- Current Market Snapshot
In April 2025, the U.S. real estate market recorded approximately 1.9 million home sellers vs. 1.5 million buyers—a gap of nearly 500,000, the widest imbalance since data tracking began in 2013.
This represents a 33.7% surplus of sellers over buyers, a dramatic reversal from recent years when buyers outnumbered sellers.
- Why It’s a Buyer’s Market (If You Can Afford It)
The significant bump in housing inventory—with more sellers than buyers—is shifting leverage toward buyers, at least theoretically.
However, high home prices and elevated mortgage rates continue to suppress affordability, even in areas with favorable buyer conditions.
- Real-World Experience Highlights the Paradox
A buyer in Dallas shared that despite the market shift, competition remains fierce. With a $700,000 budget, the search took nearly a year. Offers exceeded the asking—he paid $671,000 for a $660,000 listing and secured a seller-financed mortgage at 6.24%.
In Dallas specifically, the imbalance was even starker—90% more sellers than buyers, yet demand remains strong.
- Affordability Continues to Restrict Buyers
Although market conditions favor buyers in theory, many Americans remain excluded:
Median home prices have risen sharply—outpacing income and inflation.
Many potential buyers—especially first-timers—are priced out or wary of taking on higher mortgage costs.
- What Lies Ahead
Historically, when sellers significantly outnumber buyers, home prices tend to decline. Redfin projects a 1% drop in prices by year-end.
However, the impact will vary by region: some metro areas are already seeing price dips, while others remain resistant due to local demand dynamics and cost pressures.