This quarter has brought a notable shift in the national real estate landscape: for the first time since 2013, sellers outnumbered buyers by 57.9%. That’s 1.53 million sellers and 972,300 buyers across the U.S. This change was fueled by a 3.9% month-over-month rise in new listings—the largest monthly jump recorded by one major portal—while the number of buyers barely budged (up just 0.1%).
For active buyers, this translated into more negotiating power: three out of five homes sold below their original list price, and inventory reached its highest point since 2020. Yet, even with these advantages, affordability remains a challenge. Mortgage rates for a 30-year loan are still in the high-6% range, and the national median sale price is up 2.2% year over year. Although more owners are entering the market as the early mortgage lock-in effect lessens, overall demand remains muted, with existing-home sales dipping 2% to a 3.98 million annual pace.
In my experience working with buyers and sellers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, these national figures echo what I’m seeing locally: more inventory means opportunities for buyers to negotiate, but tight affordability continues to shape every conversation. If you’re weighing your next move, understanding these shifts can help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions.
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