Is it Time for a Real Estate Quest?
If you paused your home search over the last few years, you are far from alone. Many buyers stepped back when mortgage rates climbed, home prices surged, and competition felt impossible. The good news is that those challenges are beginning to ease. And if you have been waiting for the right moment to reenter the market, that moment may finally be here.
Today’s housing landscape looks very different from what we saw even a year ago. There are more homes available, prices have started to level off in many areas, and mortgage rates have edged lower after hitting recent highs. Together, these changes are giving buyers something they have not had in quite some time: real options.
Industry experts agree that buyers are in a better position now than they have been in years. Here’s why.
Affordability Is Finally Starting To Improve
For a long time, affordability has been the biggest challenge facing homebuyers. But according to Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, things are finally starting to move in the right direction:
“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”
After months of financial pressure from rising rates and record-high prices, that shift is meaningful. Mortgage rates have eased slightly, and the pace of home price growth has slowed, giving buyers some breathing room. This one-two combination is helping more people qualify for the homes they want and making monthly payments more manageable.
While affordability is still a challenge, especially for first-time buyers, this improvement opens the door for many who were recently priced out.
There Are More Homes on the Market
Another major change is the growing supply of homes for sale. According to the latest data from Realtor.com, there are 17% more homes available than at this time last year. More listings mean less competition, fewer bidding wars, and a better chance of finding a home that actually fits your lifestyle.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains it this way:
“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.”
That increase in inventory is making a real difference. Whether you are looking for a bigger yard, an extra bedroom, or a home closer to work, you now have more to choose from than you did a year ago.
What the Regional Numbers Reveal
Inventory is growing nationwide, but the pace of that growth varies by region. Compared to this time last year, every part of the country now has more homes available, which is a clear sign of progress.
However, when you compare today’s housing supply to pre-pandemic levels (2017–2019), the picture becomes more nuanced.
- In the South and West, inventory has not only recovered but surpassed pre-pandemic levels. These regions are seeing the biggest increase in available homes, giving buyers a strong upper hand.
- In the Northeast and Midwest, supply is still tighter. While listings are up from last year, they remain below what used to be considered normal.
Even so, this is still a win across the board. More homes for sale means more choice, more negotiating power, and more breathing room for buyers everywhere.
Why This Market Favors Buyers
With supply increasing and demand cooling slightly, sellers are becoming more flexible. Homes are sitting on the market a bit longer, and many sellers are more open to negotiating on price, repairs, or closing costs to keep deals moving forward.
This shift gives buyers the leverage they did not have a year or two ago. You may not need to waive inspections, offer above asking, or rush into a decision. Instead, you can take a thoughtful, strategic approach and focus on finding the home that truly fits your needs.
Working with an experienced local real estate agent is the best way to navigate these new conditions. While national trends provide useful context, real estate is always local. Your agent can show you how your neighborhood or city compares to broader patterns, helping you make informed decisions about timing, pricing, and strategy.
Why Now Could Be Your Moment
If you stepped back from the market because it felt too competitive, too expensive, or simply too overwhelming, you are not alone. Many buyers needed a breather from the fast-paced market of 2021 through 2023. But things have changed.
This new market gives you a chance to look again with fresh eyes. You might be surprised by what’s available and by how much more control you have in the process.
Even if you are not ready to make a move right away, you can begin preparing now. That might mean talking to a trusted real estate agent, reviewing your budget, getting pre-approved for financing, and narrowing down your wish list. When the right home hits the market, you will be ready to act with confidence.
To Sum it Up
If you have been waiting for a sign that it’s time to revisit your home search, this may be it.
Reach out to a knowledgeable local agent who can show you what’s available in your price range and help you understand the latest market conditions. They can create a custom overview of homes in your area and guide you through every step of the process.
Because this is not 2021. It is not even 2023 or 2024.
This is a new market—one where buyers finally have choices again, and you might just find that the perfect home has been waiting for you to come back.