![Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says. 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 YearsThe 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. 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 EverywhereThat 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 MoveTo 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 LineRight now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect your market. Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.](https://alstonhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/6-18-26-218x150.png "Is It Still a Seller’s Market? Here’s What the Data Says.")
Cleaning is tough, but it’s something we need to do consistently to take care of our humble abode. Not to mention it’s a crucial task to keep our family and home safe in this pandemic age.
But since it’s a tedious job, we’re often guilty of cutting corners to do it “faster” and easier. This could result in developing bad habits that are actually hindering our ability to get the job done more efficiently, and sometimes could even cause harm to our family and our home.
It’s time to figure out if you’re guilty of these bad cleaning habits, and then drop them out for good, one at a time. This way, cleaning won’t be a tougher job than it was supposed to be, and you’ll be left with a cleaner and healthier home.
One thing to remember when cleaning your home is to always dust first and work from the top of the shelves, then down and around. This way, dust that doesn’t get trapped in your cloth or duster will land on the floor to be swept or vacuumed away.
This seems like a huge irony, but it’s something that we’re often guilty about. How can you expect to get clean results when you are using dirty cleaning tools? Using a dirty duster will just push around dust all over the place. By wiping your countertop or stovetop with an already soiled cloth or a dirty sponge, you are just risking cross-contamination between surfaces. If your vacuum bag is full of dust or its filter hasn’t been changed, it just won’t do its job of sucking up dirt any more.
Using dirty cleaning tools isn’t only ineffective, but it’s also the culprit in spreading further germs and bacteria. So take the time to thoroughly clean your tools after every use by using hot water and disinfectant so they are ready for your next cleaning job. You can also check if you already need to replace them. For vacuums, washing machines, dishwashers, and other cleaning appliances, read the manual first and follow instructions on how to properly clean them.
But “more” is better, right? Using a lot of cleaner will work better and faster, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Any residue that was not rinsed away completely will just become a dust and dirt magnet. Using too much laundry detergent, for example, will just make you wash the clothes again to remove the excess detergent.
Over-applying any cleaning product is simply just a waste of water, time, and money. This is why it’s important to read the label (more on this later) and use only the recommended amount of cleaner for the job.
Just like how using too much cleaner is a common mistake, using a harsh cleaner to do the job can also be a bad habit that can do more harm than good. Household staples, such as chlorine bleach, may be a good disinfectant but is too harsh and can cause more damage than just removing dirt and grime. It can be hazardous to your family and pets, and could even strip away your home’s surfaces, furnishings and finishes.
Take extra care when deciding what cleaner to use and if it is appropriate for the job. Most cleaning tasks require nothing more than gentle and natural cleaners that are also safe and environment-friendly. If you can’t skip the bleach, remember that a little amount goes a long way.
It will just take at least 30 seconds to a few minutes, so why skip it? Not reading the label on the cleaning products before using them is a surefire way to make a cleaning fail. You’ll save time and effort (and extra minutes of scrubbing) when you follow the directions on the product, especially if it needs to “sit” for a period of time to do its magic.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on proper usage, how much you need, what surfaces it works on best, and even storage tips. If it says to only use a capful of detergent for a load of clothes, or just a few drops to a cup of water, follow just that and don’t use double or triple thinking that you will maximize its effectiveness. It’s in the manufacturer’s best interest to ensure the product works for you, so make sure you heed their advice.
