There are more homes for sale than there’s been in years.. But what you need to remember is, even with that shift, there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or later this year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches the moment.
Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back.
According to the data, the number of homes for sale is rising back toward more normal levels
nationally (see graph below):
But inventory growth is going to vary a lot based on where you live.
If you’re in a market where the number of homes for sale is back to normal, buyers may have more sway than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean buyers have all the power – it just means they have more choices, so your home has to stand out and you need to be ready to negotiate. But if you live where inventory is still pretty limited, you may see buyers competing for your house.
No matter where you are, the key is to work with a pro who can help you adjust your game plan for your local market.
The Right Price Matters More Now Than Ever
With more homes to choose from, today’s buyers are quick to skip over homes that feel overpriced. That’s why pricing your house right is the secret to selling quickly and for top dollar. Miss the mark, though, and you may have to backtrack. Today, about 1 in 5 sellers (20.2%) are reducing their asking price to attract buyers. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“The rising share of price reductions suggests that a lot of sellers are anchored to prices that
aren’t realistic in today’s housing market. Today’s sellers would be wise to listen to feedback they
are getting from the market.”
The best way to get make sure you’re priced to sell? Lean on your local agent. Because if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.
Flexibility Wins Negotiations
Gone are the days of buyers waiving inspections and appraisals just to get a deal done. Now that buyers have more options, they’re able to ask for things like repairs, credits, and help with closing costs. Data from Redfin shows nearly 44.4% of sellers are offering concessions like that right now. That’s the second highest level since 2019.
The savviest sellers are the ones taking advantage of every opportunity to work with buyers. It’ll help if you think of concessions as tools, not losses. Use them to bridge gaps, sweeten deals, and get across the finish line. And don’t stress. Since prices went up roughly 54% over the past five years, you’ve got plenty of room to make a concession or two and still come out ahead. Just work with your agent to understand which concessions could be the key to sealing the deal.
Bottom Line
The takeaway? This isn’t a bad market. It’s just a different one. Sellers who are going to succeed in the months ahead are the ones who understand this shift and lean into it with the right expectations, the right agent, and the right strategy.
Find more seller's tips in Wanda's 2026 Winter Seller's Guide.
For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog, or feel free to contact Wanda for professional real estate assistance.
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