Why Now Is a Good Time to Buy a Home

The U.S. housing market is shifting in favor of buyers for the first time in years. With inventory levels at their highest since winter 2019 and sellers offering more discounts and incentives, buyers have greater negotiating power and less competition. Here’s how to identify these buyer-friendly markets and use proven tactics to secure a better deal.

The Market Is Finally Tilting Toward Buyers

For the first time in several years, the U.S. housing market is beginning to favor buyers. After a long period of rising prices, record-low inventory, and fast-paced bidding wars, the tide is turning. According to recent reports from Redfin and MarketWatch, housing inventory in many areas has reached its highest point since early 2019. Homes now remain on the market for an average of 38 days — compared to just 32 days at the same time last year. This increased supply, combined with reduced urgency from buyers, is creating a more balanced and less stressful experience for those looking to purchase. In this new environment, buyers have more time to consider their options and more leverage in negotiations.

Sellers Are Offering Deals — And That’s Good News

The shift in market momentum has pushed sellers to become more flexible, and many are adjusting their expectations. Nearly 20% of listings across the country experienced a price drop in May 2025. Additionally, seller incentives are becoming increasingly common — from covering closing costs to offering mortgage rate buydowns or throwing in home warranties. For buyers, this is a welcome change. Rather than entering a hyper-competitive bidding scenario, many now find themselves in a position to negotiate not just on price, but on terms that were recently off the table. The slower pace also makes it easier to thoroughly inspect homes, secure financing, and make confident, informed decisions without pressure.

Where to Find the Best Buyer’s Markets

Of course, not all real estate markets are cooling at the same rate. Some regions are still experiencing strong demand, especially in areas with low housing supply or booming job markets. However, cities that saw rapid growth and price inflation during the pandemic are now facing a rebalancing. Markets like Austin, Phoenix, Boise, Salt Lake City, and even parts of Florida are seeing increased inventory, slower sales, and more frequent price cuts. These areas often provide the best opportunities for buyers who are willing to do their research. To find these cooling markets, look for areas where listings are staying active longer than 30 days, where price reductions are frequent, and where the volume of new listings continues to rise. Tools such as Redfin’s Market Insights, Zillow’s data explorer, and Realtor.com’s local market trends can help pinpoint these buyer-friendly zones.

Smart Negotiation Strategies in a Cooling Market

With the pressure off and more homes to choose from, buyers should take full advantage of the current conditions by using smart negotiation strategies. First and foremost, work with a knowledgeable local agent who understands what sellers are facing in your target area. In many cases, sellers are open to offers below asking — especially if their property has been listed for several weeks. It’s also a good time to request concessions, such as seller-paid closing costs, pre-closing repairs, or interest rate buydowns. Don’t be afraid to include full inspection and financing contingencies in your offer — in today’s environment, those protections are much more acceptable than they were during the frenzy of previous years. Take your time during showings and comparisons, and don’t feel pressured to act immediately. A patient buyer can often secure a better deal simply by waiting for a motivated seller to come around.

Reduced Stress, More Informed Decisions

Beyond the financial benefits, the biggest change for buyers in a cooling market is the opportunity to make better, more thoughtful decisions. The intense stress that characterized the past few years — constant bidding wars, waived inspections, and escalating offers — has given way to a more manageable, less emotional process. Buyers can now evaluate neighborhoods, schools, and long-term value with a clear head. They can ask for second showings, consult professionals, and secure their financing without racing against other offers. Lenders are also adapting, with more attractive options for buyers who qualify, including temporary rate buydowns and flexible underwriting programs. Overall, the experience of buying a home in mid-2025 has become more stable, and in many ways, more humane.

A Rare Window of Opportunity

The current market conditions present a rare and valuable opportunity for prospective homebuyers. With rising inventory, longer days on market, and increasingly motivated sellers, buyers now have more power than at any point in recent memory. This window may not remain open forever — if interest rates drop in the future, demand could return and competition could increase once again. But for now, the timing is ideal for those who are ready. By identifying the right markets and approaching negotiations with a clear, informed strategy, buyers can secure better deals, more favorable terms, and greater peace of mind. If you’ve been waiting for the market to cool, this may be your signal to act.

Ralph Schiavone

HLS Group, Inc.

1611 Pomona Road, suite 207 Corona, CA 92878

Email: rschiavone@hlsgroupinc.com

Phone: (714) 315-0027

HLS Group, Inc.; Ralph Schiavone-Broker and President is your full-service real estate agency; specializing in all aspects of residential real estate purchase, sale with over 30-years’ experience and extensive knowledge and understanding of real estate finance. We are Certified Probate Real Estate Specialists, short-sale experts, REO-agent certified and fully MLS compliant. HLS Group, Inc. and Ralph Schiavone offer a one-stop opportunity for prospective buyers and sellers to gain information about the purchase/sale process from identifying a property for purchase to placing a property for sale. We negotiate with confidence on behalf of our clients and work seemlessly with finance professionals during the purchase/sale process.

The markets of Southern California are uniquely dynamic with many opportunities to both purchase or sell a home. The biggest keys to success are patience and appropriate market position. Know your market and how you fit within it. That’s where using Ralph Schiavone and the agents at HLS Group, Inc. will serve you best, by providing you the tools for informed decision-making.

Currently inventory is somewhat tight and communication is key to ensuring timely property opportunities. We at HLS Group, Inc. pride ourselves on strong and comprehensive communication: from the initial interview through close of escrow and thereafter. At HLS Group, Inc. a successful transaction is defined as facilitating the client’s property desire, in the area/neighborhood they wish to live, while using the most appropriate financing strategy, for the best outcome possible.

Customer service is key at HLS Group, Inc. Our relationship and support do not end once your purchase/sale is completed. We’ve built our reputation as a reliable resource in our community and are available for you in the future whenever you feel we can be of service. We look forward to working with you.