But if you do decide to go for it, whether you’re buying or selling, here’s something reassuring to hold onto. Not only does your move change your own life, but it also gives your whole community a boost.

Real estate is a huge part of the economy. In 2025, it added up to about $5.6 trillion, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A good share of that comes from everyday people buying and selling homes, just like you.

Your Move Puts Real Money Into the Local Economy

Every sale sends money flowing through your area. NAR data shows that buying an existing home (one that’s already been lived in) adds about $64,000 to the local economy. Buy a newly built home, and that number climbs to more than $134,000 (see graph below):

In communities like Chicago and throughout Chicagoland, every home sale supports a network of experienced real estate professionals, including real estate agents, lenders, inspectors, title companies, contractors, movers, landscapers, and small businesses.

Over half of that comes from the work of building the home itself. The rest flows to real estate services, like agent and lender fees, plus what you spend settling in afterward, on things like furniture and remodeling.

And the money doesn’t stop there. As local businesses earn it, they spend it again in your area, so a single sale ripples further than the sale price alone.

One Sale Keeps a Lot of People Working

Behind every sale is a whole network of people doing their jobs. Contractors, lenders, inspectors, movers, and more. When you buy or sell, you help keep them busy. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, puts it this way:

“Increased home sales mean more economic activity — lawn care, furniture purchases, moving services, mortgage originations and other related business activities all get a boost.”

So, your move supports your neighbors’ livelihoods, too. The deal that gets you into your next home also helps a local crew make payroll. In a year when every paycheck counts, that’s no small thing.

Your Local Impact May Be Even Bigger

What your move financially adds to your community depends a lot on where you live. To help you see how it can vary, here’s a look at the impact of a typical newly built home sale by state.

The national average for a newly built home is about $134,000, but some states see far more (see map below):

In California, a single sale adds more than $300,000 to the local economy. In Hawaii, it’s over $350,000. Even in the most affordable states, the number lands in the tens of thousands.

Want to know how buying or selling a home could impact your local community? An experienced local real estate professional can help you understand what those numbers look like where you live.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your current property, or simply exploring your options, understanding your local market is key. An experienced Chicago real estate professional can help you navigate current market conditions, answer your questions, and create a strategy that fits your goals.

If you’re planning a move in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

• Buying or selling a home supports your local economy.
• Every home sale helps create jobs for dozens of local professionals.
• Real estate contributes trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year.
• The economic impact of a home sale varies by location but benefits communities nationwide.
• Working with a local real estate expert helps you make informed decisions.

The post How Buying or Selling a Home Supports Your Local Community appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

The biggest reason behind these differences isn’t mortgage rates alone. It’s housing inventory. Understanding how inventory affects home prices can help buyers and sellers make more informed real estate decisions in today’s market.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, understanding how inventory affects home prices can help you make better real estate decisions. If you’re planning a move in Chicago or another housing market, knowing what’s happening locally matters even more.

Why Housing Inventory Has the Biggest Impact on Home Prices

Here’s the simple version:

1. When there are more homes for sale, buyers have options.
2. More options means less competition.
3. Less competition means sellers can’t push prices as high.

On the flip side, when inventory is tight, buyers are competing over a small pool of homes, and that pushes prices up.

That dynamic is playing out right now in a really visible way across the country.

Markets where inventory has climbed back to, or above, normal pre-pandemic levels are seeing prices flatten or fall slightly. Markets where inventory is still well below those 2019 benchmarks are still seeing prices rise.

As Lance Lambert, CEO of ResiClub, puts it:

“Home prices are still climbing a little year-over-year in many regions where active inventory remains well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, such as pockets of the Northeast and Midwest.

In contrast, some pockets in states like Texas, Florida, and Colorado — where active inventory exceeds pre-pandemic 2019 levels by a solid clip — are seeing modest home price pullbacks or flat pricing.”

How Inventory Levels Affect Home Prices Across the Country

Take a look at where inventory stands today compared to 2019.

In most places (“the states in gray below”), inventory still falls short of where we were back then. And that’s exactly why prices are climbing, albeit moderately, in the vast majority of states.

But you’re probably more interested in where prices are falling a bit, since that’s what is making headlines. So, let’s prove out how much inventory affects prices in those spots.

According to Realtor.com, 15 states and Washington, D.C. are now back above pre-pandemic inventory levels, and some by a wide margin (see the orange in the map below):

Now, let’s look at the latest Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data to see what’s happened to home prices in those same states over the past year (again, you’ll want to focus on the orange in the next map).

See how those line up pretty closely with the areas seeing more homes for sale today?

The overlap isn’t a coincidence. It’s cause and effect.

Chicago generally follows the same pattern. While some neighborhoods continue to have limited housing inventory and stronger price growth, others are seeing more listings and a more balanced market. That’s why understanding your local market is just as important as following national housing trends.

The national average of 1.7% price growth is accurate, but it’s an average of two very different stories happening at the same time – the few areas experiencing mild declines and the overwhelming majority that are still seeing prices rise.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers

If you’re a buyer, the market you’re shopping in matters a lot right now. In places like Texas, Colorado, or Florida, you may have real negotiating power – more choices, less competition, and sellers who are more motivated to make a deal.

In tighter markets like much of the Northeast, you’re still likely facing a lot of competition.

For Sellers

If you’re a seller, pricing strategy is everything. In markets where inventory has risen, overpricing is one of the fastest ways to linger on the market and eventually sell for less than you would have with the right price from day one.

In markets where inventory is still low, you’re in a strong spot, but getting your price right still matters if you want to attract serious buyers quickly.

Either way, that’s where a local real estate agent earns their keep.

What This Means for Your Local Housing Market

National housing trends provide valuable insights, but every local market is different. Home prices can vary significantly from one city or neighborhood to another based on inventory, buyer demand, and local market conditions.

Whether you’re buying your first home, preparing to sell, or simply wondering what today’s home prices mean for your neighborhood, working with a knowledgeable local real estate professional can help you make confident decisions.

While national housing trends provide helpful insights, your local market matters most. Whether you’re buying or selling in Chicago or another community, understanding local conditions can help you make more confident real estate decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Housing inventory is one of the biggest factors affecting home prices today.
• Markets with more homes for sale often experience slower price growth.
• Areas with limited inventory continue seeing stronger home price appreciation.
• National housing trends don’t always reflect local market conditions.
• Working with a local real estate professional helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

The post The 1 Factor That Explains Everything Happening with Home Prices Right Now appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

The good news is that an unsold home doesn’t mean your property can’t sell. In many cases, homes stay on the market because of factors like pricing, marketing, presentation, or changing buyer expectations—not because there’s no demand.

If your house didn’t sell, now is the time to step back, identify what held it back, and create a better strategy. Understanding why your listing didn’t attract the right buyers can help you relist with confidence, reach more qualified buyers, and improve your chances of a successful sale.

When your house doesn’t sell, it’s not just disappointing. It messes with your timing. Your plans. Your confidence. You start second-guessing everything, including the decision to move in the first place. And that raises 2 big questions:

Do you try again?

Is that even worth it?

Here’s the secret to getting a better outcome the second time around.

A Fresh Approach Can Make the Difference

Most sellers who re-list and ultimately sell don’t wait for market to magically change. They change their approach. And there’s data to back that up.

Research from REDX shows homeowners who put their house back on the market with a different agent are more likely to sell than homeowners who re-used the same agent. Not to mention, they see their homes sell faster (see graph below):

That’s the power of a fresh set of eyes. Because in a moment like this, the worst thing you can do is rerun the same set of plays and expect a different outcome. A different agent can bring a new perspective on where things went off track – and a lot of the time, one of these things happened.

1. The Asking Price Didn’t Match Buyer Reality

There’s a saying that’s especially important in today’s market, and it’s: “if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.” Maybe that’s what happened with your house.

With mortgage rates where they are and inflation driving up the cost of everyday purchases, buyers have less room to stretch. If they feel like your house is priced even a little high, it’s going to get skipped over. And if no one looks at it, it’s not going to sell.

The Fix: Price to draw buyers in, not push them away. Have an agent pull fresh data from recent sales so your asking price matches what buyers are actually paying right now.

2. The First Impression Didn’t Win the Click

Most buyers decide whether they want to tour a home in seconds. If the photos look dark, or dated, they scroll right past. And while you may think: “If they just saw it in person, they’d get it,” you may not get that chance.

And honestly, even in person, small things can quietly kill momentum – worn down paint, outdated fixtures, clutter, or a yard that feels high-maintenance. Individually, they’re small. Stacked together, they create doubt.

The Fix: Walk the house like you’re a buyer, not the owner. Start with what’s easy and obvious – paint, lighting, curb appeal, decluttering. Then update the photos so they match the best version of your house.

3. The Marketing Was Too “Set It and Forget It”

Today, the number of homes for sale has grown in many areas. Buyers have more options, which means your house needs a plan to stand out. A generic description and a basic upload to the MLS can blend in fast.

The Fix: Find an agent who can build stronger exposure through digital marketing and social platforms, plus content that makes buyers stop – strong photos, a smart description, a video walk-through, and a plan for open houses and follow-up.

4. There Was No Clear Plan for Feedback

Sometimes the house gets showings, but no offers. If that was your experience, it actually tells you something important. Buyers liked it enough online to come see it. So, something else was holding them back.

Those buyers were sending a message. It just wasn’t translated into action.

The Fix: Make sure your agent has a clear plan for seeking out and acting on feedback quickly. That dialogue often points to the one change that would get a house sold.

5. The Deal Couldn’t Get Over the Finish Line

Even when a house is priced well and marketed right, deals fall apart when there’s no plan for the human side of the transaction.

Buyers today are more likely to ask for repairs, credits, or help with closing costs than a few years ago. In this type of market, being unwilling to negotiate can cost you more than a reasonable concession ever would.

The Fix: Decide ahead of time what matters most to you and where you can be flexible. Keep the dialogue open and lean on your agent for advice.

Why Your House Didn’t Sell Doesn’t Have to Be the End

If your house didn’t sell the first time, don’t assume the opportunity is gone. Many homes sell successfully after a fresh strategy, better pricing, stronger marketing, and guidance from an experienced real estate professional.

Before relisting, take time to understand what held your home back and what changes can improve your results. Small adjustments can often make a significant difference in today’s market.

If you’re ready to relist your home or want an honest assessment of why it didn’t sell, connect with the experienced real estate professionals at KM Realty Group LLC. We’ll review your previous listing, identify opportunities to improve your strategy, and help you attract qualified buyers with a plan built for today’s market.

Key Takeaways:

1. A home that doesn’t sell can often be successfully relisted with the right strategy.
2. Accurate pricing is one of the biggest factors in attracting buyers.
3. Professional marketing and quality photos help generate more interest.
4. Buyer feedback can reveal changes that improve your chances of selling.
5. An experienced real estate agent can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes.

The post House Didn’t Sell? 5 Reasons It Didn’t Sell and What to Do Next appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

Fortunately, the latest housing data tells a much different story. Most sellers aren’t pulling their listings because the market is crashing. Instead, many are adjusting to changing market conditions, higher inventory levels, and longer selling times.

Understanding why sellers are stepping back can help you make more informed real estate decisions, whether you’re buying or selling.

Why More Sellers Are Taking Homes Off the Market

According to the latest data from Redfin, 5.5% of all listings were taken off the market in May. And it’s true that’s almost the highest it’s been since back in March 2020 (see graph below):

At first glance, that statistic may sound alarming. But the full story provides much more context. Much of the fear comes from how this story gets told.

“A near record number of sellers are pulling their listings” makes a great clickbait headline – and that sort of thing spreads fast, especially online. But sellers pull a house off the market for plenty of reasons that have nothing to do with a crash.

Many homeowners are adjusting their selling strategy as the market changes, not because they’re expecting prices to collapse. Understanding why home prices vary can help put today’s headlines into better perspective.

Redfin points to four main forces driving this trend:

• Homes are taking longer to sell. When the pace slows down, some sellers get frustrated and decide to hold off.
• The number of homes for sale is rising faster than demand. That means buyers have more options. And sellers who don’t price or prep right may not get many eyes on their house.
• Some sellers still have pandemic-era price expectations. A price that would’ve worked a few years ago may not match what today’s buyers are willing to pay.
• Economic uncertainty is making both buyers and sellers cautious. Buyers pause. Sellers second-guess. And that has an impact on overall sales volume and pace.

Notice what’s missing from that list? There isn’t a single mention of an impending market crash or price collapse.

Those factors point to a market that’s adjusting—not one that’s failing.

Instead, today’s market reflects changing buyer demand, growing inventory, and sellers adjusting their expectations—not a housing market crash.

Why This Doesn’t Mean the Housing Market Is Crashing

Want more peace of mind that this isn’t a crash? This next stat delivers. Yes, more sellers are taking their homes off the market. But Redfin also shows something you’re not going to see in social posts…

The number of re-listings is growing too.

While more sellers are pulling their listings, more are also deciding to give selling a second shot too. This is pretty much the highest re-listings have been since the pandemic hit.

While 5.5% got pulled in May, 2.3% were also put back on the market (see graph below):

That’s a signal sellers aren’t giving up or running away in large numbers.

Some are simply stepping away briefly before deciding to try again. That tells you this often isn’t a permanent decision. In many cases, it’s a pause – and the seller comes back with a different approach.

A lot of the time that change in the overall strategy is all that’s needed to finally get a house sold.

And just in case you need more proof this isn’t a reason to worry, check this out. Buyer activity may be starting to pick back up – and that could bring more sellers back in or, at least, prevent some sellers from pulling back.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports existing home sales increased 3.2% in May. That’s the biggest increase since December. As the Wall Street Journal puts it:

“Home sales in May posted the biggest rise this year, a sign that the housing market’s crucial spring selling season may be showing signs of life after a sluggish start.”

That doesn’t sound like a market in trouble.

What This Means for Home Sellers and Buyers

Housing markets naturally change over time, and today’s market is becoming more balanced rather than heading toward a crash. More sellers are adjusting their pricing, timing, or selling strategy as inventory grows and buyers gain more choices.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, understanding what’s happening in your local market is more important than following national headlines.

Whether you’re planning a move in Chicago or another community, a knowledgeable local real estate professional can help you make confident decisions based on current market conditions.

Key Takeaways

• More sellers are temporarily taking their homes off the market, but it doesn’t signal a housing market crash.
• Longer selling times, rising inventory, and pricing expectations are driving this trend.
• Many homeowners later relist their properties with a different selling strategy.
• Existing home sales are beginning to improve, showing buyers are still active.
• Understanding your local housing market can help you make more confident buying or selling decisions.

The post More Sellers Are Taking Their Homes off the Market. Here’s What You Need To Know. appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

While it’s going to vary by area, more metros are slowly shifting to favor buyers, and the market is starting to look a lot more like a two-way street again.

And that balance is something we haven’t had in a while.

For buyers, that can mean more choices and more negotiating power. For sellers, it means pricing, presentation, and strategy matter more than they did just a few years ago.

Whether you’re buying or selling, here’s what you need to know about what’s changing and what it means for your move.

The Most Buyer-Friendly Market in Years

The national data tells an interesting story right now. According to Realtor.com:

“The national housing market is balanced but gradually loosening as the cycle moves in a more buyer-friendly direction . . .”

That’s because, over the past few years, more and more metros have been flipping back to more buyer-friendly terms as inventory’s grown. And when you zoom in on the latest Realtor.com data for the top 50 metro markets over time, the trend becomes really clear (see graph below).

Back in 2021, almost all major metros were seller’s markets. By the end of 2025, only 1 in 3 still favored sellers. That’s an obvious shift.

And that changes how the market is going to feel for everyone. Sellers shouldn’t still expect 2021 conditions, but neither should buyers. At least, not generally speaking.

It’s Not the Same Story Everywhere

That said, who has the power ultimately depends on where you live. While more metros are leaning buyer-friendly lately, there are still plenty of strong seller’s markets right now, too.

It really comes down to how much housing supply and demand there is in your area. And that varies enormously by region.

Sun Belt cities like Austin, Tampa, and San Antonio saw major building booms in recent years, giving buyers more options and more negotiating room. Meanwhile, cities in the Northeast and Midwest – think Rochester, Hartford, and Buffalo – didn’t see that same wave, so inventory stayed tight and competition stayed fierce. As Jeff Ostrowski, Housing Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“The formerly hot Sun Belt markets have cooled, while the Northeast and Midwest have stayed hot. The big driver here is construction activity. The softest markets now [have] experienced big booms that spurred new building, and that has led to a large supply of new and existing homes on the market in those places.”

Practical Advice for Your Move

To find out who has the power in your local market, talk to an agent. Because knowing what’s happening locally is going to be the key to setting the right strategy for your move.

If the market is working in your favor, great. Lean in and use it to your benefit. But if it’s not, all hope isn’t lost. Your agent can help you figure out how to approach any market.

Here’s some practical advice if there’s a mismatch between your goal and local market conditions.

If you’re buying in a seller’s market:

• Get pre-approved before you start shopping. It shows sellers you’re serious.
• Be ready to act fast when the right home hits the market.
• Consider offering a quick closing date or flexible terms.
• Work closely with your agent to craft a competitive offer.

If you’re selling in a buyer’s market:

• Price it right from day one. Overpricing will cost you time and money.
• Focus on curb appeal and staging to stand out in areas with more inventory.
• Be open to offering incentives, like covering closing costs or a home warranty.
• Expect buyers to negotiate and be ready to be flexible.

Know Your Local Market First

The housing market is becoming more balanced, but that doesn’t mean every buyer or seller has the same opportunities. Local inventory levels, buyer demand, and pricing trends still play a major role in who has the advantage.

That’s why understanding your local market is more important than following national headlines. The right strategy can help buyers negotiate with confidence and help sellers attract serious offers, regardless of market conditions.

If you’re planning a move, knowing whether your area favors buyers or sellers can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

The post Is It Still a Seller’s Market? Here’s What the Data Says appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

• Some believe a crash is coming and they’ll get a better deal if they hold off.
• Others worry they’ll buy now and watch their home’s value fall later.

And nobody wants to overpay or buy right before values drop. But here’s the question worth asking:

What if the crash you’re waiting for isn’t actually coming?

Because that’s what the latest data suggests.

Experts Are Not Calling for a Crash

If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve seen posts claiming home prices are about to come crashing down. And it’s true that some markets are seeing small price declines right now.

But that’s not the same thing as a nationwide crash.

While some places are going through a price adjustment, Realtor.com data shows home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country.

The trouble is, since negative news sells, you’re seeing more coverage about how a handful of markets are seeing declines, than how the majority are still seeing prices rise. And that’s unfortunate.

It’s exactly why a lot of buyers end up with the impression that prices are falling everywhere when they’re not. So how do you really know where prices are really headed from here?

That’s where the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae comes in.

Home Prices Will Rise for the Next 5 Years

Every quarter, more than 100 economists, housing experts, and market analysts are asked where they think home prices are headed based on the latest data available.

And despite all the uncertainty in today’s market, there’s one thing they largely agreed on:

They don’t think a crash is coming.

In fact, the average of all of their forecasts calls for home prices to rise every year for at least the next 5 years (see graph below):

The point is that the overwhelming expectation isn’t for prices to fall. It’s for prices to rise at a more normal pace. And just in case you’re looking at the forecasts and saying: “of course they’d say that” – know that this survey doesn’t just include optimists. It includes pessimists too.

Even the Pessimists Aren’t Predicting a Crash

Researchers broke the panel into groups based on how bullish or bearish they were about housing. The result? Even the most pessimistic group still expects home prices to climb over the next five years.

Optimists think we’ll see prices go up roughly 4% a year. Pessimists say it’ll be closer to 1%. The reality may be somewhere in the middle.

Think about that for a second. The debate among experts isn’t whether prices will crash. It’s how much they’ll rise.

That’s a very different conversation than the one happening across social media.

This Means Waiting Could Actually Cost You

So, if you’re putting off your move until prices come down, you may be disappointed. According to the experts, a widespread crash isn’t in the cards.

In fact, based on the HPES forecast, a buyer who purchased a $400,000 home this January would gain nearly $40,000 in equity over the next five years from appreciation alone, even in this more moderate market (see below):

Of course, this all depends on local market conditions. This forecast is a national average. But broadly speaking, if the experts are right, the bigger risk isn’t that prices will crash. It may be waiting for a crash that never comes.

Because depending on your market, if you wait, you could be missing out on $40k in equity or paying 40k more in 5 years for the same house.

Learn how long-term appreciation impacts homeowners in our guide to the 5 Rule for Home Prices.

What Waiting Could Mean for Your Homebuying Plans

A lot of buyers are delaying their move because they believe home prices will come down. But according to leading housing experts, that’s not the most likely outcome.

While price growth is expected to be more moderate than it was in recent years, most forecasts still call for home values to rise over time.

Waiting may feel like the safer choice. But if prices continue to appreciate, delaying your purchase could mean paying more for the same home later and missing out on years of potential equity growth.

If you’re trying to decide whether buying now or waiting makes more sense, understanding your local market can help you make a confident decision based on facts instead of headlines.

You can also browse current home listings to see what’s available in today’s market.

The post Think Home Prices Will Crash? Here’s What the Experts Actually Expect. appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

No repairs.

No concessions.

No negotiation.

If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller’s terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again.

That’s why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this:

The goal isn’t to “win” every negotiation.

Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer’s closing costs.

Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale.

What Are Buyer Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples:

• Loan origination fees
• Appraisal and inspection costs
• Title and attorney fees
• Survey fees and more

Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket.

And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself.

That’s why more people are asking sellers for help.

And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes”

According to the latest data from Zillow, 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 (see chart below):

Now, that doesn’t mean every seller is doing it. And it definitely doesn’t mean every seller should. But it does show how common concessions have become as the market has shifted. And that’s important for you to know.

When Paying Closing Costs May Make Sense

This is where many sellers get stuck. They hear “help with closing costs” and immediately think: “Why should I pay for their expenses?”

But that’s not always the right way to look at it. You’ve got to consider who has the leverage in today’s market.

Redfin data shows there are more sellers than buyers active today. And that shifts the market dynamics (see graph below):

That doesn’t mean every market favors buyers. Far from it. In some areas, homes are still selling quickly and sellers have plenty of leverage. But in others, buyers have more room to negotiate than they’ve had in years.

That’s why local market conditions matter so much when you make your decision.

For example, helping with closing costs may be worth considering if:

• There are a lot of homes for sale in your area
• Your house has been sitting on the market longer than expected
• You’ve had showings, but no offers
• You’re motivated to move quickly
• Or you’re trying to keep a deal together during negotiations

After all, if it’s the thing that helps bring a serious buyer across the finish line, it could be well worth it.

Other Concessions You Could Offer Instead

Just remember, being flexible doesn’t mean saying “yes” to every request.  It means understanding which compromises actually help you accomplish your goals. Because there are always alternatives.

Redfin suggests considering other concessions if you’re not interested in helping with closing costs, like:

• A home warranty
• Repair credits
• Flexible closing dates, or
• Leave behind appliances or furniture

The right answer depends on what buyers in your market are asking for and what matters most to you. That’s exactly why working with an experienced local agent is so important.

What Smart Sellers Should Consider Before Negotiating

The most successful sellers today aren’t necessarily the ones who refuse every request—they’re the ones who understand which concessions help them reach their goals faster.

Whether it’s helping with closing costs, offering repair credits, or negotiating other terms, the key is knowing what makes sense based on current market conditions and your priorities.

If you’re thinking about selling and want to understand which concessions buyers are requesting in today’s market — and which ones are worth considering — having a local strategy can make all the difference.

The post Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know. appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

If you’re wondering whether to move now or wait until later in the year, understanding the seasonal advantages available to both buyers and sellers can help you make a more informed decision.

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: “Maybe I’ll just wait until later this year once things calm down.”

While waiting sounds like a good plan, there’s something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime.

Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading.

Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage

One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options. Maybe you’ve run into that yourself:

• You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget.
• You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it.
• Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks.

Historically, Summer helps with that.

Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices.

According to Realtor.com, any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.

With more newly listed homes, there’s a better chance of finding one you like where the numbers actually work.

Because all it really takes is one home to completely change your search. And if you’ve got more popping onto the market to choose from, maybe one of those is exactly what you need.

But keep in mind, this seasonal window isn’t open forever. Fresh inventory tends to slow down once Summer ends.

Many homeowners who planned to sell this year have already listed by then. Families who wanted to move before school starts have often already gotten it done, or at least, set it into motion. So, new listing activity usually cools as we head into Fall and Winter.

Of course, every year is different. But if finding the right home at the right price has been your biggest challenge, waiting until later in the year may not necessarily give you more options. In fact, recent history suggests it may do just the opposite.

Sellers: Homes Usually Sell for More in the Summer

If you’re thinking of selling, you may be considering holding off because you’ve seen headlines about lower asking prices, price cuts, and softer conditions in some markets. But those headlines don’t tell the whole story or convey just how much it varies by area.

Here’s what you really need to know. Even though the market’s becoming more balanced and some pockets are experiencing price declines, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to sell.

Seasonality can still work in your favor no matter where you are. And this Summer could still give you the chance to sell for a good price.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sold during a Summer month usually sell for about 4% more than homes sold during the typical month from September-December:

Why? Summer buyers are usually operating on a set timeframe. They’re trying to move before the next school year or when they have more PTO and warmer weather to tour houses. That urgency can translate into better offers.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should price your house 4% higher this Summer. That would actually be a mistake in today’s market.

It just means if you’re looking to get as much for your house as you reasonably can, a Summer move could be a smarter play than waiting until later this year.

Because based on typical seasonality, you may get more for your house than you would if you waited until the Fall or Winter (when there are typically fewer buyers active).

And if you’re considering a move anyway, that’s worth factoring in.

Make Your Move with Confidence This Summer

If you’re buying a home, this season may offer more choices and opportunities than you’ll find later in the year. And if you’re planning to sell your house, summer demand could help position your property in front of motivated buyers while seasonal conditions remain favorable.

Every market is different, and the best timing depends on your goals, budget, and local conditions. Working with an experienced real estate agent can help you understand current inventory levels, pricing trends, and what opportunities may be available in your area.

Whether you’re thinking about buying a home, selling your house, or simply exploring your options, connect with local real estate professionals for guidance tailored to your situation.

The post Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

As inventory grows and market conditions continue to rebalance, buyers may find more realistically priced homes and less competition than they experienced over the past few years.

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there’s a little good news.

Asking prices have started to come down.

The typical seller listed their house for a median of $429,500 in May. That’s 2.4% lower than a year ago, according to Realtor.com. On its own, that won’t transform what you can afford, but in today’s market every little bit helps and it signals a broader shift taking place.

Buyers Are Finally Catching a Break

Check out this data from Realtor.com and you can see this is the first May in years where buyers have caught any sort of break price-wise.

Each May from 2022-2025, things held pretty steady. But this year? You can see that more noticeable shift in your favor (see graph below):

While the dip from $440,000 to $429,500 isn’t a big one, it gives you more breathing room. And that’s not a small thing when affordability has been this tough.

Now, lower asking prices don’t mean every home is suddenly within your range. But they do show buyers are gaining a little ground.

And in today’s market, a little ground can go a long way.

What That Means for the Housing Market

And just in case this crossed your mind, this is good news for your move, not bad news for the market as a whole.

The subtle dip from last May to this one shows prices are easing, but they’re not dropping off a cliff. What this is actually a sign of is that the market’s rebalancing now that the number of homes for sale has grown.

Buyers have a bit more power again, and sellers know they can’t name just any price and expect their house to sell. They either meet the market where it is, or face a price cut later. And in general, sellers would rather avoid a price cut. As the New York Post explains:

“Rather than swinging for the fences with pandemic-era price tags, sellers are increasingly coming to terms with a new reality. The share of listings featuring price cuts actually fell to 17.5% in May, suggesting homeowners are doing their homework before putting up a “For Sale” sign instead of chasing unrealistic numbers and cutting later.”

This signals a broader change in the market.

Seller expectations have been skewed a little high since the pandemic buying frenzy – you’ve probably felt that firsthand. But now, things are starting to normalize. It could mean less back-and-forth to land on a fair number. And homes should be priced a bit more realistically from the start.

Bottom Line: Talk to a Real Estate Expert Before You Start Your Home Search

Lower asking prices may not solve every affordability challenge, but they are creating new opportunities for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. As the market becomes more balanced, understanding local pricing trends can help you make more informed decisions and identify homes that offer the best value.

If you’re buying a home and want guidance on current market conditions, connect with experienced real estate agents who can provide local market insights, explain pricing trends, and help you navigate your options with confidence.

The post Lower Asking Prices Are a Win for Today’s Buyers appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.

The good news is that finding a more affordable home may not require giving up your goals — it may simply mean expanding your search to include nearby communities or areas you haven’t considered before.

For many buyers, affordable homeownership comes down to balancing home prices, cost of living, and lifestyle priorities. Understanding where opportunities exist can help you make more confident decisions and find a home that fits both your needs and your budget.

Whether you’re dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you’re in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind. Home prices are still high in many markets, and even though things have improved a bit over the past year, making the numbers work can still feel like a stretch.

But the people finding ways to move right now usually have one thing in common. They didn’t wait for affordability to come to them. They went looking for it.

According to PODS, 61% of people across all generations say affordability is the biggest factor when deciding where to move. And it’s led a growing number of people to do one thing – broaden their search to include more affordable areas they hadn’t seriously considered before.

As PODS, put it:

“. . . moving is increasingly driven by affordability, connection, and quality of life. As economic pressures persist, Americans are taking a more intentional, values-driven approach to where they choose to live.”

It’s Not Just the Home Price – It’s the Whole Cost of Living

Here’s where it gets really interesting. When people talk about moving for affordability, they’re not just talking about finding a cheaper house. They’re thinking about the full picture. What does it actually cost to live somewhere?

WalletHub looked at exactly this, measuring housing costs as a share of median monthly household income across every state (see map below).

Take a look at where you live on that map. The lighter the blue, the more affordable it generally is to live there. The darker the blue? Just the opposite.

If your state is showing up on the darker blue end of the scale, the cost of living may be putting a real pinch on your wallet, and it may be worth exploring what a lighter-blue area could mean for your finances.

Because if you’re less financially stretched, imagine how that could change things. Less stress. Less worry. More freedom and peace of mind.

You Don’t Have To Move to Another State To Find a Better Deal

But finding more affordable homeownership doesn’t have to mean a cross-country move. It doesn’t even have to mean leaving your state, your family, or your favorite coffee shop behind.

Every market has more affordable pockets that most buyers never think to explore, including communities with more affordable condo options – neighborhoods, towns, and communities where home prices are lower, property taxes are more manageable, and the overall cost of living just works better.

A great local real estate agent knows exactly where those places are.

And if you work remotely, or have any flexibility in where you’re based, your options open up even further. Remote work has already changed the way millions of people think about where to live, and that trend isn’t going away.

When location stops being tied to a daily commute, a more affordable area that’s a bit farther out suddenly becomes a very real option.

Explore Affordable Homeownership Options with Local Real Estate Experts

Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges for buyers today, but it doesn’t always mean putting your plans on hold. Sometimes the best opportunities can be found in nearby neighborhoods, surrounding communities, or areas with a lower overall cost of living.

Whether you’re buying your first home, planning a move, or exploring more affordable homeownership options, experienced real estate agents can help you compare locations, understand local market trends, and identify opportunities that align with your budget and long-term goals.

If you’re ready to explore affordable areas and find out what options may be available in today’s market, connect with a local real estate expert for personalized guidance.

The post Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget? appeared first on KM Realty Group LLC.