The Tri-Cities real estate market for existing 1-story homes has seen a shift in buyer and seller conditions over the past four months. By analyzing buyer and seller scores, we can determine whether market conditions are favoring buyers or sellers and how the balance is changing.
The buyer score measures how favorable conditions are for homebuyers, with a higher score indicating a more buyer-friendly market. The seller score reflects how much leverage sellers have, with a higher score signaling a stronger seller’s market.
How Have Buyer and Seller Scores Changed in the Tri-Cities?
| Month | Buyer Score | Seller Score |
|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 2.3 | 7.7 |
| December 2024 | 1.7 | 8.3 |
| January 2025 | 2.6 | 7.4 |
| February 2025 (First 10 Days) | 3.7 | 6.3 |
Key Takeaways: What Do These Trends Indicate?
1. Buyers Are Gaining More Leverage
- Buyer score increased from 1.7 in December to 3.7 in February, showing that market conditions are shifting in favor of buyers.
- This may be due to homes staying on the market longer and fewer bidding wars, giving buyers more room to negotiate.
2. The Seller’s Market is Weakening
- In December, the seller score peaked at 8.3, indicating one of the strongest seller’s markets in months.
- By February, the seller score dropped to 6.3, meaning sellers still hold an advantage, but buyers have more power than before.
3. The Tri-Cities Market is Becoming More Balanced
- While November and December heavily favored sellers, January and February are showing a transition toward balance.
- This shift suggests that buyers are gaining opportunities, while sellers may need to adjust pricing expectations.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in the Tri-Cities
📌 For Sellers:
- While the market still favors sellers, the trend is shifting toward balance, meaning homes may take longer to sell or require pricing adjustments.
- Sellers should be prepared to negotiate more than in late 2024.
📌 For Buyers:
- Negotiation power is increasing, making it easier to secure better deals or request concessions from sellers.
- Inventory is still limited, but homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more time to evaluate options.
Final Thoughts
The Tri-Cities market for existing 1-story homes is transitioning from a strong seller’s market toward a more balanced environment. While sellers still have an advantage, buyers are gaining more leverage as days on market increase and negotiation opportunities improve.
For expert guidance on buying or selling an existing 1-story home in the Tri-Cities, contact ryan@kenmoreteam.com or call 509.987.4544.