The balance between buyers and sellers is constantly shifting in real estate. By analyzing buyer and seller scores, we can determine who holds the advantage in the current market. Higher seller scores indicate stronger conditions for sellers, while higher buyer scores suggest buyers have more negotiating power.
This report looks at West Richland, Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, comparing how the market has shifted over the past four months and identifying who has the upper hand today.
Are Buyers or Sellers in Control?
Buyer & Seller Score Trends Over the Past Four Months
| City | Buyer Score (Feb 2025) | Buyer Score (Jan 2025) | Buyer Score (Dec 2024) | Buyer Score (Nov 2024) | 4-Month Trend | Seller Score (Feb 2025) | Seller Score (Jan 2025) | Seller Score (Dec 2024) | Seller Score (Nov 2024) | 4-Month Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Richland | 0.7 | 0.9 | 4.3 | 5.2 | Buyers losing power | 9.3 | 9.1 | 5.7 | 4.8 | Strong seller market |
| Richland | 1.9 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 3.4 | Fluctuating, still weak for buyers | 8.1 | 7.2 | 8.9 | 6.6 | Stable seller’s market |
| Pasco | 6.5 | 4.9 | 1.4 | 2.9 | Buyers gaining power | 3.5 | 5.1 | 8.6 | 7.1 | Shifting toward buyers |
| Kennewick | 4.9 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 1.5 | Buyers gaining power | 5.1 | 8.0 | 7.7 | 8.5 | Shifting toward buyers |
Key Takeaways
- West Richland remains the strongest seller’s market
- The buyer score has dropped from 5.2 to 0.7, meaning buyers have very little negotiating power.
- The seller score has surged to 9.3, showing extreme seller control due to low inventory and strong demand.
- Richland is still a seller’s market but more balanced
- The buyer score is slightly increasing (1.9 in Feb vs. 1.1 in Dec) but remains low.
- The seller score is consistently strong (8.1 in Feb, 8.9 in Dec), meaning sellers still hold most of the power.
- Pasco is shifting toward a buyer’s market
- The buyer score jumped from 1.4 in Dec to 6.5 in Feb, meaning buyers are gaining ground.
- The seller score fell from 8.6 in Dec to 3.5 in Feb, showing that sellers now have less control.
- Kennewick is moving toward a balanced market
- The buyer score has increased from 1.5 in Nov to 4.9 in Feb, meaning buyers are getting stronger.
- The seller score dropped from 8.5 in Nov to 5.1 in Feb, showing the market is no longer seller-dominated.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers:
- West Richland and Richland are still challenging for buyers. If you’re shopping in these areas, expect competition and limited room for negotiation.
- Pasco and Kennewick offer the best opportunities for buyers, as seller scores are dropping, and inventory is more favorable.
For sellers:
- West Richland is the best market for sellers. Homes are selling quickly, and demand remains high.
- Richland is still favorable for sellers, but some balance is returning.
- In Pasco and Kennewick, sellers need to price competitively as the market is shifting toward buyers.
Final Thoughts
The Tri-Cities real estate market remains mixed, with West Richland and Richland favoring sellers, while Pasco and Kennewick are becoming more buyer-friendly.
If you’re planning to buy, consider Pasco or Kennewick for better deals. If you’re selling, West Richland remains your best bet for a quick and competitive sale.
For expert guidance on navigating this shifting market, reach out to ryan@kenmoreteam.com or call 509.987.4544.