Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment to Buy

Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment to Buy

If you've been waiting for the right time to buy a home, this spring might be your golden opportunity. Over the past few years, homebuyers have faced low inventory, fierce bidding wars, and soaring home prices. However, things are starting to shift in buyers’ favor.

Two key reasons stand out:

1. The number of homes on the market is rising.

2. More sellers are adjusting their prices to attract buyers.

With more options and greater negotiating power, you have a chance to find a home that fits your needs—without the intense competition that defined past markets. Let's break it down.

1. You Have More Homes To Choose From

For years, buyers struggled with low inventory. Many homes received multiple offers within days, making it difficult to secure a property. But now, the housing supply is bouncing back.

The latest data from Realtor.com reveals that the number of active listings in February 2025 is higher than it has been in any of the past five years. Take a look at this trend:

This increase in available homes gives buyers an advantage. When more homes are on the market, you don’t have to rush into a decision. You can explore different neighborhoods, compare options, and ensure you’re getting the best value.

According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, this shift provides several advantages:

“Buyers will not only have more home options . . . but they are also likely to find somewhat lower asking prices and more time to make decisions – all buyer-friendly factors as we inch closer to the busy homebuying season.”

Simply put, the days of scrambling to make an offer in 24 hours may be behind us. With a growing supply of homes, you can take your time, negotiate more confidently, and make an informed choice.

2. You May Find Sellers Are Doing Price Cuts

Another major change in the market? More sellers are lowering their asking prices.

Over the past few years, sellers could list homes at premium prices and still attract multiple offers. But with rising inventory, some homes are sitting on the market longer—especially if they were initially priced too high. As a result, sellers are making price reductions to re-engage buyers.

Here’s what the numbers show:

According to Realtor.com, the number of listings with price cuts has increased compared to previous years. This is a clear sign that sellers are more willing to negotiate.

If we compare today’s market to more normal years (2017–2019), we see that the number of price reductions is returning to pre-pandemic levels. That’s great news for buyers.

What This Means for You as a Buyer

More price reductions mean more opportunities to save money or negotiate better terms. Here’s how this can benefit you:

• Lower Purchase Prices – With more sellers adjusting their prices, you may be able to buy a home for less than originally listed.

• Negotiating Power – You have more room to ask for seller concessions, such as closing cost assistance or home repairs.

• Less Pressure to Overpay – In a competitive market, buyers often offer more than the asking price to secure a home. Now, with less competition, you may not have to stretch your budget as much.

While not every seller will lower their price, this trend signals a shift in the market—one that gives buyers more control.

Is This Spring the Right Time for You to Buy?

With these market shifts, many potential buyers are wondering: Should I take the leap now, or keep waiting?

While everyone’s situation is different, here are a few reasons why acting this spring could be a smart move:

1. Interest Rates May Not Drop Significantly Soon

Many buyers have been waiting for mortgage rates to drop before entering the market. However, predictions about interest rate declines remain uncertain. While rates may ease slightly throughout the year, they’re unlikely to return to the historic lows we saw in 2020 and 2021.

If you’re waiting for rates to drop drastically, you might be delaying your homeownership journey unnecessarily. Instead, you could take advantage of price cuts and negotiate better terms now—knowing that if rates do decrease in the future, refinancing is always an option.

2. Home Prices Are Stabilizing

Although prices surged in recent years, the combination of rising inventory and price reductions is leading to a more balanced market. This means you won’t be facing the same dramatic year-over-year price increases that frustrated buyers in the past.

In some areas, prices may even soften slightly, giving you a better opportunity to buy at a reasonable price before home values start increasing again.

3. More Negotiation Opportunities

In a seller’s market, buyers often have to accept homes as-is with little room for negotiation. But as we’ve discussed, today’s market is shifting in your favor.

You may be able to:

• Negotiate repairs or seller concessions

• Get closing cost assistance

• Avoid bidding wars

• Take your time with inspections and due diligence

These advantages can make the homebuying process less stressful and more financially beneficial.

With an increase in inventory, sellers are more open to discussions, giving you leverage in negotiations. Instead of rushing into a deal, you can request necessary repairs or ask for seller credits to help cover closing costs. Many sellers are also more willing to accept offers with contingencies, such as financing or home inspection clauses, which can provide extra protection for you as a buyer.

Additionally, since competition is lower than in previous years, you may not have to worry about aggressive bidding wars that drive prices up. This means you can make offers closer to the asking price or even below it in some cases. More time to evaluate your options also allows you to compare homes, consider multiple properties, and ensure you’re making the right decision without feeling pressured.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be a more balanced environment, offering buyers more choices and better negotiating power than in previous years. Rising inventory means you won’t have to settle for a home that doesn’t meet your needs, and increasing price cuts give you leverage to negotiate a deal that works in your favor.

While mortgage rates remain a consideration, waiting indefinitely could mean missing out on the current opportunities. If you're serious about buying a home this year, now is the time to start exploring your options.

Ready to Make Your Move? Let’s Connect!

Navigating the real estate market can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, I can help you find the right home at the right price. Call Denise today to discuss your homebuying goals, send Denise a message to get started on your search, and let her help you find  your dream.