![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.")
Want to know how to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market? Here’s the secret. Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while.
Because when a listing lingers, sellers tend to get more realistic – and, more willing to negotiate. And that’s where the savviest buyers are finding homes other buyers overlook.
The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Cut This Year
According to Realtor.com, about 1 in every 5 listings (20.2%) have dropped their asking price at least once. And while so many things in today’s housing market vary by region, that number is consistent throughout the country. That tells you one thing…
No matter where you live, there’s a chance to score a better deal. You just need to know where to look. And that’s where your agent comes in.
The Tactic: Target Homes That Have Been Sitting the Longest
Your agent can help you identify which homes have been on the market the longest. Those are the ones where you’re more likely to get a discount. That’s because the seller may be getting frustrated their house hasn’t sold yet, so they’re more willing to play ball.
And since a lot of buyers steer clear of homes that aren’t selling, you may be the only offer they get. So, you can lean in and push for a better deal. As Realtor.com explains:
“Less competition means fewer bidding wars and more power to negotiate the extras that add up: closing cost credits, home warranties, even repair concessions . . . these concessions can end up knocking thousands of dollars off the price of a home.”
And they’re not the only ones calling out the opportunity you have right now. Bankrate also says:
“During the quieter fall and winter months, when fewer prospective buyers are shopping, home sellers may be more willing to lower their prices, or offer concessions, to attract those prospective buyers who are still looking.”
And the proof is in the data. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a clear pattern: the longer a home stays on the market, the lower it tends to sell for compared to the original asking price.
So, if you’re serious about getting as much as you can for your money, focusing on these listings could be your best strategy yet.
Even a Small Discount Can Go a Long Way
And while paying 94% of the original asking price may not sound like much of a deal, the savings add up. That’s roughly $24,000 in savings on the median priced home (see chart below):
Zillow sums it up best:
“If you’re a buyer who is hoping to strike a deal, look for homes that have been on the market for a while and that may already have lowered prices to entice buyers. You may find a motivated seller who is more willing to negotiate.”
Bottom Line
If you want to find the best deal possible on a home right now, start by looking where others aren’t.
With 1 in 5 sellers cutting prices and many growing more flexible by the week, the homes that have been sitting a little longer could be your best opportunity to save.
Let’s talk about where to find them in our area.
