Zillow uncovers how desirable homes sell quickly and above asking price

As a real estate reporter, I remember when homes were flying off the market in 2021 and 2022. Where I lived, near Seattle, homebuyers were lucky if a house listing stayed up for a week. Many properties were selling in a few days or less.

Now, the tide has turned. According to Redfin Weekly Housing Market Data, during the four-week period of March 23-April 19, the average age of inventory was 54.3 days.

Home price growth is also much slower than it was back when houses were selling like hot cakes. Redfin data show that year-over-year home prices are up by 1.7%. That's the slowest annual growth since 2012.

None of this is good news for homeowners with properties on the market. Their houses are taking longer to sell, which gives them less leverage in real estate transactions, so they sell for less money than they might have expected.

New research from real estate technology company Zillow has found what will make a home sell for more money: an accepted offer within seven days of listing.

This may seem unthinkable, given the current state of the housing market. But Zillow research shows that about one in five homes sells within a week. How is this possible?

Zillow breaks down why and how homes sell faster

Nationwide, Zillow's study found that homes that went under contract within seven days of being listed were 2.6 times more likely to sell for above asking price than the typical home listing in February.

Looking at all homes sold in February, 17.1% sold above asking price - but 44.3% of those pending within a week went for over the listed price.

"After years of lightning-fast home sales during the pandemic, the U.S. housing market is back to operating on two distinct tracks. Desirable, well-priced homes continue to sell quickly, though this group is shrinking. Other homes are lingering longer than they have in years," Zillow wrote in its report.

Related: Mortgage rate experts adjust forecasts as rates change

The report notes that February's numbers are similar to the ones before the Covid pandemic began, signaling that the housing market could be returning to its "new normal."

One in five houses sells in under a week because quality homes are going quickly. But in 2022, the market was so competitive that homes would sell fast and for above asking price due to high demand from buyers.

Across the U.S., 18.5% of listed properties went pending within seven days. Zillow said that in certain cities, over one-third of houses sold in seven days.

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Zillow shows where homes are selling more quickly

How likely is it that your home will sell within one week? As mentioned above, the answer partly depends on whether your home is in good condition and desirable overall. The other part relies on where you live. No two local housing markets are the same.

According to the Zillow study, several markets in the Midwest sold at least three in 10 houses within seven days, including Cincinnati, Kansas City, and St. Louis.

On the other end of the spectrum, inventory has significantly increased in the Sun Belt, which gives homebuyers more options and sellers less power. Cities in this area, such as Austin, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and San Antonio, aren't even selling one in 10 properties within seven days.

More on home prices and the housing market:

• Zillow predicts home values, housing market change
• Dave Ramsey sends strong message on housing market
• Redfin reveals shift in home prices, housing market

Looking at Zillow's data for the 50 largest U.S. metros, St. Louis had the highest share of homes that sold within seven days. In St. Louis, 36.4% of listed properties listed sold in seven days, and 57.2% of those went for more than the asking price. Of all St. Louis homes sold in February, 27.5% sold for more than the asking price.

In Seattle, 34.7% of homes in went pending within seven days; 58.1% of those sold for more than the listed price, and 25.4% of all homes sold went for over listing price.

In Richmond, Virginia, 33.9% sold in a week, 58.5% of which went for over the asking price; 28.2% of all sold homes sold above asking price.

How to sell your home faster

"Challenging financial conditions have limited the pool of buyers, who are more choosy than during the pandemic," Zillow's report reads. "Yet, those buyers still in the market are benefiting from more options and bargaining power. Sellers whose listings check every box sell quickly, while others linger."

So, regardless of where you live, how do you get your home to sell more quickly?

• Work with an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with your local housing market. They should have an in-depth understanding of real estate trends in your area and know what homebuyers are looking for.
• Price your home appropriately. If the asking price is more than your home is worth, you may scare off homebuyers. Thankfully, a good Realtor can help you decide how much to list your house for.
• Lean into what Zillow calls "screen appeal," or "digital curb appeal." You want the house to look as nice as possible in online listings on websites like Zillow and Redfin. Work with your Realtor to find a professional photographer, arrange your furniture to make the home look more spacious in pictures, and declutter the space before the photo shoot.

Related: Fannie Mae predicts shift in mortgage rates, home prices

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 7:03 PM.