A Loot at The Year to Date and What's to Come

by Matt Thomas

The Summer of Opportunity

Answering the age old question of "is now the right time to buy?" NAR (National Association of Realtors) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says the summer market may offer opportunity — especially while inventory is up and buyers have room to negotiate.

“For those who are able, it may be an opportune time to get into the market, while the inventory is plentiful and buyers can negotiate for lower prices.”

Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist

So is it a Buyers' Market? Technically, no. In practice, it certainly may be. Many in the real estate industry are seeing signs that point to the shared characteristics of today's market with those of an actual buyers' market. The difference between a buyers and sellers markets has to do with how many months of inventory are available at any given time. That number, the experts have determined, is six months. Currently there are just over 14 weeks of inventory accounting for the current rate of absorption (rate at which homes are being purchased by the current pool of buyers).

First Half of 2025

192 of 365 days are now behind us in 2025. Can you believe it? And why are we always surprised by the passage of time?

Time slips by faster than we expect—not because the clock’s speeding up, but because of how our brains process it. Things like age, how engaged we are, and the emotions tied to our experiences all play a part.

But, if this really is the “summer of opportunity,” when it comes to real estate perhaps more should be jumping in—and I get it. We’re hit with noise all day, every day from hundreds of sources. When it comes to real estate, the headlines rarely reflect what’s actually happening. They’re more interested in stirring emotion than reporting facts. And let’s be honest—bad news sells.

For those in the right position, 2025’s market is full of opportunity—but too few people are asking the right questions. Affordability is tough, no doubt. But there are tools out there to help ease the sting, lower costs, and make it work. Seriously—yes, emphatically.

So what’s the harm in having a conversation? Reach out. Learn what lenders are offering. Ask how builders are locking in 30-year fixed rates in the 4s or 5s. Find out what a seller might actually take for that home you've been cyberstalking, instead of just guessing.

Mid-Year Metrics

Inventory is climbing: With over 14,000 active listings, we’re seeing the most available homes on the market since 2011.
Home prices holding: The median price for single-family homes is around $660,000 — up 2.7% from last year.
Buyers gaining ground: More than half of homes are now selling below asking price.
Homes are taking longer to move: Active listings are sitting for about 45 days, while sold homes are going under contract in just 16.
Condos and townhomes are trending down: Unlike single-family homes, attached property prices are slipping

Year-Over-Year Insights

In May 2025, the market softened a bit—fewer closings and more homes for sale. Closed listings were down 5%, but homes going under contract jumped 12%, so buyers are still active. Inventory keeps growing: new listings were up 4%, and active listings rose 38% year-over-year, giving buyers more to choose from.

Prices held steady overall. Single-family homes ticked up 2%, while attached homes dipped 2%. Over half of all sales (54%) were in the $400K–$700K range, and 14% sold over $1M.

Homes are taking longer to sell—median days on market hit 14, up from 9 last year. The close-to-list ratio slipped from 100% to 98.9%. Bottom line: more inventory means more leverage for buyers, but well-priced homes still move fast.

Second Half of 2025

Looking ahead, both buyers and sellers will need to approach the market with strategy and flexibility. Sellers must focus on realistic pricing, strong staging, and compelling marketing to attract today’s more cautious buyers. Patience will be crucial, as the days of bidding wars and rapid sales have largely passed. For buyers, opportunities for negotiation will likely persist, especially with continued high inventory levels and shifting affordability dynamics. However, well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods may still move quickly, meaning timing and preparation remain essential for both sides.

Source: DMAR Market Trends Committee commentary, June 2025.

Mortgage Minute

Indications that Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve may be on his way out which conceivably could spell good news for interest rates, housing, and the economy.

Here's a statement by the Chairman of the Board of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, William J. Pulte, on the Federal Reserve Chairman:

"I'm encouraged by the reports that Jerome Powell is considering retiring. I think this will be the right direction for America, and the economy will boom.

BOTTOM LINE

While each market offers opportunity to some, when we look back, this one's identifying characteristic might be that simply not enough people are aware of the advantages that exist. So why not just ask the questions you already have in your mind. We're listening…

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Matt Thomas

Consultant | Broker Associate | FAFA100030130

info@altituderealestategroup.com

+1(303) 269-1617