Here’s an important update for you. The housing market is moving toward a healthier, more balanced state — and while that might not sound exciting at first, it’s actually a positive development.
This shift is expected. It just feels different because we’ve all gotten used to the fast-paced, highly competitive seller’s market of the past few years.
That said, there’s still plenty of opportunity if you’re considering selling—whether it’s soon or sometime down the road. The key is staying informed and making sure your strategy aligns with current market conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back.
According to the latest data, the number of homes for sale is steadily climbing back toward more typical levels (see graph below).
Keep in mind that inventory growth can look very different depending on where you live.
In areas where the number of homes for sale has returned to more typical levels, buyers may have a bit more leverage than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean they hold all the cards—it just means they have more options, so making your home stand out becomes even more important.
On the other hand, if inventory is still tight in your area, you could see stronger competition from buyers.
No matter your local market conditions, the smartest move is to partner with a real estate professional who can tailor your strategy to what’s happening right where you are.
2. The Right Price Matters More Than Ever
With more homes available on the market, today’s buyers are quick to pass on properties that seem overpriced. That’s why setting the right price from the start is key to selling your home quickly and for the best possible return. As Realtor.com puts it:
“. . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home should have little problem finding a buyer.”
On the other hand, missing the mark on price may mean having to make adjustments later. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 sellers (19.1%) are currently reducing their asking price to attract more interest (see map below).
Here’s how to avoid becoming one of the sellers who end up lowering their asking price. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:
“The rising share of price reductions suggests that a lot of sellers are anchored to prices that aren’t realistic in today’s housing market. Today’s sellers would be wise to listen to feedback they are getting from the market.”
So how can you stay ahead of the curve? Work closely with a trusted local agent. They understand market trends and buyer behavior, and they’ll help you price your home strategically from day one. Because in today’s market, if your price isn’t compelling—it isn’t selling.
3. Flexibility Wins Negotiations
The days of buyers skipping inspections and appraisals just to secure a home are largely behind us. With more options on the market, today’s buyers have the flexibility to request repairs, credits, or even assistance with closing costs. And according to data from Redfin, nearly 44.4% of sellers are open to negotiating (see graph below).
The takeaway? This isn’t a bad market, it’s just a different one. In fact, it closely resembles more balanced years in real estate, like 2019. The most successful sellers today are the ones who recognize that and lean into every opportunity to work with buyers and make their home stand out.
Think of concessions not as setbacks, but as strategic tools. They can help bridge gaps, make offers more attractive, and ultimately get your deal across the finish line. And there’s no need to worry—home values have risen about 55% over the past five years, so there’s often room to offer a concession or two and still walk away with a strong return.
Your agent can help you navigate which concessions might make the difference in closing the deal—so be sure to tap into their expertise.
Bottom Line
Sellers who will succeed in the coming weeks and months are those who recognize this market shift and approach it with clear expectations and a solid strategy.
Let’s discuss what’s currently working in our local market, and how we can leverage those opportunities to your advantage whenever you’re ready to make a move.
