The real estate market is a lot like our traffic—just when you think you’ve figured it out, it throws you a curveball. While the numbers give us valuable insights, the reality on the ground often moves much faster. This year we’ve been in bidding wars where homes skyrocket 35% over asking, and we’ve also helped buyers negotiate overpriced listings down because some sellers are a little too optimistic. The truth? The neighborhood, home type, and pricing strategy all make a huge difference. If you’re wondering what’s happening on your street, let’s talk—because the headlines don’t always tell the full story.
To give you a clear picture of the market’s momentum, we use Altos Research’s Market Action Index (MAI)—think of it as a real estate speedometer. Just like a car’s dashboard, the MAI gauges how fast the market is moving, from slow and steady to full throttle. While the number on the dashboard is important, we look at the trend as it is an indicator of where we are going - are we speeding up, slowing down, or remaining steady?
Today we are looking at four cities to show you how the region is moving and how it moves at different speeds depending on area, price point, and demand. Head over to our blog for more detailed information.
TLDR
Seattle (51) is heating up, with demand rising and inventory tightening, leading to increased competition among buyers.
Bellevue (49) and Sammamish (58) are showing signs of cooling, with buyers becoming more selective and some overpriced homes sitting longer.
Edmonds (62) is on fire, with strong demand and fewer listings driving prices higher, with no signs of slowing down.
Sellers, the right pricing strategy is crucial—demand is still strong, but overpricing can backfire. Buyers, be prepared to compete in hot markets but be astute and don’t assume every home is going to sell immediately or for over asking.
Curious about what’s really happening in your neighborhood? The market is different block by block, and a solid strategy makes all the difference. Let’s talk about what these trends mean for your next move.
The real estate market is a lot like our traffic—just when you think you’ve figured it out, it throws you a curveball. While the numbers give us valuable insights, the reality on the ground often moves much faster. This year we’ve been in bidding wars where homes skyrocket 35% over asking, and we’ve also helped buyers negotiate overpriced listings down because some sellers are a little too optimistic. The truth? The neighborhood, home type, and pricing strategy all make a huge difference. If you’re wondering what’s happening on your street, let’s talk—because the headlines don’t always tell the full story.
To give you a clear picture of the market’s momentum, we use Altos Research’s Market Action Index (MAI)—think of it as a real estate speedometer. Just like a car’s dashboard, the MAI gauges how fast the market is moving, from slow and steady to full throttle. While the number on the dashboard is important, we look at the trend - are we speeding up, slowing down, or remaining steady.
Today we are looking at four key cities to show you how the region is moving and how it moves at different speeds depending on area, price point, and demand.
Seattle – Seller’s Market, and Some Homes are Flying Off the Shelves
Median List Price: $995,000
Market Action Index: 51 (Up from 48 last month)
Inventory: 433 homes
Seattle remains a seller’s market, but with a twist. Some homes are getting multiple offers within days, while others sit untouched because they are priced too aggressively. The MAI has been rising, which means demand is still outpacing supply, but not all homes are created equal. Wondering if your neighborhood is one where prices are skyrocketing or where buyers are negotiating hard? Let’s chat.
Bellevue – Holding Steady, But Buyers Are Getting Picky
Median List Price: $3,580,000
Market Action Index: 49 (Steady from last month)
Inventory: 67 homes
Bellevue is still a seller’s market, but buyers aren’t just throwing money at listings anymore. Homes priced well are selling quickly, but overpriced ones? Buyers are side-eyeing them and waiting for price cuts. If the MAI starts climbing again, expect prices to follow. If it drops, we may see more price adjustments. If you’re buying or selling in Bellevue, having a game plan is key—this market rewards strategy, not guesswork.
Sammamish – Cooling Slightly, But Still Competitive for the Right Homes
Median List Price: $2,500,000
Market Action Index: 58 (Down from 59 last month)
Inventory: 21 homes
Sammamish is still a strong seller’s market, but the days of automatic bidding wars on every home are slowing down. Some homes are still going fast, while others are sitting because sellers are testing the market. If you’re selling, price smart, not high—buyers are getting cautious. If you’re buying, don’t assume everything is out of reach—there may be deals hiding in plain sight.
Edmonds – The Market is Hot and Getting Hotter
Median List Price: $1,399,000
Market Action Index: 65 (Up from 57 last month)
Inventory: 23 homes
Edmonds is on fire, and there’s no sign of prices slowing down. With more sales demand and fewer homes available, prices have been rising steadily. Buyers need to move fast in this market—waiting too long means competing with even more aggressive offers next week. Sellers? You’re in a great position, but pricing it right can still maximize your return—even in a strong market, overpricing can turn buyers away.
Key Takeaways
Seattle (51) is heating up, with demand rising and inventory tightening, leading to increased competition among buyers.
Bellevue (49) and Sammamish (58) are showing signs of cooling, with buyers becoming more selective and some overpriced homes sitting longer.
Edmonds (62) is on fire, with strong demand and fewer listings driving prices higher, with no signs of slowing down.
Sellers, the right pricing strategy is crucial—demand is still strong, but overpricing can backfire.
Buyers, be prepared to compete in hot markets but be astute and don’t assume every home is going to sell immediately or for over asking.
Curious about what’s really happening in your neighborhood? The market is different block by block, and a solid strategy makes all the difference. Let’s talk about what these trends mean for your next move.