Two Markets in One: The Divide Between Buyers and Sellers

There’s a clear split in today’s housing market. In some states, buyers are starting to win more leverage. In others, sellers still hold the advantage. The truth is—it all comes down to where you live. Curious how your state stacks up?

These 3 maps break it down visually. Here’s how to read them:

• Darker Blue = Buyer-friendly conditions
• Lighter Blue = Seller-strong markets

Inventory Shapes Today’s Market

Housing supply has increased in most areas, but the pace of growth varies widely. That difference is what determines who holds the upper hand right now.

This map, powered by data from Realtor.com, tells the story:

• Darker Blue Areas → Inventory has grown more quickly, giving buyers more options and stronger negotiating power.
• Lighter Blue Areas → Supply is still tight, meaning sellers are more likely to attract quick offers and make fewer concessions.

Inventory Drives Prices

Check out this second map—it highlights home prices are moving across states. Notice how many of the darker blue spots line up with higher inventory? That’s no coincidence: more homes on the market usually means prices ease up.

• Darker Blue = Cooling Prices In these states, prices are flattening or slipping slightly. With more homes available, sellers may need to trim their price or offer concessions—giving buyers more room to negotiate.
• Lighter Blue = Rising Prices Here, low inventory is keeping the competition strong, pushing prices upward as buyers compete for limited options.
• 

Days on Market Tell the Story

The final map shows how quickly homes are selling across the country. Notice the pattern—many of the darker blues are concentrated in the southern half of the U.S. The reason is simple: as inventory grows, homes tend to take longer to sell.

Generally speaking, as inventory grows, homes don’t sell as quickly. That’s why some of the same areas that have more inventory, see homes take more time to sell. 

• Darker Blue → Homes are staying on the market longer, giving buyers more options and signaling sellers may need to adjust expectations.
• Lighter Blue → Homes are still moving quickly, keeping sellers confident and requiring buyers to act fast.

This helps explain why sellers in the darker blue states may feel frustrated when their listings sit longer, while those in lighter blue markets continue to see homes move quickly.

Why Local Expertise Is Essential in Today’s Market

The housing market is divided, and conditions vary depending on where you live, where you’re moving, and whether you’re buying or selling. State-level data is helpful, but the real story is what’s happening in your town and neighborhood. That’s where a local agent’s insights make all the difference.

Bottom Line

Curious about what conditions look like right in your neighborhood? The truth is, today’s housing market isn’t one-size-fits-all—it can shift dramatically from state to state, and even block to block.

If you want to know whether you’re stepping into a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, or something in between, the smartest move is to connect with a local agent. They’ll walk you through the numbers, explain what they really mean in your area, and help you understand exactly where you stand.

That kind of local insight is what gives you the clarity and confidence to make your next move—whether that’s buying, selling, or just planning ahead.