If you gave up looking for a home in 2024, you weren’t alone. Around 70% of buyers stepped away from the search—and honestly, it’s easy to understand why. There just weren’t enough homes to go around, prices were climbing, and interest rates were on a wild ride. Between all that uncertainty, it was tough to find a place that checked your boxes and fit your budget.
But things are changing—and changing in your favor.
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, it may be time to jump back in. Here’s what’s different now:
More Homes = More Options
Let’s face it—what good is getting pre-approved if you can’t find a home you actually want? Inventory has been tight for a long time, but that’s finally easing up.
According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale is up 27.5% compared to this time last year (see graph below):
That’s a game-changer, especially if you were hesitant to sell because you didn’t know where you’d go next. With more options on the market, that next step feels a little less scary.
Homes Aren’t Flying Off the Shelf (and That’s Not a Bad Thing)
The pace of the market is also cooling just enough to help buyers breathe a little easier. On average, homes are spending about 8% more time on the market compared to last year. That’s the slowest pace we’ve seen since 2020, but still quicker than the pre-pandemic years—kind of like a happy medium.
(See graph below.)
That extra week gives you a chance to weigh your options without feeling rushed. According to Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com:
“There are more homes for sale than in the last few years, which means the market pace is a bit more manageable–with longer days on market–and many sellers are more flexible . . . Though buyers face still-high housing costs, they may find a bit more give in the market, which could give them more time to make a decision, even in the busy spring and summer months.”
Worried That It’ll Be Harder To Sell Your Home? Don’t Be.
Sure, homes are taking a bit longer to sell—but remember, inventory is still well below what we’d consider normal. In fact, it’s sitting nearly 23% below pre-2020 levels. That means a well-priced, well-prepped home is going to attract attention—especially now that more buyers are jumping back into the market.
The Takeaway
If you’re looking to move up, downsize, or relocate, the increase in inventory means you’ve got more to choose from. And with buyers feeling less rushed, it’s a great moment to revisit your home search with a fresh perspective.
So here’s the big question: With more homes to choose from and a little extra breathing room, what would it take for you to restart your home search?
Let’s talk about what the current market looks like here in our area—chances are, you’ve got more options than you think.
