If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next. Sometimes it only took hours. You had to drop everything to go and see the house, and if you hesitated even slightly, someone else swooped in and bought it – sometimes even sight unseen.

That kind of intensity pushed a lot of buyers to the sidelines. It was stressful, chaotic, and for many, really discouraging.

But here’s what you need to know: those days are behind us.

Today’s market is moving slower, in the best possible way. And that’s creating more opportunity for buyers who felt shut out in recent years.

The Stat That Changes Everything

According to the latest data, homes are spending an average of 58 days on the market. That’s much more normal. And it’s a big improvement compared to the height of the pandemic, when homes were flying off the shelves in a matter of days (see graph below):

That means you now have more time to make decisions than you have at any point in the past five years. And that’s a big deal. Now, you’ve got:

Time to think.

Time to negotiate.

Time to make a smart move without all the pressure.

More Time Means Less Stress (and More Leverage)

Based on the data in the graph above, you have an extra week to decide compared to last year. And nearly double the time you would have had at the market’s peak.

Back then, fear of missing out drove buyers to act fast, sometimes too fast. Today, the pace is slower, which means you’re in control. As Bankrate puts it:

“For years, buyers have been racing to snag homes because of the fierce competition. But the market’s cooled off a bit now, and that gives buyers some breathing room. Homes are staying listed longer, so buyers can slow down, weigh their options and make more confident decisions.”

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers racing to grab them, the balance has shifted. Bidding wars aren’t as common, and that means you may have room to negotiate. And you can actually take a breath before you make your decision.

More listings + a slower pace = less stress and more opportunity

But, and this is important, it still depends on where you’re buying. Nationally, homes are moving slower. But your local market sets your real pace. Some states are moving faster than others. It may even vary down to the specific zip code or neighborhood you’re looking at. And that’s why working with an agent to know what’s happening in your area is more important than ever. 

To see how your state compares to the national average (58 days), check out the map below:

As Realtor.com explains:

“While national headlines might suggest a buyer’s market is taking hold, the reality on the ground depends heavily on where and what you’re trying to buy. Local trends can diverge sharply from national averages, especially when you factor in price range, property type, and post-pandemic market dynamics.”

A smart local agent can tell you exactly when to move fast and when you can take your time, so you never miss the right home for you.

Bottom Line

If the chaos of the past few years drove you to hit pause, this is your green light. The market’s pace has shifted. You have more time. More options. More power.

And with the right agent guiding you, you’re in the best position you’ve been in for years.

Connect with a local agent to talk about what the pace looks like in your area, and if now could be the right time for you to re-enter the market.

Not every homebuyer wants the biggest house on the block. Some want something simpler, more affordable, and easier to maintain, especially in a market where every dollar counts. That’s where condos come in.

For first-time buyers, they can be a smart way to get into homeownership without stretching your budget. For downsizers, they offer less space to maintain with the flexibility to stay in a great location.

And right now, condos are one of the most buyer-friendly parts of the market.

Condo Inventory Is Up, And That Means More Choice

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there are 194,000 condos for sale right now. That’s the second highest amount we’ve seen in the last three years (see graph below):

Just remember, this is the national figure. The exact number is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. But, generally speaking, you have more options and less competition.

You’re not stuck waiting for something to pop up or rushing into an offer just to beat someone else to it. You’ve got plenty to choose from. And if you’re particular about layout, location, or amenities, this is your chance to be selective.

That’s a big shift from the market frenzy of just a few years ago. Compared to early 2022, we’ve got nearly double the condos available now. That gives you more breathing room to find the right fit.

Prices Are Cooling, and Buyers Hold More Negotiating Power

And since there are more for sale, many sellers are more open to negotiating right now. So, you may be able to get a better price. As Redfin explains:

“. . . condo buyers in many cities may be able to find sellers who are willing to give concessions and/or sell for less than their asking price.”

Condo prices are starting to ease in many markets. According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), condo prices dipped 1.3% in June compared to last year. And over half of the top 100 U.S. metros saw condo prices drop slightly year-over-year.

Data from Redfin shows what the recent dip in prices looks like (see graph below):

That doesn’t just help with affordability, it also shifts the power dynamic. Condo buyers in many markets are now in a position to negotiate on price and ask for concessions, like help with closing costs.

Bottom Line

Condos aren’t just a fallback option. In today’s market, they’re one of the most strategic ways to buy. With more options, softening prices, and more room to negotiate, now could be the right time to make your move.

Could a condo check more boxes than you expected? Talk through your options with a local real estate agent and find out.

Some Highlights

• Prices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes.
• There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people who buy new homes tend to get lower rates in this market thanks to the incentives builders can offer.
• Connect with an agent if you want to see the new builds available in and around your area.