Is the Housing Market Finally Tilting Toward Buyers? Here Are 5 Signs It Might Be

Let’s be honest—buying a home hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park lately.

For the past few years, the market has felt like a nonstop competition: homes flying off the shelf, bidding wars driving prices sky-high, and sellers calling all the shots.

But that’s starting to change.

We’re not quite in buyer’s market territory yet, but the landscape is shifting. Inventory is growing, bidding wars are cooling, and sellers (even builders) are rolling out the welcome mat to serious buyers.

Here are five key signs that the tide is turning—and why now might be the right time to revisit your home search.

---

1. Sellers Are Getting More Flexible

Not long ago, it felt like you had to offer your firstborn just to get a seller’s attention. Over-asking offers, waived inspections, zero contingencies—it was brutal.

Now? Sellers are more open to negotiating.

In fact, Redfin reported that in early 2025, nearly 44% of sellers gave some type of concession—whether it was covering closing costs, offering rate buydowns, or pitching in for repairs. That’s just shy of the record high, and a clear sign that sellers are adjusting to a more balanced market.

So if you’re making an offer, don’t hesitate to ask for a little help. You’ve got room to negotiate.

---

2. Smaller Down Payments Are Making a Comeback

Another shift? Buyers aren’t having to bring quite as much cash to the table.

Redfin also found that the average down payment dipped slightly—about 1% lower than a year ago. That puts the typical amount around 15% of the purchase price, or roughly $62,000.

More importantly, the mix of loan types is changing. FHA and VA loans—both with lower down payment requirements—are gaining popularity again, and buyers are opting for more affordable homes to keep their budgets in check.

This opens the door wider for first-time buyers and anyone who felt priced out before.

---

3. New Construction Deals Are Popping Up

Thinking about a brand-new home? Builders are ready to talk deals.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, over one-third of builders (37%) reported cutting prices in June 2025—the most since they began monthly tracking three years ago.

On top of that, 62% of builders are sweetening the pot with perks like interest rate buydowns, design upgrades, and other buyer incentives. With more unsold homes and softer demand, builders are far more willing to negotiate than they were even a year ago.

---

4. More Homes Are Hitting the Market

Here’s something we haven’t seen in a while: a noticeable bump in inventory.

Realtor.com says the number of active listings in the U.S. recently topped one million—up more than 30% from last year and the highest level since 2019.

That’s a big deal.

More homes means more options, less pressure, and better odds of finding a property you love—without the stress of competing against 20 other offers.

It’s still not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, but it’s a welcome shift for anyone who’s been waiting patiently.

---

5. Investors Are Stepping Back—and Selling

Those deep-pocketed investors who scooped up homes left and right over the past few years? They’re starting to offload.

In 2024, investor-owned homes made up nearly 11% of all sales—the highest share on record, according to Realtor.com. Many of those homes are hitting the market again, especially in the more affordable price ranges where first-time buyers tend to shop.

That means fewer investor bids to compete with—and more listings to choose from.

---

The Bottom Line: It Could Be a Smart Time to Jump Back In

This isn’t a perfect market—but it’s definitely a more balanced one.

For the first time in a while, buyers have more choices, more room to negotiate, and a little less pressure. If you hit pause on your home search over the last couple of years, this could be your sign to hit play again.

Curious about what’s available in your area? Let’s chat. The right home might already be out there, waiting for you.