Navigating the Market: Tips for Today’s Homeowners
Here’s an important update: the housing market is returning to a more balanced and sustainable state. While it might not sound exciting at first, this shift is actually a positive development.
What we’re seeing now is typical—it just feels unusual after several years of a highly competitive seller’s market.
What’s important to keep in mind is that there’s still plenty of opportunity for sellers—whether you're planning to list soon or sometime next year. The key is staying informed and having a strategy tailored to today’s market conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Inventory Is Rising, and Buyers Are Regaining Leverage
Recent data shows that housing inventory is steadily returning to more typical levels (see graph below):
That said, how much inventory is increasing really depends on where you are.
In markets where inventory has returned to more typical levels, buyers may have more leverage than you might anticipate. That doesn’t mean they hold all the power—it simply means they have more options, so your home needs to stand out.
However, if you’re in an area with limited inventory, you could experience strong buyer demand and increased competition for your home.
Wherever you’re located, it’s essential to partner with a knowledgeable Benson & Mangold professional who can tailor your strategy to fit your local market conditions.
2. The Right Price Is Key in Today’s Market
With a greater selection of homes available, today’s buyers don’t hesitate to pass over those that seem overpriced. That’s why pricing your home correctly is the key to selling fast and maximizing your return. Realtor.com emphasizes this point strongly:
“ . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home should have little problem finding a buyer."
If the price isn’t right, you might need to adjust it later. Currently, around 1 in 5 sellers (19.1%) are lowering their asking price to attract buyers (see map below):
Here’s how to prevent having to lower your asking price. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, advises:
“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.”
The most reliable source for this information is your local agent. They have the expertise to set a price that sells, regardless of market conditions. After all, if your price isn’t attractive, your home won’t sell.
3. Flexibility Drives Successful Negotiations
The days when buyers waived inspections and appraisals to secure a deal are over. With more homes available, buyers now have the leverage to request repairs, credits, and assistance with closing costs. According to Redfin data, nearly 44.4% of sellers are open to negotiation (see graph below):
The takeaway? This market isn’t unfavorable—it's simply different. It’s more aligned with typical market conditions seen in years like 2019. The smartest sellers are those who seize every opportunity to collaborate with buyers and make their homes stand out.
Think of concessions as strategic tools rather than losses—they can help bridge gaps, sweeten deals, and close the sale. And don’t worry: with home prices having risen about 55% over the past five years, there’s ample room to make a concession or two and still come out ahead.
Make sure to collaborate with your agent to identify which concessions might be crucial to closing the deal.
What It Comes Down To
Sellers who will thrive in the coming weeks and months are those who recognize this market shift and approach it with the right expectations and strategy.
Talk with an agent about what’s currently thriving in our local market and how we can use those opportunities to your advantage when you’re ready to make a move.
