AI Summary
The essentials at a glance
A widening buyers market gave U.S. house hunters more negotiating power in September, while buyer activity fell to its lowest level in records dating back to 2013.
A widening buyers market gave U.S. house hunters more negotiating power in September, while buyer activity fell to its lowest level in records dating back to 2013.
📝 Key Takeaways
- Buyers market hits record gap: The U.S. buyers market widened in September, with an estimated 62.6% more sellers than buyers.
- Buyers market reflects fewer shoppers: The estimated number of homebuyers in the market fell to 928,892 in September, the lowest level in records dating back through 2013.
- Buyers market spreads across metros: Redfin classified 41 of the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas it analyzed as buyer’s markets in September.
✅ Fact-Check Snapshot
- There were an estimated 62.6% more sellers than buyers in the U.S. housing market in September.
- The estimated number of homebuyers in the market was 928,892 in September.
- Redfin classified 41 of the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas it analyzed as buyer’s markets in September.
Buyers market hits record gap
The U.S. buyers market widened in September, with an estimated 62.6% more sellers than buyers. That was the biggest gap in records dating back to 2013, giving active shoppers more choice among available homes.
When listings substantially outnumber active buyers, purchasers may have more room to negotiate price or terms. That leverage still depends on whether a buyer can afford the home and qualify for financing.
Buyers market reflects fewer shoppers
The estimated number of homebuyers in the market fell to 928,892 in September, the lowest level in records dating back through 2013. At the same time, the estimated number of sellers reached 1,510,784, the most since March 2020.
A smaller pool of competing buyers can make it easier to take time with a decision or ask for changes, provided the property and financing remain financially workable. A market with more listings does not by itself make a purchase affordable.
Buyers market spreads across metros
Redfin classified 41 of the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas it analyzed as buyer’s markets in September. That was the most in its records dating back through 2013.
Conditions can vary sharply by location, so national negotiating power may not describe a particular neighborhood. Buyers comparing homes across markets may encounter very different levels of competition.
