Buyers Finally Have Options — Here’s What’s Changed in 2025

October 31, 2025

A miniature house in a shopping cart beside a laptop showing a declining market chart.

Why Now Might Be the Best Time To Restart Your Home Search

If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not out of options.

In fact, now might be the perfect time to take another look. With more homes for sale, prices stabilizing, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is giving buyers something they haven’t had in a long time: real choices.

Affordability Is Finally Improving

After years of rising rates and prices, things are starting to turn a corner.

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says:

“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”

Mortgage rates have eased from their recent highs, price growth has slowed, and that one-two combo is making homeownership more achievable than it’s been in months.

There Are More Homes on the Market

And a big reason prices are leveling off is simple — there are more homes to choose from.

According to Realtor.com, there are 17% more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year.

That means less competition, more breathing room, and a greater chance you’ll find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Chart of September 2025 inventory growth: U.S. 17%, Midwest 13.2%, Northeast 10.1%, South 17.9%, West 21.1%.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020.”

Every region in the country has seen inventory grow compared to last year — and in some areas, it’s now back to pre-pandemic levels.

Where You Live Makes a Difference

Chart showing housing inventory growth by U.S. region, with the strongest year-over-year gains in the West and South.

Inventory growth isn’t the same everywhere.

The South and West have seen the biggest jump, even surpassing pre-2020 supply levels. Meanwhile, the Northeast and Midwest are still catching up.

But the overall takeaway is clear: buyers across the board have more options than they’ve had in years.

And with more homes sitting on the market longer, sellers are becoming more flexible — offering price adjustments, covering closing costs, or helping with rate buydowns to get deals done.

That all adds up to a real advantage for today’s buyers.

Why a Local Agent Matters More Than Ever

While national data shows a buyer-friendly shift, your local market tells the real story.

Some areas are heating up again, while others still have plenty of inventory. That’s why working with a local agent is so important — they’ll help you understand what’s really happening in your zip code and what kind of leverage you have as a buyer right now.

If you’re not quite ready to jump in, that’s okay. Start planning now.

Work with your agent to:
✅ Review your budget and financing options
✅ Narrow down neighborhoods and property types
✅ Stay alert for new listings that fit your needs

When the right home comes along, you’ll be ready.