Key takeaways:
- It’s a good time to sell your house if you price correctly and are open to negotiation.
- Mortgage rates have fallen to 11-month lows, opening the door for some priced-out buyers to re-enter the market.
- There are far more home sellers than buyers, tipping the scales toward buyers – but sellers can still get competitive offers.
- Selling now could help you avoid potential price swings if the economy moves toward recession or inflation.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re not alone. But with today’s near-record housing costs keeping everyone on the sidelines, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time.
The typical monthly housing payment is over $2,800, and house prices have risen for more than two years straight. These costs have frozen the housing market, scaring buyers and prompting more sellers to stay put. On top of that, President Trump’s policies are rattling the economy, further weakening demand – even as mortgage rates fall.
The result is a housing market with more listings than buyers, affecting housing markets nationwide. The government shutdown is adding a layer of uncertainty.
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
From Redfin’s Chief Economist
“Home sellers should prepare for a buyer’s market,” said Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist. “Rising inventory has given buyers more options, but near-record costs have made them wary. Falling mortgage rates haven’t brought buyers back, either. Those willing to brave today’s market are prepared to lead negotiations and pay a fair price.”
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
Nationwide, there are 500,000 more sellers than buyers. So to stay competitive, homeowners need to be flexible on pricing and willing to offer concessions. Many are doing so, but a growing share of would-be sellers are choosing not to list, or even delist their homes altogether, pushing prices higher.
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 are high, and economists are concerned that inflation could increase due to President Trump’s tariffs. However, the quickly slowing job market has had the beneficial effect of pushing mortgage rates down. Rates recently dropped and are holding near 11-month lows, helping buyers afford thousands more than they could in May.
“Mortgage rates have dropped, but with house prices near all-time highs, homebuyers are still struggling through an expensive housing market.” said Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at Redfin. “Unless the new tariffs are eliminated, inflation doesn’t increase, or the country falls into a severe recession, housing affordability and buyer activity are unlikely to improve substantially.”
Upcoming economic data may also influence rates, although it will likely be delayed due to the government shutdown. 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 autumn market, sellers should prepare 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 buyer demand. More buyers in the market often means higher prices, stronger offers, and possible bidding wars – good news for sellers. As rates drop, sellers should keep an eye out on local market trends.
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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 – though this share is dropping.
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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 and have a great agent, now may be a good time to sell a house.
However, home prices are sky-high and climbing, pushing more buyers to hold off or wait for a good deal. Sellers still don’t have the negotiating power they’re used to, so 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 real estate gives you access to top-tier marketing, pre-listing support, and award-winning local 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 – maybe you’re relocating, downsizing, or hoping to cash in on your home’s equity. You may also just need to move. There isn’t a right answer for everyone, but when selling in today’s unpredictable market, timing and strategy matter more than ever.
