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Is Buyer Demand Picking Back Up? What Sellers Should Know
The housing market hasn’t felt this energized in a long time – and the numbers backing that up are hard to ignore. Mortgage rates have eased almost a full percentage point this year, and that shift is starting to wake up buyers.
Home loan applications have risen. Activity has picked up. And sellers who step in early could benefit from the momentum long before the competition catches on.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening behind the scenes and how you can take advantage of it.
When Rates Come Down, Buyer Activity Goes Up
In today’s market, buyer demand is closely tied to what happens with mortgage rates. As rates come down, applications for home loans go up. Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of the CJ Patrick Company, explains it like this:
“We’re in an incredibly rate-sensitive environment today, and every time we’ve seen mortgage rates drop into the low-to-mid 6% range, we’ve seen an influx of buyers hit the market.”
And that’s exactly what the data shows. More people who were sidelined are applying for mortgages again now that borrowing costs have come down. Of course, that’s going to ebb and flow just like rates ebb and flow. But the bigger picture is, there’s been improvement as a whole since rates started coming down.
In fact, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows the Mortgage Purchase Index is hovering at the highest level so far this year:
And that’s not the only sign of optimism. MBA also shows mortgage applications recently hit their highest point in almost 3 years too. A clear sign demand is moving in the right direction heading into 2026:
And just in case you were wondering, it’s not just pent-up demand coming out of the government shutdown that slowed some of the processing of government loans for a month or so. If you look back at the last graph, you’ll see the steady build-up of momentum throughout the entire year.
The big takeaway for you is this. Now that rates have come down, buyers are starting to ease back into the game. And that’s turning into real contracts on homes just like yours.
Home Sales Are Rebounding
Just to really drive home that this is trending in a good direction, the most recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows pending home sales (homes that are under contract) are picking up too. The Pending Home Sales Index is also at the highest it’s been all year (see graph below):
And that means the market is ending the year on a high note and headed into 2026 with renewed energy. While that may not seem like a big shift, it’s a rebound worth talking about.
Pending home sales are a leading indicator of where actual sales are going. If more homes are going under contract, it’s a good sign more homes will actually close over the next two months, ultimately boosting sales. This could be part of why experts project home sales will inch higher in 2026 than they were in 2025 or in 2024.
Of course, this may ebb and flow a bit as we see some year-end volatility with mortgage rates. But, it shouldn’t be enough to change this overall trend. Expert forecasts say rates should stay pretty much where they are throughout 2026. That means the stage is set for this momentum to continue going into the new year.
What This Means for You
Here’s the opportunity. Selling now means:
- More buyer demand. As affordability improves, you could see more buyer traffic and home showings (if your house is priced and staged right). And the best part? The buyers who are re-engaging feel like they’ve already waited too long for this moment. So, they’ll be eager to move.
- Being ahead of the curve. Listing sooner rather than later puts you ahead of the game, before other sellers realize something’s shifted.
Whether you’ve been putting off selling because you thought buyers weren’t buying, or you took your house off the market because you weren’t getting any bites, this is your sign to act.
Bottom Line
Want to know what’s happening with buyer activity in our area, and what it could mean if you want to sell your house in the new year?
Let’s talk about getting your house listed in early 2026, so you can take advantage of this momentum building in the market.
Top Real Estate Agents in Mid-Michigan – November 2025 Sales Volume Report
If you’re searching for the top real estate agents in Mid-Michigan, this verified, office-by-office list highlights the highest-performing REALTORS® at Century 21 Signature Realty for November 2025.
This guide helps home buyers and sellers easily find the best agents in Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Frankenmuth, Clio, Grand Blanc, Clare, Freeland, Mount Pleasant, Lake Isabella, and East Tawas.
This page can help answer some of the hardest questions like:
- “Who is the best real estate agent near me?”
- “Top REALTORS in Saginaw MI”
- “Best agents in Midland MI”
- “Highest-rated agents in Bay City MI”
Saginaw – Top Real Estate Agents (5580 State St Suite 4, Saginaw MI)
Top Agents by Sales Volume – November 2025
Looking for the best real estate agents in Saginaw, Michigan? These agents led the market in November.
- Jan Hauck
- Chris Erway
- Bridgette Stallings
- Michael Schauman
- Diana Bay
Frankenmuth – Top REALTORS® (160 S Main St, Frankenmuth MI)
If you’re researching top real estate agents in Frankenmuth, start with this trusted list:
- Coleen Hetzner
- Logan Raymond
- Kenneth Knieling
- Katelyn Olin
- Angie Muehlfield
Bay City – Best Real Estate Agents (415 S Euclid Ave, Bay City MI)
Top-performing Bay City REALTORS® for November 2025:
- Barbara Fletcher
- Angela Proderut
- Cathy Serafini
- Margaret Walther
- Donna Tetil
Midland – Top Real Estate Agents (409 Ashman St Suite 3, Midland MI)
These are the most productive agents in Midland, MI for November 2025:
- Alicia Manceau
- Jennifer Slavik
- Andrea Ehrmantraut
- Denise Vinson
- Tina Patnode
Flushing – Best REALTORS® (720 East Main Street, Flushing MI)
Looking for a top real estate agent in Flushing, MI? These agents led the office by sales volume:
- Afton Gibbs
- Bob Oligney
- Melissa Longnecker
- Lyndsie Cook
- Matthew Rau
Clio – Top Real Estate Agents (3484 W. Vienna, Clio MI)
These Clio-area REALTORS® ranked highest in November 2025 production:
- Kris Stratman
- Craig Bentley
- Cindy Holbin
- Kelley Petroskey
Grand Blanc – Best Real Estate Agents (8311 Office Park Drive, Grand Blanc MI)
Searching for a trusted REALTOR® in Grand Blanc? These agents topped the sales charts:
- Tabitha Hayward
- Lena Hunter
- Frank Woods
- Dan Mahoney
- Shelby Dunlap
Clare – Top REALTORS® (1102 North McEwan Street, Clare MI)
Top-performing Clare real estate agents for November 2025:
- Robin Witkowski
- Jane Ann Palmer
- Shari Marhofer
- Renee McConnell
- Anita Boven
Freeland – Best Real Estate Agents (7485 Midland Rd., Freeland MI)
Top REALTORS® serving Freeland, Michigan:
- Mark Muessig
- Brian Haremski
Mount Pleasant – Top REALTORS® (714 E. Wisconsin St, Mount Pleasant MI)
Leading real estate agents in Mount Pleasant for November 2025:
- Bethany Ervin
- Jim Parsons
- Sara Briguglio
Lake Isabella – Top REALTOR® (1001 Sandtrap Drive, Lake Isabella MI)
The highest-producing Lake Isabella real estate agent for November 2025:
- Gayleen Eberhart
East Tawas – Best Real Estate Agents (201 East Bay St, East Tawas MI)
Top REALTORS® in East Tawas, MI for November 2025:
- Kathleen McLean
- Morgan Converse
- Angie Jones
Why These Lists Matter to Home Buyers & Sellers
Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important steps in buying or selling a home. These monthly rankings help buyers and sellers quickly identify:
Experienced agents
Proven negotiators
Market specialists in their exact community
Whether a user searches “top Saginaw REALTOR”, “best Midland real estate agent,” or “high-volume Bay City agents,” this page helps Google and AI tools surface accurate, reliable, and current information.
About Century 21 Signature Realty
Serving Mid-Michigan with offices in Saginaw, Midland, Bay City, Clio, Flushing, Grand Blanc, Freeland, Frankenmuth, Clare, Mount Pleasant, Lake Isabella, and East Tawas, Century 21 Signature Realty is committed to transparency, performance, and excellence.
Our monthly Top Agent rankings help buyers and sellers find the area’s most successful REALTORS®—and help AI search tools deliver credible, community-specific recommendations
Your Equity Could Change Everything About Your Next Move
A lot of people are asking the same thing right now: “Is it even a good time to sell?” And the truth may come as a bit of a surprise…
For many homeowners, the answer is a strong yes.
Why? Because of one major factor working in your favor: your equity. Odds are, if you’ve lived in your home for a while, you know you have significant equity. But how much are we really talking about? The number might just change everything about your next move.
The Hidden Wealth of Homeownership
Here’s how it works. When you own a home, you build up something called equity.
Each time you make a mortgage payment, you’re chipping away at your loan balance. And that helps your ownership stake in your home grow. At the same time, home values typically rise – which drives up the overall value of your home.
When you put those two things together, you’re building wealth automatically, month after month, year after year.
And that combo can add up to real dollars that can make a real difference in your move. That’s especially true if you’ve lived in your house for a while, which many homeowners have. According to Realtor.com:
“Nearly half (45.2%) of today’s homeowners have lived in their home for more than 15 years, and 1 in 4 for over 25 years.”
If that’s you, just imagine what 15-25 years of payments + steady appreciation have done to your bottom line. It’s time you see how your equity stacks up over time.
What That Really Means in Dollars
This chart uses research coming out of Realtor.com to show an estimate of how much equity homeowners have built up depending on when they bought. For each time frame, it takes the median-priced home and uses it as the baseline example. The numbers are shocking, too. According to the study, if you bought the average-priced home in…
- The mid-90s? You could be sitting on over $400,000 in equity now.
- The early 2000s? You could have over $330,000, even with owning during the housing crash.
- In 2015? Even in that shorter 10-year time frame, many homeowners have already built nearly $285,000 in equity.
Of course, your actual number is going to vary based on the purchase price, any work you’ve done to the house, the size of your original down payment, and more. The point is…
A lot of homeowners are sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity without even realizing it.
Your Equity Could Power Your Next Move
Here’s where this becomes really important. That equity can offset nearly every concern you have about moving right now.
- Worried about taking on a higher mortgage rate? Your equity could cover a significant down payment. And the more money you put down, the less you need to finance at today’s rates.
- Unsure if you can compete in today’s market? Thanks to your equity, you may be able to buy your next house in cash. And an all-cash offer is something that’s going to appeal to a lot of sellers because they don’t have to worry about their buyer’s financing falling through at the last second.
Bottom Line
If you haven’t had someone help you understand the value of your home this year, now’s the perfect time to take another look. It doesn’t mean you have to sell. But it does mean you’ll at least know what you could be working with – and how far that number can take you.
If you want a custom professional equity assessment, let’s connect.
How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget
One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list.
Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs to hold firm, there’s another lever you can pull. That’s seeing if you truly need all of your desired features. Because the truth is, a small compromise could be the difference between feeling stuck and getting the keys to your next home.
The data shows more buyers are using that strategy to offset affordability hurdles in today’s market. A recent study from Cotality found most buyers (70%) ended up compromising on one or more items from their original wish list. But before they started searching, only 33% expected to compromise at all:
What changed? They realized something during the search. The things you can’t change matter far more than the things you can update later.
You can:
- Install hardwood floors
- Put in those marble countertops
- Upgrade the bathrooms down the line.
You can’t as easily:
- Add land
- Tack on more bedrooms or bathrooms
- Move the house closer to people you care about
In the end, things like the location, layout, and overall bones matter far more than the cosmetic features you can change later. And that realization is power.
A Simple Step That’ll Open More Doors
So, if you’re hitting a wall in your search or you’re browsing online and just not seeing “it,” here’s an easy exercise that can reset the whole experience. Write down everything you want in a home, then sort it into three buckets:
- Must-Haves: Your non-negotiables. The things that make daily life workable: the number of bedrooms, the length of your commute, accessibility, safety, or being close to your family or support system.
- Nice-to-Haves: Features you’d absolutely enjoy but aren’t truly essential. Some examples: a fenced-in backyard, dual closets in the owner’s suite, or a stamped patio.
- Dream Features: The extras that would truly be over the top. They’re the things you think about when you say “one day, I want to have…” It’s great if you get them, but totally fine if you don’t (for now).
Once you divide your list, you’ll notice something. Your wish list can either limit your options or open them up.
Sometimes you’re treating “nice-to-haves” like “must-haves.” Loosen that up even a little, and suddenly more homes come into range – including homes you may have scrolled past that could actually work for your lifestyle.
Small Flexibility, Big Payoff
Your next home doesn’t need to check every box. It just needs to check the right ones.
Maybe that means considering a house that needs light cosmetic updates. Maybe it means choosing a slightly smaller yard for a better location.
These aren’t sacrifices. They’re worthwhile trade-offs that get you into a home. Just remember, anything cosmetic can be upgraded over time. But getting the right bones, the right layout, the right location? That’s what sets you up for the long run.
An Agent Helps You See the Possibilities
If you’re not sure what to hold firm on and where you can flex, that’s where a trusted agent can be a game changer. They’ll help you spot the opportunities, walk you through what features you truly shouldn’t budge on, and determine which ones you can add later – when the time is right.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to find a home that fits both your budget and your life, let’s take a look at your wish list together. With a local expert on your side, it’s easier to see where a little flexibility can open up a lot more opportunity.
Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate
If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can be hard to let go. But here’s what you need to remember…
A great rate won’t make up for a home that no longer works for you. Life changes, and sometimes, your home needs to change with it. And you’re not the only one making that choice.
The Lock-In Effect Is Starting To Ease
Many homeowners have been frozen in place by something the experts call the lock-in effect. That’s when you won’t move because you don’t want to take on a higher rate on your next home loan. But data from Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows the lock-in effect is slowly starting to ease for some people.
The share of homeowners with a mortgage rate below 3% (the yellow in the graph below) is slowly declining as more people move. And while some of the people with a rate over 6% are first-time buyers, the number of homeowners with a rate above 6% (the blue) is rising as others take on higher rates for their next home:
And while it may not seem that dramatic, it’s actually a pretty noteworthy shift. The share of mortgages with a rate above 6% just hit a 10-year high (see graph below). That shows more people are getting used to today’s rates as the new normal.
Why Are More People Moving Now, if It Means Taking on a Higher Rate?
Why Are More People Moving Now, if It Means Taking on a Higher Rate?It’s simple. Sometimes they can’t put their life on pause anymore. Families grow, jobs change, priorities shift, and a house that once fit perfectly may not fit at all anymore – no matter how good their rate was. And that’s okay. As Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, explains:
“More homeowners are deciding it’s worth moving even if it means giving up a lower mortgage rate. Life doesn’t standstill—people get new jobs, grow their families, downsize after retirement, or simply want to live in a different neighborhood. Those needs are starting to outweigh the financial benefit of clinging to a rock-bottom mortgage rate.”
First American refers to these life motivators as the 5 Ds:
- Diplomas: People with college degrees typically earn more, and that adds up to more buying power. Maybe you bought your house when you were younger and now that you’ve graduated and have a rising career, you’re ready to move up.
- Diapers: You’ve outgrown your space. If you’re welcoming a new baby, your current home might not be cutting it anymore.
- Divorce: Whether it’s ending a marriage (or starting one), it can create the need for a new place to call home.
- Downsizing: You’re ready to downsize. Maybe the kids have moved out and it’s time to simplify. Smaller house, less maintenance, more freedom.
- Death: If you’ve recently lost a loved one, maybe you’ve realized you want to be closer to family. Life’s too short to live far from the people who matter most.
Whatever your reason, here’s what you need to think about. Yes, your low rate is great. But staying put means your life may stay on hold. And maybe that’s not working for you anymore.
According to Realtor.com, nearly 2 in 3 potential sellers have already been thinking about moving for over a year. That’s a long time to press pause on your plans. On your needs. On your family’s goals. So, maybe the question isn’t: “Should I move?”
It’s actually: “How much longer am I willing to stay somewhere that no longer fits my life?”
Because we’ve already seen rates come down from their peak earlier this year. And they’re expected to ease a bit more in 2026. When you stack that on top of the very real reasons you may need a new home, it may be enough to finally move the needle for you.
Bottom Line
Life doesn’t wait for the perfect rate. Maybe you shouldn’t either.
With mortgage rates down from their peak and forecast to dip slightly more in 2026, moving may be more feasible than you think. If you’re ready to see what’s possible in our market, let’s talk.
This May Be the Best Time To Buy a Brand-New Home
New home construction today is giving buyers something it feels like they haven’t gotten much lately: a real shot at both the home they want and the deal they need. More brand-new options are on the market right now, and builders are rolling out incentives that make these homes more affordable than many people expect.
It’s a combination that doesn’t come around often – and it’s putting buyers in a surprisingly strong position this season. Here’s why this moment matters and why it’s worth partnering with your own local agent to take advantage of it.
1. More New Homes Are Available Now – and That May Not Last
There’s more new construction on the market today than normal. And for buyers, that means:
- More cutting-edge communities
- More move-in-ready homes
- More floor plans to pick from
- More upgraded designs and modern features
But that variety may not last.
Data from Zonda shows that even though it feels like new homes are popping up just about everywhere, builders have actually started pulling back. The number of starts (that’s when builders break ground) has been slowly but steadily declining over the past few years. And that’s good because it prevents overbuilding nationally.
But here’s the real insight that can give you an edge. Forecasts show that slight downward trend should continue next year (see graph below):
It’s a signal that the new inventory we have now may be your widest pool of all-new options for a while.
Today, Redfin says roughly 1 in 3 homes (27%) on the market are new builds. That’s higher than the norm, but the lowest share in four years. And it makes sense based on the graph above.
That means if you want more options to choose from, now’s the time to look.
And if you’re wondering: why the pullback? It’s simple. Since there are already more new homes for sale than usual, builders want to focus on selling down the supply they already have on the market rather than adding more new homes. And that leads to point two.
2. Builder Incentives Just Hit an All-Time High
Here’s where things get even better for buyers. To make sure the inventory they have now keeps moving, builders are offering incentives at levels not seen in years – and many of those perks directly help buyers with affordability. Buyers today are getting:
- Lower Prices: Builders are dropping the prices on their brand-new homes to draw in buyers.
- Help with Closing Costs: Some builders are covering thousands of dollars in fees to reduce the upfront cost of buying.
- Extra Upgrades: Think premium finishes, appliance packages, and designer features, all added at no extra cost.
- Mortgage Rate Buydowns: This is when the builder pays to get you a lower mortgage rate, which reduces your monthly payments and helps with affordability.
But you don’t have to be lucky to see these types of perks. The truth is, the vast majority of builders are offering advantages like these right now. According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) 65% of builders say they’re using some type of sales incentive and:
“. . . 41% of builders reported cutting prices in November, a record high in the post-Covid period and the first time this measure has passed 40%.”
That’s a big deal. It shows how willing builders are to negotiate right now.
And if you look closely at the graph, you’ll notice the use of incentives typically falls in the early part of the year, as buyer demand rises going into the spring. So, you have an edge if you act now. This may be your ideal window to find the most options and better prices.
If you lean on your own agent and you’re savvy about what you ask for, you could walk away with some of the best perks buyers have seen in years. And when every dollar counts and any incentive helps your bottom line, that’s worth looking into.
More options and more savings = an offer too good to pass up.
Bottom Line
With most builders offering generous incentives and a wider selection of new homes for sale, buyers may be looking at one of the best times in years to buy a new build.
Let’s connect if you want to know which communities, builders, and incentives offer the most value today. Having your own agent (not the builder’s representative) makes the sale and negotiation process that much easier for you.
If you could have a brand-new home for less than you may expect, would you be interested?
Why Selling Your House This Winter Gives You an Edge
Spring gets all the attention, but it’s not always the best time to sell a house. Yes, more buyers show up, but so do a lot of other sellers.
Winter is different. With fewer homes on the market, your house has a much better chance of standing out. And that one advantage can make a big difference.
Winter Is When Your Listing Stands Out
History shows the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the winter months. It’s a trend that’s predictable almost every year.
Data from Realtor.com shows this pattern clearly. Inventory dips in the winter (the green circles in the graph below), then climbs again as soon as spring approaches:
And based on the latest data available, it looks like that pattern may be true again in 2025. The graph shows the supply of homes for sale is starting to come down as we head into the end of the year. And if history is any indicator of where it goes next, it’ll continue to fall just like it usually does.
Here’s why knowing this gives you an edge.
While inventory is higher now than it’s been in the last few years, there are still not as many homes for sale as there’d be in a normal market (2017-2019). And we may even be poised for inventory to dip a bit as the weather cools.
That gives you an opportunity. If you work with an agent to list now, you’ll sell while other homeowners are taking their homes off the market and before the number of homes for sale climbs this spring.
Less competition from other sellers now = more attention on your house this season.
Why wait until everyone else lists in the spring when you can get ahead of the crowd?
Winter Buyers Are Serious Buyers
Another big perk is the buyers looking right now usually need to move.
They’re not just browsing for fun. They’re relocating for work, dealing with a lease ending, making a big life change, or simply ready to move forward sooner rather than later. As U.S. News explains:
“. . . buyers who are trudging through wintry weather often have a good reason for being out in the cold – they need to move. Whether it’s a relocation for a new job, a divorce or the arrival of a new baby, buyers who brave the elements are usually serious and able to make quick decisions.”
That means fewer weekend wanderers and more highly motivated, qualified buyers walking through your door.
And since we know inventory usually drops this time of year, odds are they’ll have a little less to choose from compared to the fall. If you price and prep your house right, maybe your house will be the one that catches their eye.
Bottom Line
Winter might not get the same buzz as spring, but that’s exactly why it works in your favor. Less competition from other sellers, more motivated buyers, and a chance for your house to truly stand out.
If you’re thinking about selling, this season can give you a real advantage. Let’s connect and talk through what listing now could look like for you.
The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season
Whether it’s at a family gathering, your company party, or catching up with friends over the holidays, the housing market always finds its way into the conversation.
Here are the top three questions on a lot of people’s minds this season, and straightforward answers to help you feel more confident about the market.
1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?”
Yes, more than you could a year or two ago.
The number of homes for sale has been rising over the past few years. According to data from Realtor.com, there have been more than one million homes on the market for six straight months, something that hasn’t happened since 2019 (see graph below):
That means two things:
- Buyers have more options.
- Sellers have more places they can move to next.
Many homeowners who held off are realizing the shelves aren’t bare anymore. So, if you hit pause on your home search last year because nothing fit your needs, it may be worth another look. With more homes on the market now, you’re not competing for the same handful of listings like you were a couple of years ago.
And because there’s a bit more to choose from, homes aren’t disappearing the minute they hit the market. That gives buyers more space to breathe, more options to compare, and a little more time to make a confident decision.
2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?”
Affordability is starting to improve. Finally.
It’s been a tough few years for buyers. But this year brought some much-needed good news:
- Mortgage rates have been easing.
- Home price growth has been moderating.
That adds up to a monthly mortgage payment that’s hundreds of dollars lower than it would have been just a few months ago (see graph below):
Buying still isn’t easy, but the numbers are starting to improve. For a lot of people, that means buying a home is becoming a more realistic goal again.
3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?”
A lot of people worry that the housing market is about to crash, but the data doesn’t point in that direction. Yes, the number of homes for sale has been rising, but it’s still nowhere near the level needed for prices to fall significantly on a national scale. On top of that, homeowners today have a lot of equity and are in a much stronger financial position than they were back in 2008.
Of course, every local market is a little different. Some areas are still seeing prices climb, while others that saw huge spikes a few years ago are leveling off or seeing small corrections. But overall, the national picture is clear: experts surveyed by Fannie Mae project home prices will keep rising, just at a slower, more normal pace (see graph below):
That’s why waiting for a major price drop to get a deal isn’t a very strategic plan. History shows the same thing over and over: people who spend time in the market tend to build the most long-term wealth, not the people who try to time the market perfectly.
Bottom Line
Talk about the housing market can feel loud and confusing, especially when you’re hearing so many different takes. If you want to understand what these trends mean for your goals, let’s connect and walk through it together.
How To Find the Best Deal Possible on a Home Right Now
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.
Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year
Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there’s a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now.
But here’s what many recent buyers would tell you: even with all that, making a move is worth it.
And this is why they’re thankful they went ahead and took the plunge already. Life doesn’t wait for better market conditions. So, your decision shouldn’t be about trying to time the market perfectly. It should be about moving when the time is right for you and what you need – and it’s different for everyone.
The Real Reasons People Bought a Home
According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), what’s really driving today’s moves is the desire for something better or something different. It’s a personal motivator or a change in what they need out of the home that pushed buyers to act this year (see chart below):
For some, that meant trading an apartment for their very first house – a home they can finally make their own, where they can paint the walls, plant the garden, and build a future.
For others, it meant getting closer to the people who matter most. Living near family or friends isn’t just convenient, it changes your everyday life. Sunday dinners, quick visits, extra help when you need it – that kind of connection is priceless.
And for many buyers, it’s the peace of finding a home that finally fits. It’s finally having space to grow: a bigger kitchen for family dinners, or bedrooms where kids can decorate their own walls and carve out their own corners of the world.
Or, it’s about simplifying. Downsizing to something smaller, easier to maintain, and closer to what matters most can make everyday life feel lighter and less stressful.
What You Miss Out on If You Try To Time the Market
No matter the reason, these buyers all share something in common: they stopped waiting for perfect timing and focused on creating the life they wanted now. And if you asked them, odds are they’d say that decision is paying off every day.
That’s what makes a move meaningful. Not the market conditions, but the freedom and happiness that come from living in a home that truly fits. So, while headlines may keep everyone guessing, the people who’ve already made their move are sleeping better, living fuller, and enjoying homes that finally feel right.
Because once your home finally matches your life, everything else starts to fall into place. And that’s exactly how you deserve to feel.
Bottom Line
The people who bought a home this year didn’t wait for perfect market conditions to line up. They acted on what they needed in their life. And they’re thankful they did.
If you’re feeling the pull toward something better, let’s talk through your goals. Your next home could bring you more space, more connection, and more happiness than you think.
