5 Reasons Homebuyers Are Finally Catching a Break

Let’s be honest—buying a home hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park these past few years.

High prices, tough competition, and “maybe next time” bidding wars made it feel impossible.

But things are starting to change.

We’re not in a full buyer’s market yet, but inventory is growing, competition is cooling, and both sellers and builders are stepping up to win over serious buyers.

Here are 5 signs the market is shifting—and why it might be a smart time to start (or restart) your home search:

1️⃣ Sellers Are Offering Perks Again

Remember when sellers expected you to waive everything just to maybe get a house? That’s changing.

In early 2025, 44% of sellers offered concessions—things like paying closing costs, lowering mortgage rates, or giving cash for repairs (Redfin). That’s nearly a record high.

Why? There’s more competition for sellers, which means more power for buyers.

👉 Tip: If you’re thinking of making an offer, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got room to negotiate.

2️⃣ Down Payments Are Dropping 📉

For the first time in a couple years, down payments are shrinking.

Redfin says the average down payment fell by about 1% year over year, now sitting at 15% (roughly $62,468). More buyers are using FHA or VA loans with lower requirements, and many are choosing homes that better fit their budget.

👉 Good news for first-time buyers: homeownership just got a little more reachable.

3️⃣ Builders Are Slashing Prices 🔨

Looking at new homes? You might have more leverage than you think.

In June, 37% of builders reported price cuts—the highest since 2022. Another 62% are offering bonuses like interest rate buydowns or upgrades (NAHB).

With confidence down and inventory stacking up, builders are much more open to negotiating—especially if you’re ready to close.

4️⃣ More Homes = More Options 🏘️

Inventory is climbing again—for real this time.

Realtor.com reports over 1 million active listings, up 31.5% from last year. That’s the most we’ve seen since 2019.

More homes on the market means less competition, more choices, and better deals. The market’s not back to pre-2020 levels yet, but it’s moving in the right direction.

👉 If you’ve been waiting for more variety, it might already be here.

5️⃣ Investors Are Selling—Not Buying 💸

Investors used to snatch up homes fast, but now? They’re starting to sell.

In 2024, 10.8% of all homes sold were owned by investors—the highest ever tracked (Realtor.com). Rising costs and lower rent profits mean more investor-owned homes are hitting the market.

And many of these homes are in affordable price ranges, perfect for first-time buyers.

👉 Less competition from investors = more chances for everyday buyers to get in.

✅ Final Thoughts: This Could Be Your Moment

It’s not a perfect market—but for the first time in a long time, buyers have options.

If you put your home search on hold, this might be the right time to jump back in.

💬 Curious what’s happening in your neighborhood or price range? Let’s chat. I’ll give you a quick update and help you figure out if now’s the time to move forward.