We’re seeing a notable shift in the market: in the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US ticked up by 0.4% and total homes for sale increased by 0.5%, pushing inventory to its highest point since early Q2. Despite this, pending home sales dipped by 1.1% to a six-month low, with high housing costs keeping many buyers on the sidelines—even as options expand.
The median sale price now sits above $400,000 (up 1.9% year-over-year), and mortgage rates are hovering near 7%, close to a 13-month high. For buyers, this environment is creating more leverage: rising inventory and softer demand mean that active shoppers are often able to negotiate price reductions or concessions, especially on homes that have spent a few weeks on the market. Sellers, meanwhile, are finding success when they price in line with current trends rather than chasing last year’s numbers.
Having walked through both luxury listings and investment properties across all market cycles, I know just how important it is to be agile and data-driven. Whether you’re seeking the best opportunity to buy or want to position your property for the strongest outcome, a grounded approach—backed by a seasoned, full-service team—makes all the difference.