
When choosing a real estate broker, homeowners deserve more than promises. They deserve a clear understanding of how an agent performs, how results are measured, and what strategy goes into preparing, pricing, and marketing a home for sale.
Over the past 36 months, my Sammamish-area listing results have demonstrated two meaningful differences compared with the market averages in my analysis: fewer cumulative days on market and a stronger sold-to-original-list-price ratio.
My listings averaged 23 days on market, compared with 29 days for the market average. They also averaged 100.64% of original list price, compared with 99.30% for the market.
These numbers tell an important story about the role of pricing, presentation, and marketing in a successful home sale.
1. My Listings Averaged 21% Fewer Days on Market
Over the 36-month period analyzed, my listings averaged 23 cumulative days on market (CDA), compared with approximately 29 days for the Sammamish market average. That represents approximately 21% fewer days on market.
Why does this matter to sellers?
The first two to three weeks on the market can be a critical window for attracting buyer attention. A new listing has the opportunity to capture interest from buyers who have been watching the market, receive showing requests, and generate activity while the property is fresh.
Pricing correctly from the beginning is essential to making the most of that opportunity.
When a home is priced in line with current market conditions, it has the best opportunity to attract qualified buyers and generate meaningful interest. When a property is overpriced, buyers may pass it over in favor of better-positioned alternatives. As time passes, showing activity and open-house traffic may slow, and sellers may find themselves considering price reductions.
The longer a home sits on the market, the greater the risk that it will ultimately sell for less than it might have with the right pricing strategy from the start.
Of course, every property and market situation is different. No agent can guarantee a particular selling timeline. But these results reinforce why I place so much emphasis on pricing strategy before a home ever goes live.
2. My Listings Averaged 100.64% of Original List Price
Days on market tell only part of the story. The relationship between the original list price and the final sold price provides another useful measure of listing performance.
Over the same 36-month period, my listings averaged 100.64% of original list price, compared with 99.30% for the market average – a difference of 1.34 percentage points.
I focus on the original list price because it provides context about where the home entered the market, rather than looking only at the final asking price after any reductions.
A strong sold-to-original-list-price ratio can reflect the importance of establishing an appropriate initial price, presenting the property effectively, and responding thoughtfully to buyer interest and market feedback.
This metric does not mean every home sells above asking price. Results vary based on condition, location, competition, buyer demand, and the individual circumstances of each transaction. It does, however, provide a useful way to evaluate performance across a group of transactions.
3. The Strategy Behind the Numbers
Strong results begin well before a home appears on the MLS. My approach centers on three core areas.
Strategic, Data-Driven Pricing
I evaluate comparable sales, current competition, market conditions, and the unique characteristics of each property to develop a pricing strategy grounded in evidence.
The goal is to position a home competitively from day one—not to start with an inflated asking price and rely on repeated reductions to find the market.
Thoughtful Preparation and Presentation
First impressions matter. Depending on the property, preparation may include decluttering, repairs, staging recommendations, professional photography, twilight and aerial imagery, video, and 3D tours.
The objective is to showcase the home’s strongest features, help buyers understand its value, and create a compelling presentation across online platforms and in person.
Strategic Marketing and Negotiation
Professional photography and presentation are only part of the process.
Professional photography and presentation are only part of the process. A comprehensive marketing plan helps put a property in front of potential buyers, while careful evaluation of offers and skilled negotiation help sellers navigate price, terms, contingencies, and closing details.
Every home requires a tailored plan. My role is to guide sellers through these decisions with clear communication, informed recommendations, and attention to detail.
4. Local Knowledge Matters in Sammamish Real Estate
I serve Sammamish and the greater Eastside, with a particularly deep connection to the Trossachs community, where I have lived for more than 20 years.
Local expertise means understanding more than broad market statistics. Neighborhood, street location, floor plan, condition, updates, lot characteristics, and competing inventory can all influence how buyers respond to a home.
That perspective informs how I advise sellers on pricing, preparation, timing, and the marketing approach most appropriate for their property.
Whether you’re selling in Trossachs, elsewhere on the Sammamish Plateau, or in the surrounding Eastside communities, the strategy should reflect your home’s specific features and the buyers most likely to value them.
Choosing a Listing Strategy That Puts Your Goals First
Selling a home successfully involves more than selecting an asking price and putting a sign in the yard. It requires a coordinated strategy, thoughtful presentation, informed decisions, and consistent attention to the details that influence buyer perception and interest.
My 36-month results provide a measurable look at how my listings performed compared with the market averages used in this analysis:
- 23 versus 29 average cumulative days on market
- 100.64% versus 99.30% average sold-to-original-list-price ratio
For homeowners considering a sale in Sammamish or the greater Eastside, these metrics offer a useful starting point for a conversation about pricing, preparation, and marketing.
If you’re considering selling, I’d welcome the opportunity to review your property, discuss relevant comparable sales, and develop a strategy tailored to your goals.
Betsy Matias, REALTOR® | Windermere Real Estate | Windermere Luxury Advisor
Source and Methodology
Source: NWMLS listing data for the 36-month period analyzed. The figures presented compare average cumulative days on market and average sold-to-original-list-price ratios for my listings with the market averages used in the analysis. These are historical averages, not guarantees of future performance. Market comparisons are most meaningful when geography, property types, dates, and calculation methods are consistent. Data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.