Published September 7, 2025

What Exactly is a Buyer's Market?

Written by Jan Lee

What Exactly is a Buyer's Market? header image.

In 2016, the Atkins family offered $5,000 below asking on a home. The seller declined, expecting a better offer. By the next day, we were under contract elsewhere. The original seller called back, but it was too late.

That experience stuck with me because it shows what a buyer’s market is like. We’re seeing similar situations in today’s market, too.

What a Buyer’s Market Really Means

A buyer’s market is when there are more homes available than buyers ready to buy. As a result, homes stay on the market, sellers become more eager to close, and buyers find themselves in a stronger position to negotiate better terms.

Why Buyers Should Care

In a buyer’s market, you have opportunities that don’t exist in every season:

Sellers are offering thousands of dollars in incentives and concessions, such as home warranties, repair credits, and builder giveaways.
- Pro Tip: Use an online mortgage calculator to estimate your potential savings.
Buyers have more options to choose from, giving you greater freedom to compare, negotiate, and make an informed decision.
- Pro Tip: Take a look at the homes available and see what catches your eye. You will notice that you have a wide range of options to choose from.
This kind of opportunity may not come again until the next market cycle, but we don’t exactly know when the shift will happen.
(“Sellers outnumber prospective homebuyers as high prices and mortgage rates skew the housing market,” 2025) ("Housing crystal ball", 2025)
- Pro Tip: Consult with a local real estate professional to gain insight into your market. Being prepared will help keep your conversation focused on your needs.

The Data Behind Today’s Market

I was reading Shift by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan, and Dave Jenkins this morning, and here’s what I noted:

Buyer’s Market: 7+ months of inventory
Balanced Market: 5–7 months of inventory
Seller’s Market: Less than 5 months

UnlockMLS reports the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos area currently has 5.9 months of housing inventory as of September 2024. This means that, if homes continue to sell at the same rate and no new homes are listed, it would take 5.9 months to sell all current homes on the market.

("September 2024 Central Texas Housing Market Report", 2024)

Why This Moment Matters

A buyer’s market isn’t just about numbers. It’s about having the leverage to negotiate, get great incentives, and move forward with confidence.

But here's the truth: you never know when the market will turn again. If you've found the home you love, take action. Opportunities don't wait forever, and the last thing you want is to miss the home that could have been yours.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

As someone who knows our local market, I can tell you there are plenty of homes for sale, sellers are motivated, and buyers like you have the advantage.

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, or looking for your forever place, I’m here to give you the advice and support you need to make things easier and more rewarding. With the right plan, you’ll feel good about your next steps.

Call or text me today to take advantage of today's opportunities with a personalized plan.

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