Buyer-Friendly or Seller-Strong? See What’s Happening in Your State

The Great Housing Divide: Who Has the Upper Hand in Your State?

There’s a new divide in housing right now. In some states, buyers are gaining ground. In others, sellers still have the upper hand. It all depends on where you live. Curious what’s happening in your state? These three maps show how the split is playing out across the country.

Inventory Sets the Stage

While the number of homes for sale has improved pretty much across the board, how much growth we’ve seen looks dramatically different depending on where you are. And that’s what sets the stage for who has leverage.

• Darker Shades of Blue = Buyer Friendly: These states have seen the biggest jumps in inventory. Buyers here have more choices, more negotiating power, and more breathing room.

• Lighter Shades of Blue = Seller Strong: In these states, inventory is still tight. Homes are selling quickly, and sellers may not need to offer many concessions.

Prices Follow Inventory

Where inventory is up, prices are cooling. Where it’s still low, prices continue to climb.

• Darker Blue States: Home prices are flattening or dipping slightly. More supply means sellers are adjusting expectations with price cuts or incentives. That’s good news for budget-conscious buyers.

• Lighter Blue States: With fewer homes to go around, sellers are still getting the upper hand. Buyers in these markets may need to act fast and come in strong.

Time on Market Tells the Same Story

The final piece of the puzzle is how long homes are sitting before they sell.

• Darker Blues: Homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more time and leverage.

• Lighter Blues: Homes are moving quickly, and sellers still have confidence their property will attract strong interest.

This explains why some sellers in higher-inventory states are feeling frustrated as their listings linger, while in tighter markets, homes are still flying off the shelf.

Why Local Expertise Matters More Than Ever

These national and state-level maps are helpful, but real estate is always local. The real question is: what’s happening in your neighborhood?

That’s where a local agent comes in. They’ll:

• Break down inventory trends in your zip code.

• Show you how pricing is shifting in your area.

• Advise you on what to expect based on whether you’re buying or selling.

Bottom Line
The housing market is divided right now, and your experience will depend on where you are.

Want to know if your local market favors buyers or sellers? Connect with a local agent who can walk you through the numbers and give you the strategy you need for your next move.