Online Home-Buying Searches Reach Highest Level in 2 Years

Believe it or not, buyer interest is picking up again, and there are clear signs to prove it.

Let's dive into what's really happening behind the scenes and why the housing market might not be as quiet as it seems.

Buyers Are Actively Searching – And the Trends Show It

One of the best indicators of what’s on people's minds is their online search behavior. And according to Google Trends, searches for terms like "home for sale" have been on the rise this year.

The graph below tracks two common homebuyer search phrases and their popularity over the past two years. The higher the line, the more frequently those phrases were searched. A 100 on the graph indicates the peak period for each phrase:

Here’s what stands out in this data: both search phrases have been steadily trending upward this year, reaching a recent peak in mid-July. This indicates that curiosity (and possibly even interest) in buying a home is on the rise.

This momentum is significant. Despite high mortgage rates and home prices, buyers haven’t given up. They’re still keeping an eye on the market, browsing, and waiting for the right moment to act. Your home could be exactly what they’re looking for—but you’ll never know if it’s not listed.

Now, this doesn’t mean demand will spike like it did during the pandemic. What it does mean is that some buyers are deciding they can’t wait any longer. These are the buyers you want: motivated, eager, and ready to make a move when the right home comes along.

So, if you’re holding off on selling because you’re not sure if the demand is there, this data suggests it might be time to rethink your plans. Because while it’s not 2021-level demand, it doesn’t need to be. You don’t need ten offers to sell your home. You just need the right buyer.

So, if you’re holding off on selling because you’re uncertain about demand, this data suggests it might be time to rethink your strategy. While the demand may not be at 2021 levels, you don’t need ten offers to sell your home. You just need the right buyer. And that buyer could be actively searching for a home like yours right now. Do you like this personality?

Bottom Line

If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll sell once buyers come back,” it might be time to reassess that mindset. Online search trends indicate that buyers are already showing interest.

So, what would give you the confidence to list your home this year? Connecting with a local real estate agent can help you navigate the current market and develop a strategy tailored to your goals. Let’s discuss your options and see how you can capitalize on today’s market trends.