For the first time since the pandemic, we’re seeing the script flip. The days of bidding wars, waived contingencies, and Sunday-night seller selfies with 15 offers are no longer the norm. In a surprising shift, the pendulum has officially swung—welcome to the return of the Buyer’s Market.
This is a moment many didn’t see coming, at least not this fast. Fueled by persistent affordability pressures, longer Days on Market, and an uptick in price reductions, buyers are finally catching their breath. We’re seeing inventory sit longer, negotiations return to the table, and sellers being forced to reckon with reality—not fantasy.
Analysts had forecasted a bustling spring market with an 11% increase in national sales. Locally, we even surpassed that—posting a 13% increase in closed homes compared to 2024. Sales are up. Inventory is up. But here’s the plot twist: buyer activity is way down. We’ve already matched the entire 2024 listing volume—and it’s only midsummer. Right now, there are 30% more homes for sale than active buyers, creating a sharp imbalance where supply is outpacing demand. That’s the turning point. And that’s how we’ve landed squarely in a buyer’s market for the first time in years.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a crash, it’s a correction. But it’s the most power buyers have held in years. Gone are the days of homes vanishing in 24 hours for 20% over ask. This market rewards patience, preparation, and yes—professionals who can navigate the nuance. (Hi, that’s me.)
For sellers? It’s still a great time to list if your home is properly priced, staged, and strategically marketed. For buyers? The window is open—but not forever. Once rates ease or inventory tightens again, the power could shift right back.
👉 For more on this market shift, catch my full interview on Schwab Network, where we unpack the sudden turn toward a buyer’s market—and what it means for buyers, sellers, and strategy.