When trying to understand where the real estate market is heading, most people look at one thing: price. And while price matters, the real insight comes from a quieter (but powerful) metric: the percentage of homes that have had a price decrease.
This week across our Eastside and Seattle markets, we’re seeing between 19% and 31% of homes on the market reduce their asking price — a stat that tells us a lot about buyer demand, pricing strategy, and where momentum might be shifting.
Here’s what you need to know, city by city — and what it means for both buyers and sellers this spring.
Why Price Decreases Matter
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s talk about why this stat is so important.
In most markets, it’s normal for about 30–35% of listings to reduce their price at some point. Often, these are sellers who overshot the mark initially and needed to course correct. When that number climbs above 40%, it usually signals a softening in buyer demand — and when it falls below 30%, it’s a sign that homes are priced right and selling quickly.
Price decreases are a leading indicator. In other words, they often show us where prices are going before it shows up in the sold data. That’s why we track this number so closely — it helps us anticipate shifts before they make headlines.
Seattle
Price Decreased: 31%
Seattle is sitting right at the top of the normal range. While this doesn’t raise red flags, it does tell us that sellers need to be mindful of pricing strategy. With more inventory on the market and buyers becoming more selective, we’re seeing some pushback on overpriced homes. The homes that are priced in line with recent sales — especially in the $900K–$1.2M range — are still moving quickly.
Bellevue
Price Decreased: 30%
Bellevue is also hovering in that “normal” range, but paired with a Market Action Index of 48 and slightly falling prices, it paints a picture of a market in transition. We’re not seeing a full-blown slowdown, but sellers here should be cautious. Overpricing — especially in the $2.5M+ range — is leading to longer days on market and eventual price reductions. Buyers may find more room to negotiate if they keep a close eye on homes that have recently dropped in price.
Sammamish
Price Decreased: 28%
In Sammamish, fewer price drops are happening compared to neighboring markets — a sign that demand is still strong, particularly in the mid-price tiers. That said, the number has ticked up slightly from earlier this spring, and with inventory on the rise, pricing power could start to shift. Homes that are priced well are still going fast — especially anything under $2M — but the margin for error is narrowing.
Edmonds
Price Decreased: 19%
This is the lowest percentage of price decreases we’re seeing across the four markets — and that’s notable. With a Market Action Index of 70, Edmonds is showing strong demand and quick movement on listings. Homes here are being priced aggressively, and buyers are stepping up. That said, prices have still been trending downward recently, especially in the upper price ranges. It’s a reminder that even in a competitive market, overpricing can still come back to bite — strategy is everything.
What This Means for You
If you’re a seller, the takeaway is clear: price matters more than ever. Today’s buyers are well-informed and cautious. Even in a market with strong demand, overpriced homes are sitting and getting stale — which usually leads to a price cut down the road. Starting with the right price can save you time and put you in a stronger position at the negotiation table.
If you’re a buyer, price reductions can be a smart window of opportunity. When a home you like drops its price, it may signal a motivated seller — and that could mean better terms for you. This is especially true in areas like Bellevue, where the high-end market is a bit slower-moving.
RISE Group | COMPASS