Why January & February Are Secretly the Best Months to Sell on the Eastside

If you’ve lived on the Eastside for a while, you know the real estate market has a rhythm. But here’s something most sellers don’t realize:
January and February are two of the most advantageous months of the entire year to list your home.

Here’s why:

1. Ultra-Low Inventory = Less Competition

During the holidays, many homeowners hit pause—traveling, hosting family, or waiting for spring weather.
But buyers? They don’t pause.

January and February historically produce some of the lowest inventory levels of the year in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, and Sammamish.
Fewer competing listings means:

• Your home stands out

• Serious buyers have fewer choices

• You get stronger offers with fewer contingencies

2. Pent-Up Buyer Demand Surfaces Right After New Year’s

The Eastside is powered by hiring cycles at Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Costco.
Every January and February:

• Relocations restart

• New hires begin their search

• Renters decide to become buyers

• Families plan before spring sports and school deadlines

This creates a wave of highly motivated buyers ready to write offers.

3. Serious Buyers Only

The casual, “let’s just see what’s out there” crowd disappears in winter.
Who’s left?
Committed, financially-ready buyers who have already spoken with lenders and are actively tracking new listings.

Winter buyers write stronger, cleaner offers because they want to secure a home before the spring rush.

4. You Sell Before Spring Inventory Floods In

Spring is beautiful — but it also brings:

• More competition

• More choices for buyers

• More pressure on your pricing

Sellers who list early avoid the crowded market and capture demand before supply expands.

5. Pre-Spring Pricing Momentum Works in Your Favor

Each year we see:

• Strong January/February sales

• These comps set the tone for March–April pricing

• Early sellers often become the benchmark for the spring market

Being early means you drive the comps, rather than compete with them.

6. Homes Look Great in Winter

This is counterintuitive, but true:

• Fresh paint and lighting pop in winter light

• Staged interiors feel warm + inviting

• Buyers focus more on the home, less on landscaping

A well-prepared Eastside home shows beautifully in January–February, especially with professional photography.

So… Should You Sell This Winter?

Not everyone should sell right now — but if you’re even thinking about it, the next 60 days can be a massive advantage.

This is especially true if your home is:

• Move-in ready

• Lightly updated

• In a high-demand micro-market (Kirkland, Redmond, Juanita, Bellevue, Sammamish, Woodinville)

I’m happy to run a micro-market analysis on your home and show you:

• What buyers are paying right now

• How many active buyers are in your price band

• Your competition (or lack of it)

• Your estimated sale price in January/February vs. waiting until spring

Just say the word and I’ll build it.