The Market Shift: Buyers Finally Catch Their Breath

A few years back, trying to buy a home felt like chaos. Listings hit the market and disappeared within hours. Buyers were rushing out the door the second something popped up—because if you paused for even a moment, someone else was already making an offer, often without ever stepping foot inside.

That level of frenzy sidelined a lot of buyers. It was stressful, overwhelming, and frankly discouraging.

But here’s the shift: those days are behind us. Today’s market is moving at a healthier pace—giving buyers the time and breathing room they didn’t have before.

Today’s market is moving slower, in the best possible way. And that’s creating more opportunity for buyers who felt shut out in recent years.

The numbers prove it

Right now, homes are sitting on the market an average of 58 days. That’s far more normal, and a dramatic change from the pandemic peak when homes were gone in a matter of days (see graph below).

You’ve got more time on your side than at any point in the past five years—and that’s huge. Now, you can:

Think before you act.

Negotiate without the frenzy.

Make smarter moves without the pressure

According to the latest data, homes are spending an average of 58 days on the market. That’s not only a return to more normal conditions—it’s about a week longer than last year and nearly double the time available to buyers at the height of the frenzy.

Back then, the urgency was overwhelming. Fear of missing out pushed many into rushed decisions, sometimes without ever setting foot inside a property. But today, the market has cooled. As Bankrate notes:

“Buyers can finally slow down, weigh their options, and make more confident decisions as homes stay on the market longer.”

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers racing to grab them, the balance has shifted. Bidding wars aren’t as common, and that means you may have room to negotiate. And you can actually take a breath before you make your decision.

With more listings available and fewer bidding wars, buyers have gained leverage. The pace is no longer dictated by panic—it’s measured, giving you room to breathe. That said, conditions vary. Some markets are still moving quickly, even down to the zip code level. Which is why working with a knowledgeable agent in your local area remains essential.

As Realtor.com points out, national headlines don’t always reflect what’s happening in your neighborhood. Market conditions vary widely depending on location, price point, and property type—especially in today’s post-pandemic market.

That’s where a knowledgeable local agent comes in. They can help you spot when it’s smart to move quickly and when you actually have breathing room, so you never miss the home that’s right for you.

Bottom Line

If the whirlwind of the past few years made you step back, consider this your signal to re-engage. The market’s pace has shifted, giving you something buyers haven’t had in a long time—time to breathe, more choices on the table, and greater negotiating power.

With the right agent by your side, you’re in one of the strongest positions you’ve been in for years. A trusted local expert can help you understand exactly how quickly homes are moving in your area and guide you toward the best opportunities.

Now could be the moment to step back in with confidence, clarity, and the advantage you’ve been waiting for. Connect with a local agent to see if this is the right time for you to make your move.