💰 Are We Finally in a Buyer’s Market? Here’s What That Really Means for You

🏠 What a “Buyer’s Market” Actually Looks Like

Typically when the market shifts toward buyers, you’ll see:

• More inventory (more homes for sale than we’ve seen recently).

• Longer days on market (homes take more time to sell).

• Stronger negotiating power for buyers (more room to ask for concessions or repairs).

In our Houston-area market, all signs point toward increasing balance — meaning neither buyer nor seller is overwhelmingly dominant, which is good news for both when handled wisely.

📊 What’s Happening Locally

Here are some of the latest numbers for the greater Houston / Cypress region (via Houston Association of Realtors):

• Months of supply (single-family homes) have risen to about 5.5 months, up from ~4.2 months a year ago. HAR

• Active listings reached a record high, with over 40,000 active single-family listings, a ~38.2% increase year-over-year. Axios

• The median home price in July was approximately $339,000, down around 3.1% from the same time last year. Axios

• Homes are staying on the market a little longer; in some reports Days on Market have increased to around the 50-day mark. norhillrealty.com

What does this mean? The market is not crashing, but it is shifting. From a hot, fast-moving seller’s market to one where buyers have more choices, more time, and more leverage — especially with the right guidance.

💡 How Buyers Can Use This to Their Advantage

If you’re a buyer, this is your window:

• Ask for seller concessions (closing cost contributions, rate buydowns) or request repairs/credits — you’re not always competing in a frenzy.

• Take the time to compare listings, visit multiple homes, and make informed decisions — less pressure = smarter choices.

• Because inventory is higher, you may spot bargains or motivated sellers, especially later in the year when urgency grows.

🔑 Why Sellers Shouldn’t Panic — But Should Be Strategic

Selling in this market means being intentional:

• Price correctly from day one. With more competition, even perfectly good homes can linger if overpriced.

• Presentation matters — great photos, staging, curb appeal, and clean marketing will separate you from the pack.

• Consider compromising and showing flexibility in terms of closing dates, minor repairs or credits — these can turn good offers into accepted offers faster.

⏳ End-of-Year Bargaining Power Strategies

Since we’re heading into the final stretch of the year, here are specific tactics you and your clients can use now:

• Buyers: As we approach the holidays, sellers may be more motivated to close before year-end (tax reasons, wanting a fresh start). Use that to explore rate buydowns, extended closing dates, or negotiate seller credit for repairs.

• Sellers: Consider listing now or getting “market-ready” this month so you’re positioned when serious buyers are still actively looking. Offer incentives like rate buydowns for the buyer or moving assistance to sweeten the deal.

• Both sides: Keep an eye on mortgage-rate movements — even small drops inspire buyers. If you’re buying, locking in sooner rather than later might make sense; if selling, emphasize that pre-approved, ready-to-move buyers are a premium.

• Timing tip: Use slower holiday periods to your advantage — fewer showings, but committed buyers. Pre-holiday listings often face less competition if marketed smartly.

🎯 The Bottom Line

We’re in the “balanced to buyer-leaning” phase. For buyers: more options and negotiation power. For sellers: still good opportunities — but only if you’re strategic, pricing right, and marketing smart.

🏡 ***Pro Tip***

Right now is the perfect time to flex your buyer advantage! If a home’s been sitting on the market for a while, don’t hesitate to ask for seller concessions — whether that’s a rate buy-down to lower your monthly payment or repairs and credits to save you cash upfront. Sellers are far more open to negotiating as we head into the holiday season, especially on listings with higher days on market (DOM). 👉 Translation? You could snag a better deal and start the new year in your new home with built-in equity.

💬 Call to Action

Thinking about buying or selling before the holidays? Let’s talk strategy — I’ll help you identify the best move for you, not just for the market trend.