Category Archives: Selling Tips

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The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For

Downsize, For Sellers, Home Prices, Real Estate, Selling Tips, , , , ,

The Kind of House Buyers Are Willing To Pay More For Simplifying The Market

That spare room on the main floor. The finished basement with a kitchenette and its own entrance. The bonus room you’ve been using for storage.

To you, it’s extra space. But to a growing pool of buyers, it’s the reason they’d pick your house. Here’s why. Multi-generational homebuying is on the rise.

Millions of Families Are Living Multi-Generationally

The number of multi-generational households is climbing. That’s when 3 or more generations live under one roof. And data shows those households grew from 3.2 million to almost 4 million between 2014 and 2024, according to Realtor.com.

And each year, more people are shopping for a larger home that fits their combined needs.

While the appetite for this type of house is rising across the board, data from USAFacts shows multi-generational living is more common in some states than others. The darker the state in the map below, the more common it is in that area (see map below):

a map of the united states

Where does your state fall? Depending on where you are, the pool of buyers looking for a house like yours could be even bigger than you’d think. But the overall bottom line is this.

There’s a real market out there for larger homes with room for multiple generations under one roof, especially since affordability is still so tight. And if you own a house like that, it’s in demand.

Multi-Generational Houses Sell at a Premium

And that extra room carries real value with the right buyer. According to Realtor.com, in 2025 the median asking price for a multi-generational house was $709,000 – roughly 65% higher than the $429,900 median for a standard house.

Some of that is simply size. But compare multi-generational homes to regular homes with the same amount of square footage, and they still come out on top – $262 per square foot versus $215.

That’s a 22% premium you could command for special features like in-law suites, second kitchens, and separate entries (see graph below):

a graph of a home sales

When you sell, this could help you walk away with more money in your pocket, especially when your agent highlights your home’s multi-generational-friendly features in your listing.

And Buyers Aren’t Getting Sticker Shock

And even with slightly higher price tags, buyers aren’t flinching. Multi-generational houses drew 13.5% more online views than standard ones, and they still sold just as fast – in about 59 days – per the same Realtor.com report.

Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

“The strong demand and steep premiums we are seeing in inventory-constrained markets point to a real mismatch between what buyers are looking for and what is actually available. For sellers in these markets, this type of home can be a significant asset.”

Basically, when buyers want something that’s very specific, the house that checks the box tends to stand out.

Bottom Line

Your multi-generational-friendly, or simply larger-than-average, house might meet criteria a lot of buyers can’t find in a standard one. That’s what gets attention. And offers. So, talk to a local real estate agent about what it could get you in your market right now.

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today’s Housing Market?

Buying Tips, For Buyers, For Sellers, Real Estate, Selling Tips, , , , ,

Who Has the Upper Hand in Today's Housing Market? Simplifying The Market

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they’ll still get top dollar.

The interesting thing is… both can be right at the exact same time. It just depends on where you live.

That’s because today’s housing market isn’t moving in one direction anymore. Some markets clearly favor buyers. Others still favor sellers. But most are sitting somewhere in the middle.

And knowing which market you’re actually in can completely change the strategy you use to buy or sell (and what expectations you should have). Let’s break it down.

One Number Tells You Who’s Got Leverage

So how do you know which market you’re in? There’s one number that tells the story faster than anything else: the months’ supply of homes for sale. It’s the clearest signal of who’s got leverage – and what strategy you’ll need. Think of it like this.

Imagine no additional homes were listed starting today. Months’ supply tells us how long it would take to sell everything that’s currently on the market based on today’s demand. 

Generally speaking, if months’ supply is:

  • Fewer than 4 months: Sellers usually have the advantage.

  • 4 to 6 months: Buyers and sellers are on more equal footing.

  • More than 6 months: Buyers can usually negotiate for a better deal.

Right now, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data says that number is 4.6 and that puts the overall market back in balanced territory (see graph below):

a graph of a market

That means, as a whole, the market has finally moved back into a much more balanced range after years of being tilted in sellers’ favor. While that may look like the scales have tipped only slightly, it’s enough to make a real difference in what strategy you’ll need for your move – at least in most places.

The Tale of Two Markets: Why ‘Balanced’ Doesn’t Mean the Same Thing Everywhere

Redfin data helps shed some light on how this shakes out across the country. It breaks down which cities are leaning in either direction (see graph below).

  • Some markets give buyers more leverage. Those are in blue.

  • Some still favor sellers. That’s the orange.

  • Others fall somewhere in between. Those are gray. 

a graph of a marketNotice anything? A lot more places are seeing more buyer-friendly conditions right now.  In fact, this is the most buyer-friendly market we’ve seen in nearly 6 years.

But don’t take that as buyers have the upper hand everywhere.

There are still cities where sellers still have the power. And if you’re in one of them, your approach to selling or buying looks completely different than it would in a buyer-leaning market.

The Biggest Mistake You Can Make Right Now

That’s why the biggest mistake isn’t thinking it’s finally a buyer’s market. And it isn’t thinking it’s still a seller’s market either. It’s making any assumption without talking to an expert agent first.

Today’s market is incredibly local. In one market, a buyer may be getting thousands of dollars in concessions from a seller. And a homeowner may have to consider dropping their price.  

But in another, a buyer may be stressed about coming in with their best offer, or they may lose out on the home to another buyer. And a seller may still be seeing strong demand and prices inching higher.

Same overall housing market.

Very different experiences.

The truth is what’s happening in your back yard affects everything from pricing your house to making an offer to negotiating repairs or concessions. And that’s why an agent’s local knowledge matters more now than ever before.

Your plan has to be based on your neighborhood – and only an agent has the expertise to get that right.

Bottom Line

This market isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you’re wondering who has the upper hand where you live, talk to a local agent. They’ll help you understand what’s happening in your market, who’s got the leverage, and what strategy gives you the best shot at getting what you want.

Home Price Growth Slowed Down. That May Be Changing.

Buying Tips, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Real Estate, Selling Tips, , , , ,

Home Price Growth Slowed Down. That May Be Changing. Simplifying The Market

After more than a year of headlines talking about how home prices are going to crash, the latest data shows that price growth may be starting to pick back up again. And depending on whether you’re buying or selling, that shift means something different for you.

The Numbers May Be Starting To Turn

For the past couple of years, home price growth has been moderating – cooling from around 7% in mid-2024, according to Redfin (see graph below). But look at the right side of that graph. The pace of that growth appears to have hit its low point and started to turn.

a graph of growth in a number of years

While a couple months of data doesn’t necessarily mean this will be a lasting trend, there are some other signs that this could continue.

For example, fewer markets are seeing prices decline. According to ResiClub and Zillow, about 36% of the 300 largest housing markets had falling prices as of the middle of last year. Since the start of this year, that share has been shrinking. Now? Only 23% are experiencing those mild dips (see graph below):

a graph of the price of a house

When fewer markets see prices falling, that means more markets are seeing prices rise again.

And forecasts suggest this shift has room to run. On average, experts project home prices will rise about 2.3% nationally this year. And for that to happen, price growth would have to pick up a bit in the second half of 2026.

But Remember, Real Estate Is Local

While it looks like national prices may be starting to pick back up a tiny bit, that doesn’t mean that’s what’s happening in your neighborhood.

National home prices are really just an average of hundreds of local markets. Some are climbing faster. Others are still cooling. But one reason the national average may be looking up is because a growing number of metros may actually be net positive for prices this year.

Not long ago, the major metros were split about 50/50 – half seeing prices rise and half seeing them fall. Now, that balance looks like it’s starting to tip in a more positive direction. Just last month, more than half of the major metros saw prices go up, according to Redfin (see graph below):

a graph of prices on a dark background

As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, explains:

“. . . local markets continue to tell very different stories. Annual home price growth has changed little since the start of the year, but some markets, especially those supported by strong job and income growth in the West and more affordable Midwest markets, have seen notable acceleration in price gains.”

What This Means for You

Home price headlines can be confusing because they don’t always tell the full picture. Lean on an agent to understand what’s happening in your local market and what the early signs say for where prices may go from here.

That’s the best way to stay one step ahead of the market.

If you’re buying: slower price growth has worked in your favor. You’ve had more room to negotiate and a budget you could plan around. If price growth is picking up in your area, buying now may mean paying less than you would later this year.

If you own a home: you’ve been gaining equity all along, even while growth moderated. If growth keeps picking up, those gains could speed up, too. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), projects the typical homeowner will gain roughly $16,000 in housing wealth this year. And if you’re thinking about selling, this shift is a good early sign for you. Just remember, the market is still pretty balanced and buyer-friendly in a lot of areas right now.

Home price growth slowed way down, and now it’s showing early signs of picking back up. Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s connect so you can see exactly what prices are doing in our local market and what that means for your plans.

Bottom Line

Home price growth slowed way down, and now it’s showing early signs of picking back up. Whether you’re buying or selling, connect with a local real estate agent so you can see exactly what prices are doing in your local market and what that means for your plans.

Selling a Luxury House? Here’s Why Now Is a Good Time

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Selling a Luxury House? Here’s Why Now Is a Good Time Simplifying The Market

If you own a luxury house, you’re in a stronger spot than most sellers right now. While much of the market has cooled, the high-end tier hasn’t. Sale prices and buyer demand are both up. So if you’re considering selling, now could be a great time to make your move.

Luxury Is Leading on Price

Let’s start with prices. But before we get into it – what actually counts as a luxury home? Generally, these are homes in the top 5% price range for the area, so it varies depending on where you live.

But what’s interesting is that according to the latest data from Redfin, sale prices for luxury houses have risen about three times faster than for non-luxury.

Right now, the typical home’s sale price is up about 1.5% year-over-year. But high-end homes? Their sale prices have gone up nearly 5% since last year (see graph below):

a graph of sales

That’s a bigger deal than it sounds like.

Despite all the talk about slowing price growth lately, sale prices in this segment of the market may be rising faster than you’d expect based on the headlines. That’s going to be a good thing if you’re thinking about selling. And rising sale prices are only half the story.

Buyers Are Showing Up, Too

While so many headlines are talking about how buyers are pulling back, that’s not necessarily true when it comes to luxury homes. In fact, right now, it looks like the higher the price point, the more active the buyers.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“The luxury market has really performed better compared to the lower price point. . . . if we look at price points, any home priced under $250,000, virtually no change in unit sales from one year ago. Then you go into the upper price category, and home sales are up about 10% from one year ago. But the million dollar-plus homes, it is up by 18% from one year ago.“

Basically, more homes are selling on the upper end of the market. A big reason is that high-end buyers tend to feel less of the affordability pressure weighing on many households today, so they keep buying even when the wider market slows.

That demand also means that luxury houses don’t stay on the market as long as they used to.

Luxury Houses Are Selling Relatively Quickly

According to the most recent data from Redfin, for luxury homes the median number of days on market is under 50. That’s much faster than pre-pandemic norms going even as far back as 2014 (see graph below):

a graph of sales in a market

That means you probably won’t spend a ton of time sitting in limbo wondering when you’ll get an offer.

Bottom Line

Selling a high-end house is a big decision, and you deserve to feel confident going in. With sale prices climbing and buyers active at the top, this is a strong window to make your move.

When you’re ready to cash in, connect with a local real estate agent to talk strategy.

The House That Started It All Could Kickstart What’s Next

Equity, For Sellers, Inventory, Move-Up, Real Estate, Selling Tips, , , , ,

The House That Started It All Could Kickstart What's Next Simplifying The Market

Remember how exciting it was to buy your first place? It felt like crossing a long-awaited finish line. It gave you a place to build your life. Maybe it’s where you lived when you got married. Or where you welcomed a child or a pet into the family.

But that was just the beginning.

For most people, your first house was never meant to be your forever home. It’s a stepping stone for what comes next.

And if your life looks different today than it did when you got the keys, you’re not stuck. Moving may be more realistic than you think.

Starter Home Inventory Is Still Relatively Low

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to move up, here’s something worth knowing. Starter homes remain one of the hardest types of homes to find. And that’s good news if you’re thinking about selling your first place.

Historically, we haven’t been building enough homes for first-time buyers. And even though homebuilders have shifted more attention toward smaller, entry-level homes lately, the Census shows there’s a long way to go to re-build supply (see graph below):

a graph showing a growing trend

That means your current house is in demand – and that’s a dream scenario for sellers. But that’s only half the story. You also need somewhere to go.

There Are More Move-Up Homes on the Market

Here’s where this gets interesting. While the supply of starter homes remains tight (the green line), data from Redfin shows that the number of homes for sale has been climbing overall (the blue line):

a graph of sales and prices

As Nadia Evangelou, Principal Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Too much of the inventory available today remains concentrated at higher price points, leaving a shortage of options for entry-level and middle-income buyers.”

That means you may have more choices for your move up than you’d expect. Whether you’re hoping for another bedroom, a home office, a bigger backyard, or simply more room for this next stage of life, today’s market may finally be giving you the chance to find it.

At the same time, your current house may be exactly what someone else has been looking for because homes like yours are still in short supply. That’s a unique advantage for move-up buyers. And it could help you sell for a stronger price. As Zillow says:

“Starter home value appreciation has outpaced other types of homes nationally, mostly because they’re so in demand.”

Your Biggest Advantage May Be Your Equity

Here’s the cherry on top. There’s one more thing your first home has been doing behind the scenes, and that’s building equity. Every mortgage payment you’ve made and every year your home’s value has grown has quietly increased your ownership stake in your house.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $295k in equity built up. While your number may be different, once you sell, it could become the down payment on your next home or help reduce the amount you need to borrow at today’s rates.

Put it all together and your move up becomes a lot more realistic than you think:

  • The house you’re selling is in demand.

  • The house you’re buying may be easier to find.

  • And the equity you’ve built can help bridge the gap between the two.

Your first home did exactly what it was supposed to do. It gave you a place to start.

Now, it may be the thing that helps you take the next step.

Bottom Line

Your first home was never meant to be your forever home. It was meant to help you build a life and build the financial foundation for whatever came next.

If your current home no longer fits the life you’re living today, connect with an agent. You may be closer to your next chapter than you realize.

Think Nobody’s Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.

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Think Nobody's Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again. Simplifying The Market

If you’ve been thinking about selling, you’ve probably seen plenty of headlines suggesting buyers have just about disappeared. But there’s a big difference between a slow market and a stalled one.

Yes, mortgage rates are still higher than most people would like. Homes aren’t selling as fast as they were. And every week seems to bring another headline about buyers sitting on the sidelines. But here’s what you haven’t heard.

Despite everything going on, buyer demand has been remarkably resilient.

In fact, more sellers are getting to put up the “pending sale” sign now than during the last two years. What’s even more surprising is that they’re doing it at a time of year when activity usually starts to slow down.

And if you’re thinking about selling, that’s a trend worth paying attention to.

Buyers Are More Active Than You Think

One of the best ways to measure buyer demand is by looking at pending home sales. Those are homes that have gone under contract but haven’t closed yet. Think of them as a real-time pulse check on the market and whether buyers are still buying.

HousingWire Data shows more homes are going under contract than at the same time the past 2 years (see graph below):

a graph showing the sales of a home sales

While it may come as a surprise, the numbers speak for themselves. It doesn’t mean buyers are everywhere, but it does mean they’re still active right now. And even if this ebbs and flows a bit in the weeks ahead, right now we’re still ahead of where we’ve been lately. That’s encouraging news if you’re thinking about selling because it tells us something important…

People haven’t stopped buying homes. Serious buyers are still making moves.

And a lot of these people are buying because they decided they can’t keep waiting. Whether it’s a growing family, a new job, retirement, or simply wanting a different home, life keeps moving… even when mortgage rates stay higher than we’d like. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“A late spring buyer rush—even with mortgage rates not budging—is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers’ acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal.”

So, if you’ve been worried no one’s buying, this data should give you some confidence. Today’s buyers aren’t just casually browsing open houses on a Sunday afternoon, they’ve spent months waiting for rates to improve and now they realize they can’t wait anymore.

That means they have a purposeand a timeline. And that’s exactly the kind of motivated buyer you want to work with.

What This Means for Your Sale

Does that mean every house will sell instantly? No.

Today’s market is more balanced than it was a few years ago.  So, you can’t just price your house however you want or skip preparing it for the market.

Now buyers have choices, and they’re willing to wait for the right home at the right price. But sellers who understand today’s market (and price and position their homes right) are still finding success. Because the idea that “no one’s buying right now” just isn’t supported by the data.

The buyers are there.

The opportunity is there.

The key is having the right strategy to capture it.

Bottom Line

This year’s housing market may be moving slower than many of us hoped. But, buyer demand is more resilient than the headlines suggest.

If you’re wondering whether there are enough buyers for your house, connect with a local agent. They can show you what’s happening in your local market and build a strategy that helps you take advantage of the momentum that’s already here.

The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You

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The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You Simplifying The Market

Negotiations are back. More buyers are asking for better deals, and more sellers are giving them. Builders are throwing in extras, too. 

That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive.

  • A concession is something a seller agrees to during negotiations to get a deal done.

  • An incentive is a perk a builder (or a seller) advertises upfront to attract buyers.

Let’s run through what you need to know about both and how they could play a role in your move.

More Sellers Are Agreeing to Concessions

Almost half (46%) of homeowners who sold recently gave the buyer a concession, according to Redfin. That’s the highest share on record for this time of year. And roughly 1 in 7 (16%) sellers went a step further, cutting their asking price and offering a concession on top (see chart below):

a diagram of a homeowner's market 

So, what kind of concessions are we talking about?

A seller might cover part of your closing costs, take care of a repair, or offer a credit that trims your upfront costs. It’s how they keep a deal on track when buyers have more options to choose from – and homeowners aren’t the only ones compromising.

Builders Are Cutting Prices, Too

Newly built homes are seeing the same push and pull. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 62% of builders are offering incentives right now. And about 35% are cutting prices outright (see chart below):

a screenshot of a graph

Those incentives often look like:

  • Price adjustments

  • Mortgage rate buydowns

  • Free upgrades, like nicer finishes or appliances

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains why:

“New construction has been one of the steadiest parts of the housing market over the past few years, but builders are clearly responding to today’s affordability pressures and higher levels of existing-home inventory.”

Even builders, who many people think rarely negotiate, are competing on price and perks. They have been for over a year now. The same data shows this is the 15th straight month where more than 60% of builders have offered incentives to sweeten the deal. And that’s significant.

What This Means for Your Move

If you’re buying, this is a good time to ask. Whether you have your eye on an existing house or a newly built home, there’s a chance the seller or builder will meet you partway on price, terms, or both.

If you’re selling, expect buyers to ask. Even builders of brand-new homes are making concessions more often than not right now. Holding firm on every term could mean more time on the market, or a lost sale altogether.

Bottom Line

Sellers and builders are both giving buyers more to work with this year. A local agent can tell you what to expect in concessions and incentives based on inventory and competition in your local market.

The 1 Factor That Explains Everything Happening with Home Prices Right Now

Buying Tips, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Inventory, Real Estate, Selling Tips, , , , ,

The 1 Factor That Explains Everything Happening with Home Prices Right Now Simplifying The Market

You’ve probably heard that home prices are cooling off. And that’s true – nationally. But zoom in on individual markets across the country, and the picture looks completely different depending on where you are.

Some areas are still seeing solid price growth. Others have gone flat. A few have actually dipped slightly negative. So, what’s causing all of that variation? 

It All Comes Down to Inventory

Here’s the simple version:

  1. When there are more homes for sale, buyers have options.

  2. More options, means less competition.

  3. Less competition means sellers can’t push prices as high.

On the flip side, when inventory is tight, buyers are competing over a small pool of homes, and that pushes prices up.

That dynamic is playing out right now in a really visible way across the country. 

Markets where inventory has climbed back to, or above, normal pre-pandemic levels are seeing prices flatten or fall slightly. Markets where inventory is still well below those 2019 benchmarks are still seeing prices rise. As Lance Lambert, CEO of ResiClub, puts it:

“Home prices are still climbing a little year-over-year in many regions where active inventory remains well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, such as pockets of the Northeast and Midwest.

In contrast, some pockets in states like Texas, Florida, and Colorado — where active inventory exceeds pre-pandemic 2019 levels by a solid clip — are seeing modest home price pullbacks or flat pricing.”

The Maps Say It All 

Take a look at where inventory stands today compared to 2019. In most places (the states in gray below), inventory still falls short of where we were back then. And that’s exactly why prices are climbing, albeit moderately, in the vast majority of states.

But you’re probably more interested in where prices are falling a bit, since that’s what is making headlines. So, let’s prove out how much inventory affects prices in those spots.

According to Realtor.com, 15 states and Washington, D.C. are now back above pre-pandemic inventory levels, and some by a wide margin (see the orange in the map below):

a map of the united statesNow, let’s look at the latest Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data to see what’s happened to home prices in those same states over the past year (again, you’ll want to focus on the orange in the next map). 

See how those line up pretty closely with the areas seeing more homes for sale today?

The overlap isn’t a coincidence. It’s cause and effect. 

a map of the united states

The national average of 1.7% price growth is accurate, but it’s an average of two very different stories happening at the same time – the few areas experiencing mild declines and the overwhelming majority that are still seeing prices rise.

What This Means If You’re Buying or Selling 

If you’re a buyer, the market you’re shopping in matters a lot right now. In places like Texas, Colorado, or Florida, you may have real negotiating power – more choices, less competition, and sellers who are more motivated to make a deal. In tighter markets like much of the Northeast, you’re still likely facing a lot of competition.

If you’re a seller, pricing strategy is everything. In markets where inventory has risen, overpricing is one of the fastest ways to linger on the market and eventually sell for less than you would have with the right price from day one. In markets where inventory is still low, you’re in a strong spot, but getting your price right still matters if you want to attract serious buyers quickly. Either way, that’s where a local real estate agent earns their keep.

Bottom Line

When it comes to prices, where you are matters more than ever right now, and a local real estate agent is the best person to help you make sense of it.

Reach out to a local real estate agent today and work together to build a plan that fits your market.

Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s How To Turn It Around.

Agent Value, Expired/Withdrawn/Canceled, For Sellers, Real Estate, Selling Tips, , , , ,

Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s How To Turn It Around. Simplifying The Market

When your house doesn’t sell, it’s not just disappointing. It messes with your timing. Your plans. Your confidence. You start second-guessing everything, including the decision to move in the first place. And that raises 2 big questions: 

Do you try again?

Is that even worth it?

Here’s the secret to getting a better outcome the second time around.

Different Agent. Different Results.

Most sellers who re-list and ultimately sell don’t wait for market to magically change. They change their approach. And there’s data to back that up.

Research from REDX shows homeowners who put their house back on the market with a different agent are more likely to sell than homeowners who re-used the same agent. Not to mention, they see their homes sell faster (see graph below): 

a screenshot of a graph

That’s the power of a fresh set of eyes. Because in a moment like this, the worst thing you can do is rerun the same set of plays and expect a different outcome. A different agent can bring a new perspective on where things went off track – and a lot of the time, one of these things happened.

1. The Asking Price Didn’t Match Buyer Reality

There’s a saying that’s especially important in today’s market, and it’s: “if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.” Maybe that’s what happened with your house.

With mortgage rates where they are and inflation driving up the cost of everyday purchases, buyers have less room to stretch. If they feel like your house is priced even a little high, it’s going to get skipped over. And if no one looks at it, it’s not going to sell.

The Fix: Price to draw buyers in, not push them away. Have an agent pull fresh data from recent sales so your asking price matches what buyers are actually paying right now. 

2. The First Impression Didn’t Win the Click 

Most buyers decide whether they want to tour a home in seconds. If the photos look dark, or dated, they scroll right past. And while you may think: “If they just saw it in person, they’d get it,” you may not get that chance.

And honestly, even in person, small things can quietly kill momentum – worn down paint, outdated fixtures, clutter, or a yard that feels high-maintenance. Individually, they’re small. Stacked together, they create doubt.

The Fix: Walk the house like you’re a buyer, not the owner. Start with what’s easy and obvious – paint, lighting, curb appeal, decluttering. Then update the photos so they match the best version of your house.

3. The Marketing Was Too “Set It and Forget It”

Today, the number of homes for sale has grown in many areas. Buyers have more options, which means your house needs a plan to stand out. A generic description and a basic upload to the MLS can blend in fast.

The Fix: Find an agent who can build stronger exposure through digital marketing and social platforms, plus content that makes buyers stop – strong photos, a smart description, a video walk-through, and a plan for open houses and follow-up.

4. There Was No Clear Plan for Feedback

Sometimes the house gets showings, but no offers. If that was your experience, it actually tells you something important. Buyers liked it enough online to come see it. So, something else was holding them back.

Those buyers were sending a message. It just wasn’t translated into action. 

The Fix: Make sure your agent has a clear plan for seeking out and acting on feedback quickly. That dialogue often points to the one change that would get a house sold.

5. The Deal Couldn’t Get Over the Finish Line 

Even when a house is priced well and marketed right, deals fall apart when there’s no plan for the human side of the transaction.

Buyers today are more likely to ask for repairs, credits, or help with closing costs than a few years ago. In this type of market, being unwilling to negotiate can cost you more than a reasonable concession ever would.

The Fix: Decide ahead of time what matters most to you and where you can be flexible. Keep the dialogue open and lean on your agent for advice.

Bottom Line

If your house didn’t sell the first time, you’re not stuck. You just need a different strategy, and maybe a different partner.

When you’re ready for a fresh set of eyes on what happened and what to change first, connect with a local agent.

Is It Still a Seller’s Market? Here’s What the Data Says.

Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, For Sellers, Real Estate, Selling Tips, , , , ,

Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says. Simplifying The Market

Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.

While it’s going to vary by area, more metros are slowly shifting to favor buyers, and the market is starting to look a lot more like a two-way street again.

And that balance is something we haven’t had in a while.

Whether you’re buying or selling, here’s what you need to know about what’s changing and what it means for your move.

The Most Buyer-Friendly Market in Years

The national data tells an interesting story right now. According to Realtor.com:

“The national housing market is balanced but gradually loosening as the cycle moves in a more buyer-friendly direction . . .“

That’s because, over the past few years, more and more metros have been flipping back to more buyer-friendly terms as inventory’s grown. And when you zoom in on the latest Realtor.com data for the top 50 metro markets over time, the trend becomes really clear (see graph below).

Back in 2021, almost all major metros were seller’s markets. By the end of 2025, only 1 in 3 still favored sellers. That’s an obvious shift.

a graph of sales

And that changes how the market is going to feel for everyone. Sellers shouldn’t still expect 2021 conditions, but neither should buyers. At least, not generally speaking.

It’s Not the Same Story Everywhere

That said, who has the power ultimately depends on where you live. While more metros are leaning buyer-friendly lately, there are still plenty of strong seller’s markets right now, too.

It really comes down to how much housing supply and demand there is in your area. And that varies enormously by region.

Sun Belt cities like Austin, Tampa, and San Antonio saw major building booms in recent years, giving buyers more options and more negotiating room. Meanwhile, cities in the Northeast and Midwest – think Rochester, Hartford, and Buffalo – didn’t see that same wave, so inventory stayed tight and competition stayed fierce. As Jeff Ostrowski, Housing Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“The formerly hot Sun Belt markets have cooled, while the Northeast and Midwest have stayed hot. The big driver here is construction activity. The softest markets now [have] experienced big booms that spurred new building, and that has led to a large supply of new and existing homes on the market in those places.”

Practical Advice for Your Move

To find out who has the power in your local market, talk to an agent. Because knowing what’s happening locally is going to be the key to setting the right strategy for your move.

If the market is working in your favor, great. Lean in and use it to your benefit. But if it’s not, all hope isn’t lost. Your agent can help you figure out how to approach any market.

Here’s some practical advice if there’s a mismatch between your goal and local market conditions.

If you’re buying in a seller’s market:

  • Get pre-approved before you start shopping. It shows sellers you’re serious.

  • Be ready to act fast when the right home hits the market.

  • Consider offering a quick closing date or flexible terms.

  • Work closely with your agent to craft a competitive offer.

If you’re selling in a buyer’s market:

  • Price it right from day one. Overpricing will cost you time and money.

  • Focus on curb appeal and staging to stand out in areas with more inventory.

  • Be open to offering incentives, like covering closing costs or a home warranty.

  • Expect buyers to negotiate and be ready to be flexible.

Bottom Line

Right now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect your market.

Want to know which way your local market is leaning and what that means for your move? Talk to a local real estate agent.