Are you thinking about buying a home but wondering if the timing is right? Many people are watching the market closely for signs—but savvy buyers know a great opportunity when they see one.

And right now, this summer might just be one of the best times to buy a home in recent years. Here are three key reasons why.

1. Buyers Are Gaining Negotiating Power

The market is shifting, and after multiple years where sellers held the upper hand, conditions are becoming more balanced. Take a look at the latest data from Redfin. The graph shows that today, there are more sellers listing their homes than there are buyers actively purchasing:

From 2021 through much of 2023, buyer demand (shown by the blue line) far outpaced the number of homes available (green line). That imbalance led to intense competition, bidding wars, and rapid home price increases.

Now, that dynamic is changing. With more homes on the market and fewer buyers, purchasers are experiencing renewed leverage. Sellers may be more inclined to negotiate on repairs, contribute to closing costs, or even consider price adjustments. This shift marks a return to a healthier, more sustainable market environment. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it:

“. . . 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.”

If you're worried about an oversaturated market, rest assured—inventory levels are still below historical norms, so there’s no indication of a housing crash.

2. Expanded Inventory Means More Choices

One of the most exciting developments for buyers is the growing number of homes available. According to the latest stats from Realtor.com, more homes were listed in May than during the same month in both 2023 and 2022:

This surge in listings brings greater variety, improving your chances of finding just the right home to match your preferences. Whether you're looking for a cozy starter home or a spacious upgrade, there's a good chance the perfect place is waiting for you—or will be very soon. As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“With more fresh inventory hitting the market, buyers have better opportunities to find a home that fits their needs."

3. Increased Flexibility on Pricing

As homes spend a bit more time on the market, some sellers are adjusting their expectations. That means more price reductions and potentially better deals for buyers. According to Realtor.com, 19.1% of listings in May had a price cut:

This marks the fifth month in a row where the number of price reductions has climbed, returning to more typical market behavior. It's not a sign of a downturn, but rather of sellers becoming more realistic about pricing in today’s market.

While you shouldn’t expect rock-bottom prices, this trend does suggest that many sellers are more open to negotiation—especially those who may have initially listed their homes too high. As noted by The Street:

“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.”

It’s important to note that most sellers are still pricing in line with market conditions—only some are reducing prices, typically those who overshot to begin with.

Bottom Line

This summer offers a powerful combination for homebuyers: more listings to explore, reduced competition, and sellers showing increased flexibility. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to enter the market, now could be your opportunity to find the perfect home under more favorable conditions.

What would it mean for your future to find your ideal home this summer?

For more details or any questions about buying a home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mike Panza and the team at Panza Home Group. They’re ready to help you take the next step with confidence. Learn more about contacting them here: https://panzarealestate.com/team/mike-panza