Is It Still a Seller’s Market? What the Real Estate Data Says Right Now

By: Realtor Mike Mahoney (Michael Mahoney) • 617-615-9435 • Mike@Mmahoney.com

The Big Picture

Remember a few years back when sellers held all the leverage? Buyers were routinely forcing themselves to offer way over asking price or completely waive home inspections just to compete. In many markets, those days are officially behind us.

While conditions vary significantly by zip code, more metropolitan areas are slowly shifting to favor buyers. The housing market is finally transforming back into a two-way street — a healthy balance we haven’t experienced in a very long time. ⚖️

Why It Matters

The national housing market is balanced but gradually loosening as the cycle moves in a more buyer-friendly direction. National data from Realtor.com highlights a massive trend over time across the top 50 metro markets:

• 2021 Peak: Almost all major metros heavily favored sellers.
• Recent Shift: By the end of 2025, only 1 in 3 metros still favored sellers.

This macro change completely alters how the market feels for everyone. Sellers can no longer expect frantic 2021 bidding wars, yet buyers shouldn’t expect total control either.

The Regional Divide

Real estate is highly hyper-local. Who holds the ultimate power depends entirely on local housing supply and demand, which varies enormously by region:

• The Sun Belt: Cities like Austin, Tampa, and San Antonio experienced massive construction booms. This influx of new and existing inventory gives buyers more options and significantly more negotiating room.
• The Northeast & Midwest: Cities like Rochester, Hartford, and Buffalo did not see that same building wave. Consequently, inventory remains tight and buyer competition stays 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 Tactical Playbook

Navigating this split market requires a targeted strategy built around your specific local conditions.

If you are buying in a seller’s market:

• Get pre-approved for your mortgage before shopping to prove you are a serious buyer.
• Be prepared to act fast the moment the right home hits the market.
• Consider offering a quick closing date or highly flexible terms to appeal to the seller.
• Work hand-in-hand with your agent to craft a highly competitive offer.

If you are selling in a buyer’s market:

• Price it right from day one. Overpricing will cost you both time and money.
• Maximize your curb appeal and professional staging to stand out against competing inventory.
• Be completely open to offering buyer incentives, such as covering closing costs or providing a home warranty.
• Expect buyers to negotiate and be ready to stay flexible.

The Bottom Line

Local real estate markets are moving in entirely different directions. Your strategy must directly reflect our local inventory trends. Let’s connect to look at the exact data for our neighborhood so you can make your next move with complete confidence. 📊