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When's the best time to buy a house in Seattle? The short answer is: it depends.
Seattle’s housing inventory, mortgage rates, and market trends vary from month to month. In recent years, listing prices for homes in Washington were lowest in January. On average, homes were $38,972 less expensive. While in November — the month with the highest prices — the listing prices were $59,275 more than the annual average.
Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates currently on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you get the best rate possible.
In truth, the best time to buy a house depends on your priorities and situation. Read on to find out which time of year will give you the most options and the biggest savings when buying a house in Seattle.
Getting started
If you're interested in buying a home in Seattle, the first step is to connect with an experienced local realtor. Economic conditions in Seattle change fast, and it's important to work with a realtor who's an expert in your local market. They can keep you up to date on where and when to buy.
A free service like Clever Real Estate can match you with top agents from trusted brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams. Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!
If you're ready to buy a home, Clever can connect you with an agent who knows the market!
✅ Get expert help to negotiate your purchase price
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The best time of year to buy in Seattle
If you’re looking for a move-in ready home, try house hunting in April, June, and July. Generally, more homes are on the Seattle market during these months, so you should have plenty of homes to choose from. You’ll also likely face a lot of competition from other buyers, driving home prices up.
If you're hoping to get a great deal on a home in Seattle, we recommend starting your search in July, August, or September. Homeowners who get their homes on the market late often feel rushed to sell their homes before the school year begins, and they may be more likely to negotiate on price.
That said, price trends can vary year by year — and there may even be anomalies within certain neighborhoods. The best way to find a home in your target market is to connect with a local realtor. They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and find the best time to buy a house in Seattle.
💰 Find a top buyer's agent near me today!
The best places to buy a home in Seattle
Not sure which neighborhood or suburb would suit you best? Take a look at these five popular areas of Seattle.
Overlake
Even though Overlake is a neighborhood in Redmond, it’s close enough to Seattle to make it on this list. The neighborhood is safe and has excellent public schools. Most of the residents own their own homes, and many employers are in the area.
Southeast Redmond
This suburban spot has a highly educated population: over 30% of people have a master’s degree or higher. The homes tend to be on large lots, and residents are happy with the public schools.
Sammamish Valley
This neighborhood near Redmond has many restaurants, coffee bars, and parks. It’s often listed as one of the best places to live in the State of Washington. Most people in Sammamish Valley rent their homes.
North Redmond
One of the perks of living in North Redmond is the highly rated public schools. This neighborhood, located in King County, has over 3,500 residents, and 96% of them own their own homes.
Westlake
If suburban life isn’t for you, check out Westlake, a bustling neighborhood in Seattle. The area offers plenty of entertainment and dining options, and most of the inhabitants rent their homes.
Four ways to get a great deal on a home in Seattle
1. Find a great Seattle real estate agent
To get a great deal on a Seattle home, the first step is to connect with an experienced buyer's agent near you. A knowledgeable realtor can help you navigate the ups and downs of the market and guide you toward neighborhoods that fit your budget and needs.
2. Determine what you need and want in a house
Do you want to live close to downtown? Or in a quiet community, away from the hubbub of the city? Talk to your buyer’s agent about what you’re looking for. They can suggest certain areas based on your financial situation and help you find your ideal home.
3. Find a lender and secure financing
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in Seattle, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in Washington a typical house is worth $451,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $1,609. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $1,521.
4. Negotiate for the best possible price
Once you find a home that’s a good fit, your agent will help you make an offer. After the home inspection, they’ll negotiate with the owner to ensure you get the best possible deal.
If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with the top buyer's agents in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Fill out our online form, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
