Patience Isn’t A Strategy Pricing Is

Waiting for the perfect buyer to fall in love with your house? In today’s market, that’s usually not what’s holding things up, and the reason may surprise you.

Let’s be real. Homes are taking longer to sell than they did a year ago. According to Realtor.com:

“Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical home spent 60 days on the market in August, seven days longer than last year and now above pre-pandemic norms for the second consecutive month. This was the 17th straight month of year-over-year increases in time on market.”

Here in Bellingham and Whatcom County, the same trend is playing out. Homes aren’t flying off the market as quickly, and a big part of that comes down to price.

The Average List Price Isn’t Going Up And That Matters

One of the biggest changes in the housing market today is that average list prices have held steady for the past few years.

That’s a huge shift from the years leading up to and during the pandemic, when sellers could set almost any price and still attract multiple offers. Now, buyers are far more price-sensitive.

(Visual showing steep rise in 2021–2022 followed by a flat line since, highlighting how list prices have stabilized)

In Bellingham and nearby markets like Ferndale, Lynden, and Blaine, sellers who price their homes above what recent comparable sales support are finding their listings sit with little activity. Buyers today have more options, and they’re selective.

4 Signs Your Price May Be Too High

If your home has been sitting longer than expected, the market may already be signaling that your price isn’t aligned. According to Bankrate, here are the red flags to watch for:

• Few or no showing requests

• No offers or only very low ones

• Negative feedback from buyers during showings

• Your home has been on the market longer than the local average

Waiting it out usually doesn’t solve the issue. But a strategic price adjustment often does. Even a small change can bring new buyers through the door.

Why Strategic Pricing Is Key

If you’re worried about not getting the top-dollar sale you imagined, remember this: most homeowners in Whatcom County have built significant equity over the past 5, 10, or more years. Even with today’s leveling prices, you’re likely still well ahead compared to where you started.

The key to selling now is understanding where the market is today, not last year, and not during the 2021–2022 boom. Buyers will move on quickly from a home that feels overpriced, even by a small amount.

Bottom Line

Patience isn’t a strategy pricing is.

If your home in Bellingham or Whatcom County isn’t selling, the market is telling you something. The right price can change everything, helping your home stand out and attract serious buyers.

👉 Thinking about selling your home? Let’s talk about the local market and set a price that positions you for success. I’ll help you find the right strategy so your home sells—not sits.