Housing News

Super Bowl LX Housing Showdown: Which Housing Market Reigns Supreme?

With the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots preparing to battle it out in Super Bowl LX this weekend at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., we thought it might be a good idea to take the competition off the field and into the real estate arena.

While we know that the Patriots represent all of New England, for the purposes of our showdown, we’re going to consider Boston their home. So, just as these two powerhouse teams will face off for football supremacy, Seattle and Boston will face off in a different kind of showdown: a housing market head-to-head.

Both cities boast championship-caliber real estate landscapes, but which market is the best for homebuyers? We’re breaking down the stats and determining which housing market deserves the to hoist the real estate championship trophy.

The price tag playoffs: Can your wallet even get in the game?

Winner: Seattle (by a field goal)

In a battle of two notoriously expensive markets, Seattle edges out Boston with a median home list price of $726,500, a solid $45,500 cheaper than Boston’s $772,000. (The data in the story is from December for metropolitan areas using Realtor.com data.)

That’s not just pocket change. It’s nearly a 6% affordability advantage.

Boston’s housing market is also showing cracks in its armor. Prices have dropped 3.7% year-over-year, and nearly 2% of listings have seen price reductions. That’s a sign buyers may have some negotiating power.

Seattle, meanwhile, is playing a completely different game. Prices inched up just 0.3% over the past year, barely a blip, while price reductions hovered at a minuscule 0.3%.

Translation? Seattle’s market is stable, confident, and sellers aren’t budging.

You might end up paying less upfront than in Boston, but don’t expect any deals. This is a market that knows its worth.

The bottom line: Seattle wins on sticker price, but Boston’s cooling market could offer savvy buyers a chance to negotiate.

Housing roster depth: Which city has more homes on the field?

Winner: Seattle (and it’s not even close)

Here’s where Seattle absolutely dominates. The number of homes for sale surged 28.9% year-over-year in December. Boston’s no slouch either, posting a 25.4% increase.

What does this explosion in available homes mean? After years of brutal housing inventory shortages, both markets are finally giving buyers some choices. That’s shifting the playing field.

But here’s the twist. While Seattle dominates in total number of available homes, Boston has more fresh properties hitting the market each month.

Seattle, meanwhile, has built up a larger overall pool of homes sitting on the market and there are fewer new listings coming up for sale.

The bottom line: Seattle has more homes to choose from, giving buyers an edge.

Speed round: Where do homes stay on the market longer?

Winner: Seattle (by a full possession)

When it comes to moving properties, Boston is in a relative rush. Homes in Beantown sit on the market for a median of just 60 days. That’s a full week faster than Seattle’s 67 days.

In real estate terms, that’s the difference between a quick strike and a methodical drive down the field.

Boston’s faster pace means sellers aren’t waiting around. Those in Seattle, on the other hand, are able to play a more patient game. That extra week on the market might not sound like much, but it may give buyers a little more time to think, and just maybe negotiate with sellers.

The bottom line: Boston’s speed signals a market where buyers need to stay ready. When the right property hits, you’ve got to act fast. Meanwhile, buyers in Seattle have a bit more time to figure out if this is the right home before submitting an offer.

Final Score: And the housing market champion is...Seattle

In what turned into a real estate romp, Seattle took down Boston to claim the real estate championship as being better for homebuyers. Let’s break down the final tally:

Affordability: Seattle

More time on market: Seattle

Homes for sale: Seattle

Winner: Seattle