Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Tri-Cities, WA, timing matters. With the summer season underway, it’s the perfect time to ask:
Is Tri-Cities currently a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?
- Past 12 Months
- Year to Date (Jan–Jun 2025)
- June 2025
1. Inventory & Market Activity: Existing Homes Dominate
| Time Frame | Market Type | Listings per Day | Sales per Day | Median Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Past 12 Months | Existing Homes | 7.51 | 6.56 | $440,000 |
| Year to Date (Jan–Jun 2025) | Existing Homes | 10.07 | 6.61 | $445,000 |
| June 2025 | Existing Homes | 10.72 | 6.36 | $470,000 |
Insight:
- Listings per day have increased steadily, showing strong seller activity, from 7.51/day up to 10.72/day in June.
- Sales per day have remained relatively flat, indicating stable buyer demand even with higher inventory.
2. Days on Market: Speed Favors Existing Homes
| Segment | Median DOM (12 mo) | Median DOM (YTD) | Median DOM (June 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing Homes | 46 | 42 | 14 |
Insight:
- Homes are selling dramatically faster—dom dropped from 46 days last year to just 14 days in June. Hang onto your hats!
- This drop in Days on Market underscores rising buyer urgency or better pricing alignment with buyer expectations.
3. Buyer vs. Seller Leverage: A Tale of Two Markets
| Segment | Buyer Score (YTD) | Seller Score (YTD) | Buyer Score (June) | Seller Score (June) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Existing Homes | 3 | 7 | 2 | 8 |
Insight:
- We’re in a strong seller’s market: seller scores surge to 8 as homes are moving quickly and prices are firming.
- Buyers have slightly less leverage now compared to earlier this year due to shorter market times and competitive pricing.
4. Pricing Trends: Holding Steady with Slight Growth
| Segment | Median Sale Price (12 mo) | Median Sale Price (YTD) | Median Sale Price (June) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing Homes | $440,000 | $445,000 | $470,000 |
Insight:
- Home prices are rising consistently—median sale prices rose $30K since last year.
- The June price bump shows strength in the mid-year market, with buyers possibly prioritizing move-in before school resumes.
Final Market Insight: A Dual-Speed Market in Tri-Cities
Summary:
- Sellers of existing homes are in a strong position—homes are selling faster and for solid prices.
- Buyers are actively engaging the market but must act quickly as competition is growing.
This creates a dual-speed market:
- Seller’s market in existing construction
- Fast-moving pace that benefits priced-right homes and strong marketing strategies
What Should You Do Next?
If You’re a Seller:
- List your existing home now—inventory is moving at record speeds and prices are increasing.
- Homes priced below $500K are seeing especially strong action—this is the sweet spot for many buyers.
If You’re a Buyer:
- Be decisive and ready—homes are selling in 2 weeks or less in June. Having preapproval and an agent is critical.
- Look for homes with slightly longer DOM for possible negotiation or upgrade opportunities.
Ready to Make a Move?
Whether you’re buying or selling in Tri-Cities, understanding the nuances between fast-moving inventory and price trends is key to making smart, confident real estate decisions.
Need help navigating this market? Contact yourname@yourdomain.com or call YOUR_PHONE for expert, local guidance tailored to your goals.