Key takeaways:
- It’s a good time to sell your house if you price correctly and are open to negotiation.
- There are far more sellers than buyers in the market, tipping the scales toward buyers – but sellers can still get competitive offers in hot markets.
- Selling now could help you avoid potential price swings if the economy moves toward recession or inflation.
- Consider holding off if you want top dollar or recently refinanced.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re not alone. But with today’s record housing costs keeping everyone on the sidelines, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time.
The typical monthly housing payment has surpassed $2,900, and house prices have risen for 23-straight months. These costs froze the Spring homebuying season. On top of that, President Trump’s tariffs – while in limbo – have rattled the economy, further weakening demand.
The result is a housing market with far more listings than buyers, which is affecting markets nationwide. So, what does this all mean for home sellers? Let’s dive into the data to help you decide if you should sell your house now or wait.
>> Read: How to Sell Your House in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
What sellers need to know about the housing market
Here are some market trends to keep an eye on before finding an agent and listing your home for sale.
Buyers are in charge, mostly
“Home sellers should prepare for a buyer’s market,” said Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist. “Rising inventory has given buyers more options, but record housing costs have made them wary. Those willing to brave today’s wild market are prepared to lead negotiations and pay a fair price.”
There are nearly 500,000 more sellers than buyers today, so homeowners need to be flexible and realistic about pricing if they want to stay competitive – including offering concessions.
That said, trends vary widely across the country. In the Midwest, there aren’t enough homes for sale to meet demand, so sellers in cities like Milwaukee and Detroit may see bidding wars and quick sales. On the flip side, most Sun Belt cities now favor buyers, as homeowners look to escape worsening climate risks and climbing insurance costs.
Here are the top states where buyers have the upper hand, according to days on market. As a rule of thumb, the fewer days a house spends on the market, the more demand there likely is.
The economy is volatile
House prices and mortgage rates remain elevated. Plus, economists are concerned that inflation could rise further due to President Trump’s shifting policies on trade.
“Unless the new tariffs are entirely eliminated, inflation doesn’t increase, or the country falls into a severe recession, mortgage rates are unlikely to fall,” said Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at Redfin. “With housing costs at all-time highs, homebuyers are dealing with a prolonged period of record-low affordability.”
This unpredictable economy has kept buyers on the sidelines and allowed inventory to build up. In fact, Redfin found that the discrepancy between inventory and buyer demand will push house prices down by the end of the year. Sellers have begun to hold off now, too.
In these uncertain times, it’s essential to talk with your agent to decide if now is a good time to sell.
>> Read: How to Buy, Sell or Rent a Home Amid Economic Uncertainty
When is it usually a good time to sell your house?
Spring is generally the best time to sell, when buyers are most likely to be active. However, market trends and personal considerations matter the most.
In today’s market, sellers should be prepared for lower demand, plan ahead for their next home, and be realistic about pricing.
Here are some general rules for sellers to follow to decide if it’s a good time to sell.
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If housing supply is low
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Fewer homes on the market can push prices up and lead to faster sales. That’s the case in many metros today, especially in the Midwest and East Coast, where demand outpaces supply.
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If mortgage rates drop
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Falling mortgage rates can spark a surge in demand. More buyers in the market often means stronger offers and possible bidding wars – good news for sellers.
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If you need to sell
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Sometimes, life necessitates that you sell. Maybe your family is growing, you need to relocate for work, or want to be closer to family. In these cases, it may not matter if it’s an objectively “good” time to sell.
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>> Read: How to Sell Your House Fast – and for More Money
When is it typically a bad time to sell your house?
You may have no choice but to sell your house, but when these trends are at play, you’re less likely to sell quickly or above market value.
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If mortgage rates are high
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Higher mortgage rates effectively shrink buyers’ budgets, meaning they get less house for the same amount of money. This often means fewer, lower offers. If you can’t command the price you want, it may be worth waiting to sell.
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If you’ve recently refinanced
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Selling soon after refinancing could wipe out any savings you gained from a lower rate, especially once you factor in closing costs and fees. Many sellers today are “locked in” to a pre-pandemic rate and see no reason to give it up.
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If your home needs work
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A home that needs some love can be harder to sell and may attract lower offers. If you have major repairs on your to-do list, consider tackling them before listing.
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>> Read: 7 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
So, should you sell your house now?
If you’re financially ready, know your next move, and have a great agent, now may be a good time to sell a house.
However, housing costs are in record territory, and the economy is turbulent. Plus, with more supply, many buyers are holding out for a good deal, meaning sellers generally don’t have the negotiating power they’re used to. You may need to offer incentives to attract serious offers.
Home sellers should connect with an agent, price competitively, and be open to concessions. Selling with Redfin gives you options to reduce your listing fee, get top-tier marketing and pre-listing help, and access to the best agents. Qualified Redfin customers can also unlock Rocket Preferred Pricing, a new program that helps you save when you buy with Redfin and finance through Rocket Mortgage.
There are always good reasons to sell your house – whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or hoping to cash in on your home’s equity. You may also simply need to move. There isn’t a right answer for everyone, but in today’s unpredictable market, timing and strategy matter more than ever.