If you removed your home from the market in late 2024, you weren’t alone. According to CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December—the highest number for any December since 2017 (see graph below):
Many homeowners in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake may have stepped back for various reasons—perhaps offers weren’t coming in, the holidays made selling feel overwhelming, or they wanted to wait for better market conditions in the new year.
But with spring fast approaching, now is the time to reassess. The market is already gaining momentum, and waiting too long to relist could mean facing more competition from other sellers down the road.
Why Now Could Be the Right Time
Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains that many sellers who withdrew their listings in late 2024 may have been waiting for spring to re-enter the market:
“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”
Spring is historically the busiest season for buyers in areas like Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake, and Des Moines. Warmer weather encourages more house hunting, and many buyers are eager to move in before summer. This increased demand can work in your favor as a seller.
While mortgage rates haven’t dropped significantly, they have eased in recent weeks. Early indicators show that buyer activity has picked up since January, and as spring gets closer, that trend is expected to continue.
What To Do Differently This Time
If you’re thinking about relisting, start by checking your listing agreement. Even if you pulled your home off the market, your contract may still be active. According to Realtor.com:
“If you aren’t sure of the status of your listing, whether active, expired, or withdrawn, take a look at your listing agreement and talk to your real estate agent.”
If your contract is still in place, reconnect with your agent to explore new strategies. If it has expired and you’re considering other options, reach out to a trusted real estate professional to determine your next steps.
No matter what, take some time to reflect on your previous selling experience:
- What held you back from getting it sold before?
- What changes can you make to improve your chances this time?
Collaborate with your agent for a fresh approach, focusing on key areas like:
🔹 Pricing Strategy – Was your home priced too high? Your agent can analyze recent sales in Tacoma, Puyallup, and Burien to ensure it’s priced competitively. A well-priced home attracts more buyers and increases the likelihood of multiple offers.
🔹 Marketing Approach – Did your listing showcase your home at its best? Professional photography, staging, and updated spring-ready listing photos can make a significant impact.
🔹 Buyer Incentives – Were you open to offering concessions? With more homes expected to hit the market, sellers in Auburn, Sumner, and Normandy Park are considering incentives to attract buyers.
🔹 Showings and Flexibility – Did scheduling limits prevent buyers from seeing your home? The more accessible your property is, the higher the chances of receiving strong offers.
Bottom Line
If your home didn’t sell last year, spring could be your second chance. With buyer activity rising across Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake, now is the perfect time to talk to an agent and re-enter the market with a fresh strategy.
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