If you’ve been following Seattle real estate lately, you might be surprised to learn that nearly half of sellers are accepting offers below their original asking price. Even if you’ve listed a house for sale in Seattle in a popular neighborhood, that doesn’t automatically guarantee a bidding war or a top-dollar outcome anymore. The market has shifted, and today’s buyers are more cautious, strategic, and willing to walk away if the numbers don’t make sense.

This change can feel unsettling, especially if you were expecting the fast, above-asking offers we saw in the last few years. But here’s the truth: selling under asking isn’t always about a lack of demand—it’s about how well a home is positioned. Pricing, marketing, and presentation matter more now than ever. If you want to protect your bottom line and sell confidently, you need a plan that adapts to what’s happening right now in Seattle, not what worked two or three years ago.

From Frenzy to “Normal”

The pandemic years created an unusual environment where homes often sold in days with multiple offers. That kind of frenzy is gone. The market has returned to a more balanced pace, and buyers have options. Instead of rushing to lock down a property, they’re comparing homes, negotiating more, and expecting value for their money. For sellers, this means your strategy must shift, too.

Why This Matters If You’re Selling Your House

When nearly half of homes are going for less than asking, the risk is clear: if you price too high or overlook key buyer expectations, you could end up reducing your price later—sometimes more than once. This not only impacts your final sales price but can also give buyers leverage and weaken your negotiating power. On the other hand, getting it right from the start sets you up for stronger offers and less time on the market.

The Ideal Formula

Selling successfully today requires a formula:

• Pricing smartly. Review local comps and understand what buyers are actually paying right now.

• Marketing strategically. High-quality photography, staging, and exposure across digital platforms are non-negotiable.

• Working with an expert. A seasoned Seattle real estate agent knows how to position your home to stand out and help you avoid costly mistakes.

The homes that sell quickly and close closer to asking price are the ones where the seller and agent take a proactive, data-driven approach.

Bottom Line

In today’s market, you can’t count on over-asking offers or buyer bidding wars. But you can still sell successfully—and for a strong price—if you set the right strategy. By focusing on smart pricing, strong presentation, and expert guidance, you’ll avoid being part of the 50% of sellers leaving money on the table.