More Sellers Than Buyers: What a 37% Gap Really Means
According to a new Redfin report, the U.S. housing market now has 37% more sellers than buyers—a mismatch that’s more than double the gap seen last year. In plain terms, more homeowners are listing their homes than there are active buyers ready to purchase. That shift changes the balance of power in many markets, creating conditions that feel much more like a buyer’s market than what we’ve seen in recent years.
Not every city or neighborhood will experience this the same way. Redfin notes Austin, TX as the strongest buyer’s market, while Nassau County, NY remains a strong seller’s market. Still, nationally, the momentum is moving toward buyers—meaning negotiating is back on the table.
If You’re Buying: More Leverage, More Choices
For homebuyers who’ve been frustrated by bidding wars and “take it or leave it” pricing, this is a meaningful change. When sellers outnumber buyers, listings typically sit longer, and sellers are more open to working with you. That can show up as lower prices, better terms, or financial help at closing.
In many markets, buyers are successfully negotiating price reductions and concessions—and that can translate into real savings, especially when you structure your offer strategically.
Here are a few buyer-friendly negotiating angles to consider:
- Ask for seller concessions to help cover closing costs or to fund an interest-rate buydown.
- Request repairs or credits after inspections instead of absorbing the cost yourself.
- Use time on market as leverage; homes sitting longer often signal seller flexibility.
- Don’t waive protections lightly; in a cooler market you may not need to waive contingencies to compete.
One important note: “Buyer’s market” doesn’t automatically mean “cheap.” Interest rates, insurance, taxes, and HOA costs still matter. The advantage today is that you may have more room to negotiate the total monthly payment—not just the price.
If You’re Selling: Pricing and Preparation Matter More Than Ever
When there are more sellers than buyers, the homes that win are the ones that are priced correctly and show well. Buyers have options, and they’re more willing to walk away from a home that feels overpriced or needs too much work.
If you’re thinking about listing, plan for a more competitive environment. That doesn’t mean you can’t sell—it just means the strategy that worked in a red-hot market may not work now.
Seller-friendly steps that can protect your bottom line:
- Start with the right list price; overpricing can lead to longer days on market and larger reductions later.
- Improve first impressions with curb appeal, clean staging, and professional photos.
- Be proactive about repairs; addressing obvious issues upfront can reduce renegotiations.
- Consider offering concessions (or a rate buydown) to widen your pool of qualified buyers.
If you’re in a pocket that’s still a seller’s market—like Nassau County, NY per the report—you may retain more leverage. But even in strong markets, buyers are paying attention to value and monthly affordability.
If You’re Refinancing: Opportunity Depends on Your Goal
Refinancing isn’t just about chasing a lower rate. In today’s environment, it’s about using the tools available to improve cash flow, manage debt, or position yourself for future moves.
Here’s how this shift could affect refinance decisions:
- If you’re buying soon: Negotiating seller credits for a temporary or permanent buydown may reduce your initial payments more than waiting and hoping rates drop.
- If you already own: If you have high-interest debt, a cash-out refinance or home equity strategy may help consolidate—but only if the numbers make sense long-term.
- If you’re considering selling later: A refinance into a better structure (like removing mortgage insurance or adjusting term length) could improve your flexibility before you list.
Because markets vary widely, the best move is usually scenario-based: compare the cost of refinancing (or buying down a rate) against how long you plan to keep the loan and what you need your monthly payment to be.
What to Do Next
This growing seller-to-buyer gap is a reminder that the housing market is always changing—and your strategy should change with it. Buyers may have more negotiating room, sellers may need sharper pricing and stronger presentation, and homeowners considering a refinance should focus on the full financial picture, not just the headline rate.
Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free consultation with our team today!