Should You Sell Your Kirkland Home Between October and December?

When most people think about selling their home, they picture sunny days, open windows, and green lawns. Spring gets all the attention. But here’s the thing—real estate in Kirkland doesn’t freeze up when the weather cools down.

Between October and December, things might look quieter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sell your home successfully. In fact, if you approach it the right way, this time of year can actually work in your favor.

Less Competition Means More Attention

By fall, most sellers assume they’ve missed “the season.” They pull their listings or decide to wait until spring. That means fewer homes on the market—and that’s good news for anyone listing now.

Buyers who are still out there scrolling through homes in Kirkland this time of year aren’t overwhelmed with options. When something good hits the market, they notice. Your home isn’t fighting for attention—it’s getting it naturally.

In neighborhoods like Rose Hill, Highlands, and West of Market, where homes are always in demand, less inventory can make your listing stand out even more.

The Buyers Out There Are Serious

Let’s be real—there aren’t as many buyers in late fall. But the ones still looking? They’re serious.

They’re often relocating for work, locking in a home before year-end, or ready to buy after sitting on the sidelines through the busy months. They’re not “just browsing.” They’re ready to move, and they tend to make faster decisions.

So while you might see fewer showings overall, you’ll likely get stronger, more focused interest from the ones who do walk through your door.

Kirkland’s Market Doesn’t Hit Pause

Kirkland isn’t a seasonal market like a vacation town. We’ve got year-round demand thanks to the tech corridor—Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and dozens of startups that keep people moving in and out all year long.

Sure, activity slows a bit, but prices hold steady because inventory stays tight. Even in slower months, homes that are priced right and look great don’t sit for long.

Create the Feeling Buyers Want

This time of year, buyers connect emotionally with homes that feel warm, calm, and inviting. You want them to walk in and instantly picture themselves hosting a cozy night in, not thinking about the rain outside.

A few easy moves:

• Turn on all lights before every showing (yes, all of them).

• Add a few simple touches—blankets, greenery, candles, soft lighting.

• Keep your entry spotless and bright.

• Use clear-day or twilight photos to capture warmth and space.

The goal is simple: make your home feel like somewhere people want to stay.

Timing Can Work in Your Favor

Listing in October or November can be surprisingly strategic. You catch buyers who didn’t find what they wanted earlier in the year and avoid competing with the flood of new listings that always hit in March.

Even in December, serious buyers are still searching. You may not get a crowd at every open house—but you’ll attract the right people, and that’s what counts.

The Bottom Line

The Kirkland market may feel quieter from October through December, but quieter doesn’t mean weaker. It often means more efficient. Fewer listings, more motivated buyers, and a chance for your home to shine without the spring chaos.

If you’re thinking about selling before the new year, it might be worth a conversation. Sometimes the best results come when everyone else is sitting on the sidelines.

– Jason Mesnick
Kirkland Real Estate Agent