Homes Are Selling Above Asking Faster Than You Think and What That Means for Buyers

Kevin Gerdes
21 hours ago
2 min read

A Market That Is Moving Quickly Again

Man in a suit holds "Open House" sign and tablet, taking photo of a modern house. Sunny day with trees and a clear sky in the background.

I have been watching the housing market closely, and this latest report from Zillow confirms something I have been feeling on the ground. Homes are starting to move fast again.

According to Zillow, a growing share of homes are going pending within 7 days and often selling above asking price. That kind of speed changes everything. It shifts the market from one where buyers can take their time to one where hesitation can cost you the home entirely.

This is not happening everywhere equally, but the trend is clear. When a home is priced right and shows well, it is not sitting around.

What This Means If You Are a Buyer Since Homes Are Selling Above Asking

Two men shake hands while a woman smiles nearby in a modern kitchen. A laptop and phone are on the white counter, creating a warm mood.

If you are trying to buy right now, this kind of market requires a different mindset.

You need to be prepared before you even walk into a home. That means having your financing lined up, understanding your budget clearly, and knowing what you are willing to offer if you find the right place.

I tell my clients this all the time. The decision is not made when you write the offer. It is made before you even step through the front door.

Because in a competitive housing market, waiting a day or two to think about it can mean losing the opportunity altogether.

Why Some Homes Are Still Sitting

Spacious kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and red pendant lights. Hardwood floor, sliding glass doors open to wooded view.

Here is the part that does not always get talked about.

Not every home is selling fast.

Homes that are overpriced, poorly presented, or need significant work are still sitting on the market. Buyers are more selective than they were a couple of years ago, especially with affordability still being a real concern.

So while you are hearing that homes are selling in a week, what that really means is this. The good homes are moving fast. The rest are not.

That gap is something both buyers and sellers need to understand clearly.

What I Am Seeing Here in Los Angeles

Hilltop view of a mansion and modern houses surrounded by lush trees. A pink and orange sunset sky adds a serene mood to the landscape.

Here in Los Angeles, I am seeing this play out in real time.

Well-priced homes that feel move-in ready are getting attention immediately. Open houses are active. Buyers are asking strong questions. And in some cases, offers are coming in quickly.

But at the same time, I am also seeing listings sit when the price does not align with the condition or the buyer pool. Especially with income-restricted properties or homes that need work, buyers are doing the math carefully.

This is not a blind bidding war market. It is a selective and strategic one.

The Bottom Line

The biggest takeaway from this Zillow report is not just that homes are selling fast. It is that timing and preparation matter more than ever.

If you are a buyer, you need to be ready before the opportunity shows up.If you are a seller, you need to price and position your home correctly from day one.

Because in this kind of real estate market trend, the first week is often the most important.

And if you miss that window, it can change the entire outcome of the sale.

Source: Zillow