Important takeaway: It’s a good time to sell your home if you set the right price and are open to negotiations. Although inventory rises support buyers, sellers still get good offers in some markets. Sold now can help avoid potential price volatility if the economy sways towards recession or inflation. If you need top dollars or need a refinance recently, consider postponing them.
If you’re thinking about selling, you’re not alone. But with today’s high mortgage fees, everyone keeps on the sidelines, it’s no surprise that you’ll wonder if this is the right time.
A typical monthly home payment reaches nearly $2,900, and buyers need to make $50,000 more than tenants to buy a home. These costs have been frozen from the market and could have improved slightly in 2025.
Additionally, President Trump’s tariffs have created a turbulent economy. Experts believe that recession, inflation, or both are likely not in the near future, which could further surprise buyers. So, what does this mean for the seller?
In short, there is always a good reason to sell your home. Maybe you need to move to the value of your home or cash it out. But is this the right time? Dive into market trends and help you decide whether to sell your home or wait now.
>>Read: How to Sell Your Home in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
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Lock the competitiveness of your next home.
What sellers need to know about the housing market
Before you find an agent, keep an eye on it and list your home for sale, here are some market trends:
Mainly handled by buyers
“Home sellers should prepare for the buyer’s market,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. “While the rise in stock gives them more options, the rise in stock, the record housing costs have exhausted them. Those who want to bravely dare to today’s markets generally don’t need to expect to sign a contract within a week.
However, trends vary widely across the country. On the Midwest and East Coast, there are not enough homes for sale to meet demand. Sellers in cities like Milwaukee and Detroit can see multiple offers, bid wars and quick sales. Behind the scenes, many Sunbelt cities now support buyers. Homeowners are trying to escape worsening climate risks and surge in insurance costs. Typical homes in Austin and Tampa are available for sale in 55 and 49 days. This is six times longer than during the pandemic.
According to market day, the top states where buyers have an advantage are: As a rule of thumb, the less days the average home is on the market, the more demand will be.
Tariffs are causing chaos
“Trump tariffs can have a significant impact on home prices and mortgage rates,” said Chen Zhao, head of economic research at Redfin. “They are suspended, but tariffs on China and universal 10% tariffs are the biggest obligations of the century. If these aren’t too back then the impact on the economy and housing market will be huge.
In the worst-case scenario, sellers may have to deal with lower home prices, higher mortgage rates, and lower demand. This will slow the housing market even further.
In these uncertain times it is essential to talk to agents to discover how local trends are changing and determine if this is a good time to sell. Having a backup plan to maintain patients can help you navigate road bumps.
>>Read: How to buy or sell a house amidst economic uncertainty
Is it usually a good time to sell your home?
Spring is generally the best time to sell when the buyer is most likely to become active. However, market trends and personal considerations are of the most important importance. In today’s market, sellers need to reduce buyer demand, plan ahead for their next home, and be realistic about pricing.
Below are some general rules that sellers should follow to determine if it’s a good time for a seller to sell.
If housing supply is low
Fewer homes in the market will increase prices and faster sales. That’s especially the case with many metros today, especially on the Midwest and East Coast where demand is out-of-money.
If the mortgage fees are reduced
A decline in mortgage fees can cause a surge in demand. More buyers in the market often means stronger offers and possible bid wars. Good news for sellers.
If you need to sell
Sometimes life needs to be sold by you. Maybe your family is growing, you need to move for work, or you want to get closer to your family. In these cases it may not matter whether it is an objective “good” time.
>>Read: How to sell your home faster – and for more money
Is it usually a bad time to sell your home?
You may have no choice but to sell your home, but if these trends are working, you are unlikely to be quick or exceed market value.
If the mortgage fee is high
Increased mortgage fees effectively reduce buyers’ budgets. This means that the same amount will result in less homes. This often means less, lower offers. If you can’t command the price you need, it may be worth waiting to sell.
If you’ve recently been refinanced
Selling immediately after refinance will wipe out any savings you earn from lower fees, especially considering closing costs and fees. Many sellers today are “locked in” to pre-pandemic rates and there’s no reason to give up.
If your home needs work
A home that needs love can be difficult to sell and may attract lower offers. If you have large repairs on your to-do list, consider working on them before your listing.
>>Read: 7 Common Home Sales Mistakes and How to Avoid them
So, should you sell your home now?
If you’re financially ready, know what to do next and have a great agent, now might be a good time to sell your home.
However, housing prices are rising and the economy is turbulent. Furthermore, with more supply and higher mortgage fees, many buyers support a significant number of transactions. In other words, sellers generally don’t have the bargaining power they had during the pandemic. You may need to provide incentives to attract serious offers.
Overall, sellers need to plan the buyer’s market, connect with agents, and compete for prices. When you sell on Redfin, you get the option to reduce your listing fees, get the largest marketing and pre-listed help, and provide access to the best agents. Of course, if you need to sell now – whether it’s because of a move, a financial change, or something else, it’s always the right time.
