We’re seeing a subtle yet meaningful shift in the housing market: new listings in the US have increased by 0.4%, and the total number of homes for sale has ticked up by 0.5%. Both metrics are now at their highest levels since late Q1 and mid Q2, respectively. However, pending home sales have dropped by 1.1%, hitting a six-month low as buyers navigate median prices above $400,000 nationwide. Financing costs remain in the mid-6% range, only slightly off recent highs, prompting some would-be buyers to pause—either watching economic developments or waiting for more favorable mortgage rates.
With inventory quietly building and demand a touch softer, buyers willing to act now may find increased negotiating power—whether that means price adjustments, concessions, rate buydowns, or repairs, especially on homes that have been on the market longer. Having worked across international finance and now guiding clients through the intricacies of residential real estate, I find these nuanced market moments often provide unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Sellers who price thoughtfully from the outset tend to see the best results, especially before activity could pick up again later in late Q3.

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