A few years ago, homes were flying off the market almost as soon as they were listed. With record-low inventory, nearly everything sold—and fast. But things have changed.
Today, there are far more homes for sale. In fact, listings are up almost 20% from this time last year. In many markets, supply has even returned to levels we last saw between 2017 and 2019.
So what does that mean for sellers in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake? It means your home has to stand out from day one.
Why Inventory Is Growing
The recent rise in available homes is being driven by active listings—properties that have been sitting on the market longer than expected. Meanwhile, new listings (freshly listed homes) have increased more modestly.
According to Realtor.com, the bulk of inventory growth is coming from homes that haven’t yet sold, not from a flood of new sellers. In short: buyers have more options, and competition among sellers is heating up.
That’s why the homes that are selling quickly have one thing in common: they’re strategically prepared and priced right from the start.
Why Some Homes Sit While Others Sell
The key to selling in today’s market is making it easy for buyers to say “yes” right away. That means:
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Pricing your home based on current market conditions, not what your neighbor sold for years ago
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Making important repairs before listing
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Staging and marketing your home so it shines online and in person
According to data from Redfin and HousingWire, homes that linger on the market often share the same issues:
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Priced too high from the start
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Skipped needed repairs or updates
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Poor presentation or photos
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Sellers unwilling to negotiate
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Limited showing availability
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Weak or outdated marketing strategy
A few years ago, sellers could overlook these things and still attract multiple offers. But now, with more homes on the market, you can’t afford to skip the prep work.
Your first few weeks on the market are critical — that’s when your listing gets the most visibility. Nail the pricing, presentation, and promotion, and you’ll capture serious buyer interest right away.
The Right Agent Makes All the Difference
Selling quickly isn’t about luck — it’s about expertise and preparation. A strong listing agent will:
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Analyze recent comparable sales to determine an accurate price
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Create a custom marketing strategy tailored to your neighborhood
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Recommend repairs or upgrades to boost value
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Coordinate professional staging and photography to make your home stand out
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes that sellers who work with an agent are nearly twice as likely to accept an offer within the first month compared to those who go it alone. That’s proof that strategy and local expertise pay off.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning to sell your home in Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, or Bonney Lake, the market has shifted — but with the right preparation and guidance, your home can still sell quickly and for top dollar.
Want to see what your home’s worth and how to make it stand out? Visit Your Real Estate Story to connect with a trusted South Sound real estate expert and start building your selling strategy today.
