Before We Jump Into the Numbers
Numbers are great and we rely on them to help us help our clients make good decisions. And we have some informative numbers we want to share with you. But before we talk numbers, we want to talk people because people are why we are in this business.
For some it's going better than ever. While others are experiencing loss, confusion, or fear.
There are economic uncertainties that mean people are losing their jobs. There are conflicts in our world where people are losing their lives. In a day and age where it seems we have access to more information than ever before, some feel a deep sense of uncertainty and are wondering what's going to happen.
This is not a blog that will bring answers to these. But, we felt it at least needed to be acknowledged because if you are reading this, it means you are one of our people. And we want you to know that we care.
You're Facing a Confusing Market
If you're considering buying or selling a home right now, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Headlines are telling conflicting stories. One day you read that home prices are soaring, the next you hear about market crashes. Your neighbor sold their house for top dollar six months ago, but now your friend's listing has been sitting on the market for weeks.
Sound familiar?
Here's what could be's keeping you up at night:
If you're thinking about buying: You're wondering if you should wait for prices to drop further, or if you'll get priced out forever. Every day you wait, that perfect home might slip away. But every day you don't wait, you're afraid you're overpaying.
If you're thinking about selling: You're terrified of pricing your home wrong. Price too high and it sits on the market, becoming stale. Price too low and you leave money on the table. The market feels unpredictable, and you can't afford to make the wrong move.
Both scenarios leave you feeling stuck, frustrated, and uncertain about your next step.
What's Really Happening: The Numbers Tell a Different Story
Here's the reality behind the confusion: Nearly one-third of homes in our Seattle area markets are reducing their asking prices. That sounds scary, but it's actually telling us something important about opportunity.
Looking at the latest data from June 16, 2025:
Sammamish: 29% of listings have reduced prices
Bellevue: 31% of listings have reduced prices
Edmonds: 33% of listings have reduced prices
Seattle: 30% of listings have reduced prices
“But here’s what the headlines won’t tell you: This isn’t a market crash. It’s a market correction. The difference matters more than you might think.”
Looking Through the Confusion
Think of the current market like a crowded restaurant that's finally getting less busy. At the beginning of the year you couldn't get a table without waiting an hour and paying premium prices. Now there are open tables, the service is better, and you have more menu options. The restaurant isn't failing—it's just not pandemonium anymore.
The same is true for our real estate market. We're seeing:
Strong fundamentals: Market Action Index, an indicator of market momentum, of 47-52 shows the market is still slightly favoring sellers
Steady inventory: Not oversupplied, just more balanced
Realistic pricing: Sellers adjusting to what buyers will actually pay
Moving Ahead
If You're Buying: This is Your Window
Your advantage: For the first time in years, you have negotiating power. With one-third of sellers reducing prices, you're not as likely to be competing against 15 other buyers anymore.
Your opportunity:
Negotiate beyond just price—ask for closing costs, repairs, or extended timelines
Take time to find the right home instead of settling for whatever you can get
Work with homes that have been on the market longer (often the most motivated sellers)
Your strategy: Don't wait for the "perfect" market timing. Instead, focus on finding the right home at the right price for your situation.
If You're Selling: Price Smart from Day One
Your advantage: Despite the adjustments, quality homes are still selling. Median days on market are only 28-35 days across our area.
Your opportunity:
Price strategically upfront instead of starting high and reducing later
Stand out in a more competitive environment through staging and improvements
Work with buyers who have more options but also more serious intent
Your strategy: Be the seller who prices right the first time. You'll attract immediate attention while others are still adjusting their expectations.
The Stakes: Why This Moment Matters
Here's what happens if you wait too long:
Buyers: Interest rates could shift, inventory could decrease again, or the homes you want could get snapped up by more decisive buyers.
Sellers: Your home could become part of the "sitting on market" statistics, requiring even steeper price reductions to regain buyer interest.
The market is giving you a window right now—but windows don't stay open forever.
“The market is giving you a window right now but windows don’t stay open forever.”
Success Looks Like This
Successful buyers in this market are the ones who:
Act decisively when they find the right home
Negotiate smartly without being unrealistic
Focus on long-term value instead of trying to time the market perfectly
Successful sellers in this market are the ones who:
Price competitively from day one
Make their homes stand out in a more crowded field
Respond quickly to market feedback
Both groups have one thing in common: they work with professionals who understand the current market dynamics and can guide them through the decision-making process.
Your Next Step is Simple
The question isn't whether to make a move, it's how to make the right move for your specific situation.
Here's what to do next:
Stop trying to time the market perfectly. The best time to buy or sell is when it makes sense for your life and finances.
Get a current market analysis for your specific situation. Generic market reports don't help you make decisions about your actual neighborhood or price range.
Work with professionals who understand this market. The strategies that worked in earlier frenzied markets don't work today.
Don't Let Confusion Keep You From Your Goals
Every day you spend paralyzed by conflicting information is a day you're not moving toward your goals. Whether that's finding your dream home, rightsizing for retirement, or capitalizing on a job opportunity, the market is ready for your next move.
The rise in price reductions isn't a warning sign—it's a signal that the market is working more in your favor than it has in years.
Ready to turn market confusion into your advantage? Let's create a strategy that works for your specific situation and timeline. Because while the market may be shifting, your goals and dreams don't have to wait.
Contact the Rise Group for a personalized market analysis that cuts through the noise and shows you exactly how current conditions affect your real estate goals. We'll help you make your move with confidence, not confusion.