What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?

• Buyer’s Market
  A buyer’s market happens when there are more homes for sale than people looking to buy. Homes tend to sit on the market longer, buyers have more room to negotiate, and prices may soften as supply outweighs demand.

• Seller’s Market
  On the flip side, a seller’s market happens when there aren’t enough homes available for the number of buyers. This creates competition, often leading to faster sales, multiple offers, and rising prices.

Right now, both scenarios are happening—just in different regions. That’s why it’s so important to know what’s going on in your area.

The Number of Buyers and Sellers by Region

One of the biggest factors shaping today’s real estate landscape is how many buyers and sellers are active in each market.

📊 According to Redfin:

• Northeast and Midwest → Leaning toward seller’s markets. Buyers still outnumber sellers, homes are moving faster, and prices are trending upward.

• South and West → Shifting into buyer’s markets. There are more listings to choose from, less competition among buyers, and softer price growth.

This marks a major change from just a few years ago when sellers held the advantage almost everywhere. Today, local conditions matter more than ever—and can even vary from one neighborhood to the next.

Price Trends Reflect the Divide

When buyer demand and housing inventory shift, prices follow.

• In the Northeast and Midwest, where demand is still strong, prices continue to climb.

• In parts of the South and West, inventory has grown and demand has cooled, creating opportunities for buyers to negotiate better deals.

📊 ResiClub’s latest data shows roughly half of the top 50 metros are seeing prices rise, while the other half are flat or slightly down.

👉 If you’re a homeowner worried about price dips, remember: most homeowners have built up significant equity over the past several years. That means you’ll likely still come out ahead when you sell.

Why Local Insights Matter

Even in regions that generally lean buyer- or seller-friendly, your exact neighborhood might not follow the trend. That’s why local expertise is crucial. A trusted real estate agent can help you understand:

• Whether your local market currently favors buyers or sellers

• How to price your home (or craft a winning offer)

• The best strategies for navigating your move, no matter the market conditions

Bottom Line

In today’s real estate landscape, conditions can look completely different just a few miles apart. Whether you’re buying or selling, the key to success is understanding what’s really happening in your local market.

✨ Connect with a local real estate professional so you’ve got an expert in your corner—someone who knows your neighborhood inside and out and can guide you with confidence.