Don’t Wait—3 Big Reasons to Buy a Home This Summer

Wondering if now’s the right time to buy a home? You’re not alone. Plenty of buyers are on the sidelines, waiting to see what the market does next.

But here’s what savvy buyers already know: This summer could be one of the best windows to buy in years.

Here’s why:

1. You’ve Got More Negotiating Power

After several years of sellers having all the leverage, things are starting to shift. Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that right now, there are more sellers active in the market than buyers:

After years of sellers calling the shots, the tide is turning. Just look at the graph below; Redfin data shows there are currently more sellers than buyers in the market. And that shift means more room for negotiation on price, terms, and even closing costs.

Let’s rewind to 2021 through early 2023. During that stretch, buyer demand (the blue line) far outpaced the number of homes for sale (the green line). That imbalance led to fierce bidding wars, skyrocketing home prices, and buyers competing just to get their offers considered.

Fast forward to today, and the dynamic has changed. Buyers are finally regaining some leverage. With more sellers in the market than active buyers, you may be in a position to negotiate repairs, request seller credits, or even score a price adjustment. This kind of shift points to a healthier, more stable housing market.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors, puts it:

“With housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers across nearly every region are in a stronger position to negotiate more favorable terms.”

And if you’re concerned that too many homes for sale might signal a downturn—don’t be. While inventory has improved, it’s still below historic norms. That means we’re not heading into oversupply territory or anything resembling a crash.

2. You Have More Options to Choose From

The good news keeps coming. According to the latest data from Realtor.com, May saw more homes listed for sale than the same month in 2024 or 2023 (see graph below). More listings = more choices = less pressure to settle.

And more homes for sale means more choices. There’s a good chance your perfect match just hit the market – or it will soon. So, it’s a great time to explore what’s out there. As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, says:

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

3. Sellers May Be More Flexible on Price

With more inventory on the market, homes aren’t flying off the shelves like they were during the peak frenzy a few years ago.

As properties take longer to sell, some sellers are adjusting their pricing to attract buyers and move things along. That kind of price flexibility is becoming more common—and it’s creating new opportunities for savvy buyers. In fact, Realtor.com reports that 19.1% of listings saw a price reduction this May (see graph below). That’s a clear sign the market is shifting in your favor.

This marks the fifth month in a row where more sellers have dropped their prices—and as of May, the number of price cuts is finally back to typical, pre-pandemic levels. It’s another strong signal that the market is finding its balance again.

Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll see massive discounts across the board—but it does mean sellers may be more open to negotiation than they’ve been in recent years. As The Street puts it:

“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.”

That said, most sellers still aren’t slashing prices—only the ones who listed too high to begin with. So this isn’t a red flag or a sign of a crash. It’s just a reality check for some sellers who are adjusting to today’s more grounded market conditions.

Bottom Line

This summer offers a compelling opportunity for buyers: more inventory means you have a wider selection of homes, less buyer competition gives you breathing room, and increased seller flexibility can open the door to better deals. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make your move, this might be it. Connecting with a trusted local real estate agent can help you navigate the options and move forward with clarity and confidence.

So ask yourself: What could finding the right home this summer unlock for your next chapter?