A rare shift: More sellers than buyers (by a lot)
New data from Redfin shows the U.S. housing market now has 37% more home sellers than homebuyers—more than double the gap from this time last year. In records going back to 2013, only summer 2025 saw an even larger imbalance. Translation: many markets are behaving like a buyer’s market, where shoppers have more leverage and sellers have to work harder to stand out.
This doesn’t mean homes won’t sell, or that prices will drop everywhere. It does mean that the “name your price and waive everything” era is much less common. For many people, this is the first time in years the market feels negotiable again.
What it means if you’re buying a home
When sellers outnumber buyers, competition typically cools. That can create breathing room to compare homes, run the numbers, and negotiate terms that protect you.
According to the report, many buyers are successfully getting price reductions and/or concessions. Concessions are especially important because they can reduce your upfront costs or help offset higher monthly payments.
- More negotiating power: You may be able to ask for a lower price, closing cost credits, or repairs.
- More inventory and choice: More listings can mean less pressure to “settle” for a home that doesn’t fit.
- Fewer bidding wars: You’re more likely to include an inspection contingency and keep reasonable timelines.
- Opportunity to buy down your rate: Seller credits can sometimes be used toward a temporary or permanent rate buydown (depending on your loan and guidelines).
One key takeaway: buyer’s markets aren’t the same everywhere. Redfin noted Austin, TX as the strongest buyer’s market, while Nassau County, NY remains the strongest seller’s market. If you’re relocating, investing, or considering a second home, local conditions matter more than national headlines.
What it means if you’re selling your home
In a market with more sellers than buyers, the homes that sell fastest tend to be the ones that feel like the best value on day one. Buyers have alternatives, so overpriced listings can sit longer—leading to price cuts that feel more painful later.
- Pricing strategy is everything: Accurate pricing can generate traffic and prevent your home from going stale.
- Expect negotiation: Buyers may ask for credits, repairs, or contingencies that were often waived in recent years.
- Presentation matters more: Clean, staged, and well-maintained homes help justify your asking price.
- Be open to concessions: Offering closing cost assistance or a rate buydown can be more effective than a large price reduction, depending on the buyer’s financing.
If you’re also buying your next home, this environment can be a “move-up” advantage: you may sell for a bit less than peak expectations, but you could also buy with more leverage on the other side of the transaction.
What it means if you’re refinancing (or thinking about it)
Refinancing is primarily driven by interest rates and your current loan terms, but this market shift can still affect your options.
- Home equity planning: If price growth is slowing in your area, it may impact how quickly equity increases—important for cash-out refi eligibility and pricing.
- HELOC vs. cash-out refi decisions: With more listings and potential price softening in some markets, borrowers may choose a line of credit for flexibility instead of resetting their first mortgage.
- Buying another home soon: If you plan to purchase in the near term, it’s worth reviewing whether refinancing now (or using a second-lien option) supports your down payment and monthly payment goals.
Even if rates aren’t ideal for a traditional “payment-lowering” refinance, there may be strategies to consolidate debt, remove mortgage insurance, change loan terms, or tap equity responsibly—if the numbers work.
How to use this market to your advantage
Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, the big opportunity in today’s market is strategy. Buyers can negotiate more aggressively, sellers can win by positioning their homes correctly, and homeowners can make smarter financing decisions with a clear view of local trends.
Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free consultation with our team today!