The market is SHIFTING, and I actually think it’s a good thing! We’re moving away from the frenzy and towards a healthier, more balanced market. This creates incredible opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Here’s my quick update on what you NEED to know:
📈 INVENTORY IS UP!
This is big news for buyers. Compared to last May, the number of single-family homes on the market jumped 27%, and condos are up a massive 37%! More choices mean more opportunities to find your perfect home.
🔑 PRICING IS CRITICAL!
With more homes to choose from, buyers will skip over overpriced properties. Last month, 25% of homes in Boston had a price reduction. Sellers, pricing your home strategically from the start is the secret to selling quickly and for top dollar.
🤝 NEGOTIATIONS ARE BACK!
We’re seeing things that have been rare for years. Sellers are offering concessions—like helping with closing costs or providing credits for repairs—to seal the deal. Navigating this new market dynamic requires experience. Whether you’re buying or selling, you need a professional who understands how to position you for success.
📲 Thinking about making a move? DM me and let’s talk strategy!
What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market
Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing.
It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the intense seller’s market over the past few years.
But what you need to remember is: there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or next year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches the moment. Here’s your update.
1. Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back.
According to the latest data, the number of homes for sale is rising back toward more normal levels (see graph below):
But inventory growth is going to vary a lot based on where you live.
If you’re in a market where the number of homes for sale is back to normal, buyers may have more sway than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean buyers have all the power – it just means they have more choices, so your home has to stand out.
But if you live where inventory is still pretty limited, you may see more buyers competing for your house.
No matter where you are, the key is to work with a pro who can help you adjust your game plan for your local market.
2. The Right Price Matters More Than Ever
With more homes to choose from, today’s buyers are quick to skip over homes that feel overpriced. That’s why pricing your house right is the secret to selling quickly and for top dollar. That’s a point Realtor.com really drives home:
“ . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home should have little problem finding a buyer.”
Miss the mark, though, and you may have to backtrack. Today, about 1 in 5 sellers (19.1%) are reducing their asking price to attract buyers (see map below):
Here’s how to avoid being one of those sellers who has to reduce their asking price. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“The rising share of price reductions suggests that a lot of sellers are anchored to prices that aren’t realistic in today’s housing market. Today’s sellers would be wise to listen to feedback they are getting from the market.”
The best way to get that information? Lean on your local agent. They have the expertise to set a price that sells in any market. Because if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.
3. Flexibility Wins Negotiations
Gone are the days of buyers waiving inspections and appraisals just to get a deal done. Now, because they have more homes to choose from, buyers are able to ask for things like repairs, credits, and help with closing costs. And data from Redfin shows nearly 44.4% of sellers are willing to negotiate (see graph below):
The takeaway? This isn’t a bad market. It’s just a different one. And it’s in line with more normal years in the housing market, like back in 2019. The savviest sellers are the ones taking advantage of every opportunity to work with buyers and make their house shine.
And it’ll help if you think of concessions as tools, not losses. Use them to bridge gaps, sweeten deals, and get across the finish line. And don’t stress. Since prices went up roughly 55% over the past five years, you’ve got plenty of room to make a concession or two and still come out ahead.
Just be sure to work with your agent to understand which concessions could be the key to sealing the deal.
Bottom Line
Sellers who are going to succeed in the weeks and months ahead are the ones who understand this market shift and lean into it with the right expectations and the right strategy.
Let’s talk about what’s working in our local area right now – and how we can make those wins work for you whenever you’re ready to make a move.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.
Michael Mahoney
617-615-9435
mike@mmahoney.com
www.HomesinBostonMass.com
MA. License #9051300
Real Broker LLC License #423031
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- Who: Michael Mahoney, full-time Realtor.
- Where: Greater Boston (Norfolk & Suffolk Counties).
- Experience: 20+ years in home ownership, wealth building & investment.
- Mission: Help clients achieve life goals through real estate.
- Clients: All price points; strong repeat & referral business.
I work in all price points. The majority of my business is repeat clients and the referral of clients from all over Eastern Massachusetts.
I view my role as the advisor who helps people go from the life they have to the life they dream about. I help people go from the “what if” to the “what is”
- Broad Expertise: Sold hundreds of properties – mobile homes to estates, multi-families, condos.
- Specialty: “From section eights to great estates” – no residential property too small or large.
- Area Served: Primarily Norfolk & Suffolk; also Plymouth, Bristol, Middlesex counties.
- Client Commitment: 7-day/week availability, backed by expert market research for targeted results.
- Value: Decades of diverse sales provide invaluable situational awareness for clients.
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