5 Reasons Homebuyers Are Finally Catching a Break

Thinking About Buying Again? The Market Might Be on Your Side This Time

Let’s be real—buying a home over the last few years has been a lot. Between bidding wars, sky-high prices, and waving every contingency just to get noticed, it hasn’t exactly felt like a buyer-friendly experience.

But things are finally starting to shift.

We’re not quite in a full-blown buyer’s market yet, but inventory is up, competition is down, and sellers (and even builders!) are doing more to attract serious buyers.

If you've been waiting for the right time to jump back in—or start your search for the first time—here are five signs that things are finally moving in your favor:

1. Sellers Are Willing to Work With You

Remember when it felt like sellers had all the power? Now, many are offering real help—like paying closing costs, offering money for repairs, or even buying down your interest rate.

In early 2025, 44% of sellers offered some kind of concession, according to Redfin. That’s near record levels. The market is shifting, and buyers like you are gaining the upper hand.

2. Down Payments Are Getting More Manageable

Good news—down payments are trending down. The typical down payment dropped for the first time in nearly two years, and more buyers are using FHA and VA loans with lower requirements.

Whether you're buying your first home or making a move-up, this shift makes it a little easier to step into homeownership.

3. Builders Are Offering Deals (And Then Some)

If new construction is on your wishlist, this could be your moment. Builders are lowering prices and offering upgrades or interest rate incentives to sweeten the deal.

With inventory rising and confidence dipping, many are more open to negotiation than they’ve been in years.

4. You’ll Have More Homes to Choose From

The days of refreshing your search only to see the same three listings are fading. Inventory is up 31.5% compared to last year, the highest level since 2019.

That means more options, less pressure, and more time to find a home you actually love.

5. Investors Are Quieting Down

Investor activity is slowing, and many are actually offloading properties—especially at lower price points. That means fewer all-cash offers to compete with and more opportunity for everyday buyers to get a great home.

So… Is It Time to Start Looking Again?

It might be.

No market is ever perfect, but buyers are finally seeing more flexibility, more listings, and more ways to make homeownership work.

If you’ve been thinking about it—or you’re just curious what’s out there—we’d love to chat. We know this market inside and out and can help you navigate it with confidence.

Let’s grab coffee soon and make a plan that fits your goals. Your next chapter might be just around the corner. 💛

— The Zoeller Team