Put Your Move on Hold? Here’s Why Now Might Be the Time to Restart

Last year, 70% of buyers walked away from their home search—maybe you were one of them. It’s understandable. Low inventory, high prices, and unpredictable mortgage rates made finding a home both challenging and frustrating.

But here’s the good news: the market is shifting.

If you hit pause on your moving plans in 2024, now might be the perfect time to press play. Here’s why:

More Homes, More Choices

Even if the financial side worked, the lack of available homes likely made it tough to find one that met your needs. But now, inventory is on the rise, giving you more options.

According to Realtor.com, housing inventory has surged 27.5% compared to this time last year (see graph below).

If you held off on listing your home because you weren’t sure where you’d move next, you now have more options than you did a year ago—that’s a big advantage.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell, Too

When inventory was low, homes were selling almost instantly due to high demand. A few years ago, that meant your house could be off the market overnight. While a fast sale can be great, it also made finding your next home stressful.

With more homes available now, properties are staying on the market longer. That gives you more time to plan your move without feeling rushed (see graph below).

Recent data reveals that the average time homes spend on the market has increased by about 8% this year—the highest since 2020 but still faster than pre-pandemic norms. That’s roughly a week longer than last year, creating a sweet spot for movers. While a few extra days may not seem like much, it provides more breathing room to make thoughtful decisions.

As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

"With more homes for sale than in recent years, the market pace has become a bit more manageable. Homes are staying on the market longer, and many sellers are more flexible. While buyers still face high housing costs, they may find a little more wiggle room in the market, giving them extra time to make decisions—even during the busy spring and summer months."

Worried that a slower market means your home will be harder to sell? Don’t be. Inventory is still nearly 23% below pre-pandemic levels, meaning well-priced homes are in demand—especially as more buyers re-enter the market this season.

Bottom Line

With inventory on the rise, sellers looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate now have more options than before. Plus, with a slower market pace, there’s less pressure to make quick decisions—making it an ideal time to revisit your home search if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines.

With more homes available and extra time to weigh your choices, what’s stopping you from jumping back in?