1. Inventory is finally climbing—fast
After years of “blink-and-it’s-gone” listings, the supply crunch is easing. Active listings in early June were 29.5 % higher than the same week in 2024, according to Realtor.com’s latest market monitor. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports 1.54 million existing homes on the market—about 4.6 months of supply, up 6.2 % month-over-month.
What it means: More choices and a little breathing room. Homes are sticking around longer, so rushing to outbid ten other buyers is no longer the default.
2. A market of micro-climates
National numbers paint only part of the picture. In some metros—think Phoenix, Austin, Tampa, Denver, and Jacksonville—inventory is exploding and roughly one-third of sellers have already cut prices. nypost.com Meanwhile, other pockets (Silicon Valley, parts of the Northeast) still log quick sales and over-ask offers, though bidding wars have cooled. sfchronicle.com
Takeaway: Your strategy should hinge on hyper-local data, not national headlines. Partner with an agent who tracks days-on-market and price-cut percentages in your target ZIP codes.
3. Why sellers are stepping off the sidelines
Two big forces are nudging homeowners to list now:
-
Life can’t wait. Job changes, growing families, and retirement timelines haven’t paused just because rates are high.
-
Rate-drop anticipation. Some owners want to beat the wave of competition they expect once borrowing costs ease.
Yet sellers aren’t invincible. MarketWatch notes that 26% of listings nationally already include a price reduction, and homes linger for an average of 27 days—double the pace of 2022. Competitive pricing and solid presentation matter more than ever.
4. Five moves smart buyers should make now
| Move |
Why it matters |
| |
|
| Shop widely. |
With nearly 30 % more homes on the shelf, you can compare floor plans, schools, and commute times instead of pouncing on the first listing. |
| |
|
| Lean on local intel. |
An agent who knows neighborhood quirks can spot motivated sellers and hidden gems before they hit big portals. |
| |
|
| Talk financing early. |
Ask your lender about temporary rate buydowns, down-payment assistance, or HELOC-secured bridge options. |
| |
|
| Look for incentives. |
Sellers facing longer timelines may cover closing costs or offer repair credits. |
| |
|
| Stay decisive. |
Inventory is up, not infinite. Know your budget so you can act quickly on the right house. |
5. Advice for today’s sellers
-
Price to the market you’re in—buyers now compare more options and balk at aspirational pricing.
-
Make your home stand out: pre-list inspections and repairs, professional photos, and strong online marketing are important.
-
Offer flexibility—closing-cost help or an interest-rate buydown can widen your buyer pool without a massive price cut.
6. The bottom line
Rising inventory is tilting the field toward balance—neither a frantic seller’s market nor a full buyer’s paradise. Buyers gain negotiating power; sellers still win when they price smart and present well. Stay informed, stay flexible, and collaborate with professionals who track the data week by week. The opportunities are out there; the prepared will seize them.
Sources: Realtor.com Weekly Housing Trends Report, week ending June 14 2025; National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales Release, May 2025; MarketWatch “Home sales remain sluggish as some ‘stubborn sellers’ refuse to give in on price,” June 24 2025.
