Lately, we’re seeing a shift: more homes are coming onto the market nationwide, even as buyer demand cools a bit. Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US ticked up by 0.4% and total homes for sale rose 0.5%—the highest inventory we’ve seen since early Q2. Yet, pending home sales slipped 1.1% to a six-month low, with many buyers pausing due to high housing costs, despite more options becoming available. The median home-sale price has climbed 1.9% year-over-year to over $400K, and average mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, a level we haven’t seen in 13 months.
For those actively searching, this environment brings some real opportunity: increased inventory and softer demand mean more room for negotiation—whether you’re seeking a price cut or seller concessions. If a home’s been on the market for a few weeks, you might find even more leverage. On the flip side, sellers who price realistically (rather than chasing the highs of past years) are seeing the best results.
As someone who’s guided hundreds of Bay Area homeowners through transitions—especially those 55+ considering big moves or buyers aiming to win in changing conditions—I always keep an eye on these trends. If you’re thinking about your next move, let’s talk about how today’s market might work to your advantage.
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