If you’ve been on the fence about buying a home, you’re not alone. Many buyers are still waiting to see what happens next with interest rates and the market overall. But while others pause, savvy buyers are jumping in—because summer 2025 may be one of the best times to buy in years.
Here are three reasons why.
1. Buyers Have More Negotiating Power
After several years where sellers called the shots, the market is shifting. According to Redfin data, there are now more sellers than buyers in the market.
From 2021 through 2023, intense competition and bidding wars were driven by a major imbalance—more buyers than available homes. That imbalance pushed prices up quickly and left buyers with little room to negotiate.
Today, that dynamic has changed. With more sellers in play, buyers are gaining the upper hand again. Sellers may be more open to covering repairs, helping with closing costs, or adjusting their price. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains: “ . . . with housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers in nearly every region of the country are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”
Worried about a market crash? Don’t be. While there’s more inventory, we’re still not at oversupply levels. It’s a rebalancing—not a bubble bursting.
2. More Homes Means More Options
If you felt like choices were slim in the past few years, you’re not imagining things. But that’s improving.
According to Realtor.com, more homes were listed this May than during the same time in 2023 or 2024. That’s great news for buyers who want options.Whether you’re looking for your first home, a bigger space, or something closer to work or family, fresh inventory increases your chances of finding a place that checks the right boxes.
As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, notes:
“With more fresh inventory hitting the market, buyers have better opportunities to find a home that fits their needs."
3. Some Sellers Are Becoming More Flexible on Price
More listings also means more homes are sitting longer—and that’s motivating some sellers to make price adjustments.
In May, 19.1% of active listings had a price cut. It’s the fifth month in a row we’ve seen this trend, signaling that some sellers are adjusting to today’s market conditions.This doesn’t mean home prices are crashing. It simply means sellers who started too high are now realigning with buyer expectations. And that can work in your favor.
As The Street puts it:
“Although sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market over the past few years, houses are now staying on the market for longer, shifting negotiating power back to homebuyers.”
That added flexibility gives you more room to negotiate or move forward on a home that fits your budget.
Bottom Line
More listings, fewer bidding wars, and increased room to negotiate—this summer offers the kind of balance buyers haven’t seen in years.
If you’re ready to explore your options, now is a smart time to make your move.
What would finding the right home this summer mean for you? Let’s connect and find out.
The information and opinions in this article are not investment advice. Tim Stice makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness. Always do your own research and consult a professional before making financial decisions. Tim Stice is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this content.
