House Hunting Is Finally Getting Easier—Here’s What’s Changing
House Hunting Is Finally Getting Easier—Here’s What’s Changing
Let’s be honest: looking for a home over the past couple of years has been… a lot. Low inventory, rising interest rates, and fast-moving listings made it tough for buyers to catch a break. But if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now might be the time to lace up your home-search shoes again—because the market is starting to shift in your favor.
According to Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin:
“Now is the best time to buy in the last two years. Mortgage rates are comparable to what they were two years ago, and prices remain high. However, there is significantly more inventory…”
So, what’s behind this positive turn—and how can it help you finally find the right home?
Let’s break it down.
Inventory Is Growing—and That’s a Big Deal
One of the biggest challenges for buyers in recent years has been the lack of homes for sale. It’s not just that prices were high (they still are); it’s that there weren’t enough homes to go around. But that’s starting to change.
The number of homes for sale is trending up, giving buyers more opportunities and fewer bidding wars. Take a look at the graph below—new listings (homes just hitting the market) have been rising month over month.
That steady climb is a clear signal: sellers are re-entering the market.
Why now? Several reasons:
- Mortgage rate stability: While rates remain higher than pre-2020 levels, they’ve leveled out enough to give sellers more confidence.
- Life changes don’t wait: Many homeowners who delayed moves due to rate or market uncertainty are finally moving forward—whether it’s for a growing household, a job relocation, or a lifestyle shift.
- Spring is always a hot season for real estate: It’s when the weather warms up and so does buyer demand. Sellers know this is one of the best times to list.
Listings Are Up Year Over Year, Too
It’s not just a seasonal surge—this year’s listing activity is stronger than what we’ve seen in a while.
Realtor.com reports that new listings in March were 10.2% higher than the same time last year, making it the most active March for new inventory since 2021.
That matters because more inventory means more choice and less competition. Instead of scrambling to make an offer within hours, buyers are gaining a little breathing room—more time to think, more room to negotiate, and a better shot at finding a home that checks the boxes.
Why This Matters for You as a Buyer
Let’s connect the dots:
- More homes for sale = more chances to find the right one.
- More sellers entering the market = more diverse options at different price points.
- A more balanced market = potentially less pressure and better conditions for negotiation.
This doesn’t mean it’s suddenly a buyer’s market—but it does mean the intense seller’s market of the past few years is softening. That’s great news if you’ve been feeling discouraged.
How to Take Advantage of Today’s Market
If you’re ready to jump back into the market—or start fresh for the first time—here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Get pre-approved: This gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re serious.
- Know what you want: Create a list of your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
- Work with a local expert: A knowledgeable mortgage or real estate expert can help you navigate the latest listings, spot good opportunities, and act quickly when it matters.
The Bottom Line
There’s no such thing as a perfect time to buy—but there are better windows of opportunity. And right now, we’re in one of them. With more homes hitting the market and buyer conditions improving, your next home could be just around the corner.
Ready to dive back into your home search? Think about what’s most important to you—location, size, school district, amenities—and start exploring your options with a trusted local guide by your side.
