This spring, we had the privilege of helping a wonderful couple navigate a big life transition, and their story says so much about where the market is at right now.
They were outgrowing their Seattle condo and like many first-time sellers, they were nervous. The condo market was slow, and rising interest rates had buyers on edge. But instead of waiting, they got proactive. They added fresh paint, new fixtures, smart staging, and listed for a strategic price based on real-time data.
The result? Multiple offers within days and an all-cash offer over asking.
We negotiated a 30-day rentback, lined up a short-term Airbnb, and gave them breathing room to house hunt. The home hunt wasn’t always smooth. Our first three offers faced 10+ competitors each. Fatigue crept in, but they stayed the course.
Then in April, momentum shifted. Talk of tariffs and rate fears caused many buyers to pull back. That’s when opportunity opened up.
We found a beautiful home in West Seattle with just three offers. The sellers were motivated. We negotiated favorable terms and a great price. Now, they’re happily moved in with room to grow and long-term equity upside.
Moral of the story?
“Timing matters less than strategy. Markets change, but smart planning wins. Especially when others are stepping back.”
Market Action Index as of May 13th
The above story is exactly what today’s Market Action Index numbers are showing us. It’s not about timing the market perfectly. It’s about making smart moves based on data, not fear. Our clients didn’t wait for “perfect.” They acted strategically and won.
Below are four cities in Western Washington that we watch every month to give a holistic perspective on what’s happening in the market.
Seattle: MAI is 56 – still a strong seller’s market, but cooling slightly from last month (58).
Bellevue: MAI is 45 – the tipping point into strong seller territory, but trending down from 48.
Sammamish: MAI is 54 – also cooling from last month’s 58, yet firmly seller-favorable.
Edmonds: MAI is 65 – the highest among these cities, though also down slightly from 68.
This cooling is subtle, but it’s real – and it creates just enough opportunity to give buyers room to negotiate.
If you’d like to know the MAI for your zip code, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
For Homeowners Looking to Move Up
If you’re in your first home and thinking about trading up to a larger one, here’s what you might be feeling:
Goals:
More space for a growing family
A backyard, bonus room, or home office
A better location for schools or commute
Common Fears:
“Will I be able to sell my home for enough?”
“Will I lose my low interest rate?”
“What if the market drops right after I buy?”
Here’s how to reframe those fears:
✅ Your current home is likely still in demand. Despite what headlines you may be reading, the Market Action Index across all four cities shows strong competition among buyers. Especially in more affordable segments.
✅ Trade-up buyers benefit from a dual market. Entry-level homes are moving quickly (good for your sale), while higher-end homes are softening slightly (good for your next purchase).
✅ Timing is on your side. Inventory is rising, giving you more choices, and price growth is stabilizing, not crashing. This gives you more negotiation power on your next home.
Where Are Interest Rates Headed?
According to our Real Estate Coach and mentor, Brian Buffini’s recent Bold Predictions for 2025, mortgage rates are expected to dip into the mid-6% range by the end of 2025 – not back to 3%, but potentially more stable and manageable than today. He’s advised buyers to be ready to refinance when rates drop, and to make smart, value-driven moves now. With inventory still low, once rates do drop, expect prices to increase. If you’re concerned about getting priced out of the market, then understand there’s an opportunity to strike when buyers are hesitant.
Final Thought
The market isn’t frozen, it’s evolving. For those ready to move up, this kind of transitional market can offer a rare window: solid sale prices on your current home, and better deals on the next. If that’s something you’re thinking about, let’s talk strategy.
If you’re dreaming about more space, a better location, or your next chapter, don’t let uncertainty hold you back. The right plan can make any market the right one.