Why Listing Your Home in October Still Gets You Moved Before the New Year
Every fall, we hear the same question from homeowners across Seattle and Edmonds:
“It’s already October—should I just wait until spring to sell?”
The assumption makes sense. Many sellers believe the home-selling process takes months or that fall and winter are “slow seasons” for real estate. But here’s the truth: if you list your home in October, you can absolutely be moved into your next home by December.
Let’s break down why that timeline works—and why fall might actually be one of the best seasons to sell in the Greater Seattle area.
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The Real Timeline: Faster Than You Think
Most people overestimate how long it takes to sell. The reality is much more manageable:
Listing to contract: On average, homes in Seattle and Edmonds go pending in about 18–25 days (and often faster if priced right and well-presented).
Closing period: Once under contract, escrow and financing typically take another 30–35 days.
Total timeline: From first showing to final closing, you’re looking at roughly 60 days total—meaning a mid-October listing can have you celebrating the holidays in your next home.
That’s not wishful thinking—that’s the rhythm of a market where motivated buyers are still moving fast.
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Why Fall Buyers Are the Best Kind
Many sellers assume buyers disappear after summer, but the opposite is often true.
Fall buyers tend to be the most serious and decisive group of the year.
They’re not “just looking”—they’re ready to buy before year-end.
They may have new jobs starting in January or leases ending soon.
Many are eager to close before December 31 for tax or relocation reasons.
In short, these are focused, motivated buyers who want to make a decision now. That often means cleaner offers, shorter negotiations, and faster closings.
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What About the Holidays?
Some homeowners hesitate to list close to the holidays, worried it might be inconvenient or awkward to show their home during that time. But this can actually be a strategic advantage.
A home that’s cozy, warmly lit, and tastefully decorated for the season helps buyers imagine themselves celebrating and creating memories there.
Add to that the lower competition—since many sellers wait until spring—and your listing stands out even more in online searches.
In the Edmonds and Seattle markets, less inventory + serious buyers = strong demand.
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Planning Ahead Is Best—But It’s Never Too Late
Ideally, you’d start preparing your home 6–12 months before listing: refreshing paint, doing light updates, and planning your move. But life doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay.
If you need to sell sooner, we can still move quickly without cutting corners.
From professional photos to pricing strategy, we can often launch a listing within two weeks, even on a tight timeline.
The key is partnering with a team that knows how to work fast and smart.
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Why Now Is Still a Great Time to Sell
It’s easy to assume that real estate “slows down” in the fall—but in the Greater Seattle region, that’s simply not the case.
Here’s why:
Inventory is low, and demand is steady.
Many homeowners wait until spring to list, which creates a temporary dip in available homes. Fewer listings mean less competition for you—and more attention from qualified buyers.Interest rates are stabilizing.
While rates have fluctuated over the past year, many buyers are jumping back in now that they’ve adjusted to the new normal. In fact, many lenders are offering creative rate buy-downs and closing incentives, making this season surprisingly competitive for buyers.Relocation and job transitions peak in fall.
Seattle’s major employers—Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and countless startups—often onboard new hires or relocate staff toward the end of the year. These buyers are ready to move now, not six months from now.The weather window still works in your favor.
October and early November typically bring crisp, sunny days in the Pacific Northwest—perfect for showcasing curb appeal before the darker months set in.Buyers want to settle before the holidays.
Many families aim to close before Thanksgiving or Christmas so they can start the new year fresh, without the stress of moving mid-winter.⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺
Where Demand Is Holding Strong
We’re still seeing excellent activity and quick turnarounds across the region, especially in these neighborhoods:
Edmonds & Surrounding Areas
Edmonds Bowl – Always in demand for its walkability, character homes, and water views.
Meadowdale & Maplewood – Ideal for families looking for quiet streets and larger lots.
Perrinville & Seaview – Popular with first-time buyers and young families seeking Edmonds schools and community charm.
Seattle Neighborhoods
Ballard – High demand for updated craftsman homes and a walkable lifestyle.
Green Lake & Phinney Ridge – Buyers love proximity to parks, cafes, and easy commutes.
Capitol Hill & Madison Valley – Still strong for urban professionals seeking charm with convenience.
West Seattle – Especially popular with families relocating from out of state for its affordability and community vibe.
Eastside Communities
Kirkland – Lakeside appeal and excellent schools keep this area competitive.
Bellevue – Strong tech buyer pool and new construction fueling activity.
Redmond & Sammamish – Hot with relocation buyers from California and Texas tech hubs.
Bothell & Woodinville – Great options for those looking for more space without leaving King County.
Across all of these neighborhoods, the combination of limited inventory, strong buyer motivation, and year-end urgency means listings that are priced and presented well are still selling quickly—and often for excellent prices.
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Let’s Map Out Your Timeline
If you’re even thinking about selling your home in Edmonds, Seattle, or the Eastside, this is your reminder: it’s not too late.
A well-prepared home listed in October or early November can absolutely close before the end of the year. And the best part? You’ll start the new year in a new space that fits your next chapter.
📩 Ready to talk strategy?
Let’s map out your exact selling timeline and ensure you start 2026 in the right place—whether that’s upsizing, downsizing, or finding your dream home across town.