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There’s a major split happening in today’s housing market—and it’s not something you can ignore. In some parts of the country, buyers are finally getting the upper hand. In others, sellers are still calling the shots. So what’s behind this divide? It all comes down to inventory, prices, and speed of sales. Let’s break it down in plain English.

Inventory Changes Everything

Think of housing inventory like seats at a concert. If there are only a handful of tickets available, fans will pay a premium to get in. But if the arena opens more sections, suddenly, people have options—and sellers (in this case, the venue) can’t charge sky-high prices anymore.

That’s exactly what’s happening in real estate. In some states, we’re seeing a huge bump in homes for sale. Buyers there have more to pick from and can actually negotiate. In other states, inventory is still tight, meaning sellers don’t have to give much away because homes are moving quickly.

This map, based on Realtor.com data, highlights the differences across the country.

 Darker blue areas show where inventory has grown the most, giving buyers more options and stronger negotiating power. 

Lighter blue areas reflect tighter inventory, where sellers can sell faster and with fewer concessions.

Prices Are Following the Same Pattern

It’s no surprise—where inventory is up, prices are cooling down.

 In those darker-blue states on the map, sellers are realizing they may need to lower asking prices or throw in sweet perks to seal the deal. That’s music to a buyer’s ears.

On the flip side, in lighter-blue states where inventory is scarce, prices are still creeping higher. Sellers in those areas can still expect multiple offers and strong demand.

How Fast Homes Are Selling Tells the Same Story

Another clue? Days on market. In areas with more inventory, homes are sitting longer. That’s a clear advantage for buyers—they have time to think, shop around, and negotiate.

But in places where listings disappear in a matter of days, sellers are still very much in control. Buyers in those markets need to act fast and come in strong.

In general, when inventory increases, homes tend to stay on the market longer. That’s why areas with more listings are also seeing slower sales.

 The darker blue states highlight where homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more time and flexibility while signaling that sellers may need to adjust expectations. 

The lighter blue states, on the other hand, show markets where homes are still moving quickly—keeping sellers confident and pushing buyers to act fast.

So… Who Really Has the Advantage?

Here’s the truth: it depends entirely on where you live. Even within the same state, different neighborhoods can tell totally different stories. That’s why leaning on a local expert matters more than ever. Data and national trends are helpful, but they don’t tell you what’s happening in your zip code—or even your block.

Why This Matters for Real Estate Agents

If you’re an agent, this split is actually an opportunity. Buyers and sellers are both looking for clarity in a confusing market, and they’re counting on you to guide them. Sellers want to know how to stand out if homes are sitting longer. Buyers want someone who can help them spot deals when inventory rises.

This is where agents with sharp local knowledge—and the right tools—can really shine.

The Bottom Line

The housing market isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore. Some buyers are gaining leverage, while some sellers are still in the driver’s seat. Your clients need an expert who can interpret what’s really happening locally—and that’s where you come in.

📲 Call or text us today at 855-935-MORE to take your real estate career further.