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Main conclusions:
- This is a good time to sell your home if you have priced it right and are ready to negotiate.
- Mortgage rates settled at near 14-month lows, leaving the door open for deflated buyers to re-enter the market.
- There is much more home sellers than buyers, tipping the scales toward buyers, but sellers can still get competitive offers.
- Selling now can help you avoid potential price swings if the economy moves toward recession or inflation.
If you are thinking of selling your home, you are not alone. But with today’s almost record housing costs saving everyone on the sidelines, it’s natural to wonder if now is the time.
The typical monthly rent has topped $2,800, and home prices have risen for more than two years in a row. These costs froze the housing market, scaring away buyers and encourage more sellers to do so stay put.
In addition to record spending, President Trump’s policies rattling economy, further weakening of demand. As a result, there are more listings than buyers in the housing market, affecting housing markets across the country.
So what does all this mean for home sellers? Let’s dive into the data that will help you decide whether to sell your home now or wait.
>> Read: How to Sell Your Home in 2025: The Complete Guide
From Redfin’s Chief Economist
“Home sellers must prepare for a buyer’s market. Increased inventory has given buyers more options, but near-record costs have made them wary. Low mortgage rates have also not yet brought back buyers. Those who are willing to withstand today’s market are willing to negotiate and pay a fair price.” – Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist, Redfin.
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.
Main mainly buyers
On the scale of the country there are over 500,000 more home sellers than buyers. Therefore, to remain competitive, homeowners must be flexible in their pricing and be willing to offer concessions. Many do so, but the share of potential sellers is growing choosing not list or even foreclose on their homes altogether, pushing prices up.
However, trends vary widely across countries. There aren’t enough listings in the Midwest and Northeast to meet demand, so sellers in cities like Rochester and Milwaukee can see the stakes of war and quick sales. On the other hand, most San Belt cities favor buyers as homeowners look to escape worsening climate risks and rising insurance costs.
Here are the states where buyers have an advantage, based on days on market. As a rule, the fewer days a house spends on the market, the greater the demand for it.
The economy is unstable
Housing prices are unaffordable, and economists are worried about inflation may increase because of tariffs and immigration policies. Mortgage rates are also unknown, but have been holding steady at ~6.3% since November 2025.
“Mortgage rates are down from last year’s peak, but with home prices at record highs, homebuyers are still struggling in the housing market.” said Chen Zhao, head of economic research at Redfin. “We expect mortgage rates to average 6.3% this year, up from 6.5% in 2025. But until homebuilding booms or the country falls into a major recession, housing affordability and buyer activity are unlikely to improve significantly.
During these uncertain times, it’s important to speak with your agent to decide if now is the right time to sell.
>> Read: How to buy, sell, or rent a home amid economic uncertainty
When is usually a good time to sell a house?
Spring is usually the best time to sell, when buyers are most active. However, market trends and personal opinions matter most.
In today’s market, sellers should prepare for lower demand, plan ahead for their next home, and be realistic about pricing.
Here are some general rules sellers should follow to decide if it’s a good time to sell.
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If the housing supply is low
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Fewer homes on the market could 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 outstrips supply.
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When mortgage rates fall
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A drop in mortgage rates could cause a surge in buyer demand. More buyers in the market often means higher prices, stronger offers and possible bidding wars – all good news for sellers. When rates drop, sellers need to keep an eye on local market trends.
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If you need to sell
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Sometimes life demands that you sell. Maybe your family is growing, you need to relocate for work, or you want to be closer to family. In these cases, it may not matter if now is objectively a “good” time to sell.
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>> Read: How to sell your house fast – and for more money
When is usually a bad time to sell a home?
You may have no choice but to sell your home, but with these trends in place, you’re less likely to sell quickly or for above market value.
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When mortgage rates are high
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Higher mortgage rates actually squeeze buyers’ budgets, meaning they get less housing for the same amount of money. It often means fewer, smaller offers. If you can’t get the price you want, it might be worth waiting to sell.
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If you recently refinanced
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Selling soon after refinancing can wipe out any savings you got from a lower rate, especially when you factor in closing costs and fees. Many sellers today are “tied” to the bid before the pandemic and see no reason to abandon it, although this share the fall.
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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 you list them.
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>> Read: 7 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
So, should you sell your home now?
If you are financially prepared and have a great agent, now may be a good time to sell your home.
However, home prices are skyrocketing and rising, forcing more and more buyers to wait for a bargain. Sellers don’t have the negotiating power they’re used to, so you may need to offer incentives to attract serious offers.
Home sellers should contact an agentcompetitive prices and be open to offers of concessions. Selling with Redfin gives you access to the highest level of marketing, pre-listing support and award-winning local agents. Qualified Redfin customers can also unlock Preferred price on Rocketa new program to help you save when you buy with Redfin and finance through Rocket Mortgage.
There are always good reasons to sell your home—perhaps you’re moving, downsizing, or hoping to capitalize on your home equity. You may also just need to move. There is no right answer for everyone, but when selling in today’s unpredictable market, timing and strategy are more important than ever.
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