They’re holding strong. Average resale prices dipped seasonally to $983,432, but long-term equity remains impressive:

Even with a fall cooldown, Seattle’s long-term appreciation story is intact — this city builds wealth through every market cycle.

📌 TL;DR

Short-term softness, long-term strength. Don’t expect big discounts — expect stability.

Rent vs. Buy – The October Equation

Is it still better to buy than rent in Seattle right now?

In most cases, yes. Renting a 3-bed home in Seattle averages around $3,850/month. Buying a $700K home with 20% down at 6.37%? Monthly payments are roughly comparable — but only one builds equity.

Why Buying Still Wins:

• You lock in housing costs instead of chasing rent hikes.
• You build long-term wealth through appreciation.
• Negotiating power and concessions are better right now than they were in spring.

📌 If you’re planning to stay 3+ years, ownership remains the smarter play.

What About the Fed?

Will mortgage rates drop again soon?

The Fed hasn’t shifted its stance yet — it’s holding steady as inflation continues to cool. Economists expect mortgage rates to hover in the 6.25%–6.5% range through the end of 2025.

If inflation data continues improving, a small dip in early 2026 is possible — which could reignite buyer competition.

📌 What This Means

Buyers today get better negotiating power than they will once rates drop.
Sellers who price realistically now can still close strong before winter distractions hit.

Fall Seasonality: Slow, Strategic, and Still Moving

What does fall mean for Seattle real estate?

October brings cooler temps and calmer buyers — but the serious ones are still showing up. The frenzy is gone, replaced by strategy.

Homes are averaging 36 days on market, and selection remains the widest it’ll be until spring. Expect things to quiet further by mid-November, before inventory bottoms out in January.

📌 Pro Tips:

For Sellers:
✔ List now to capture motivated fall buyers.
✔ Highlight warmth, lighting, and curb appeal for seasonal showings.
✔ Price with precision — emotion-driven buyers are still out there.

For Buyers:
✔ Use slower pace to shop strategically.
✔ Negotiate closing costs or rate buydowns.
✔ Lock in before spring competition returns.

The word of the season is Positioning — and those who master it will win, no matter the rate.