We're seeing some interesting shifts in the real estate market lately. Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings across the US rose slightly—up 0.4% week-over-week—and total homes for sale increased 0.5%, reaching the highest level since early spring. While more inventory is becoming available, pending home sales dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, largely due to high housing costs that are keeping many buyers on the sidelines even as choices improve. The median home-sale price is now up 1.9% year-over-year, still above $400,000, and average mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, near a 13-month high.
With more homes on the market and a bit less competition from buyers, there’s more flexibility out there for those actively shopping—you might find room to negotiate price cuts or seller concessions, especially on homes that have been listed for several weeks. As someone who’s been passionate about helping clients navigate changing markets for over twenty years, I always emphasize the power of realistic pricing and strategic negotiation. Whether you’re considering a move, a sale, or simply want to understand your options, it’s a great time to explore what’s possible with the right guidance.
