May 14, 2025
There’s no denying it: a lot of buyers are hitting the brakes right now. Whether it’s the stock market taking a nosedive, recession rumors swirling, or fears of job loss, people are nervous—and that nervous energy is spilling into the real estate market.
We’re seeing a trend across the country, from Kansas to Miami to San Francisco: buyers backing out at the last minute.
Many of them were relying on their investment portfolios to fund down payments. When those portfolios lost value overnight, so did their confidence in moving forward with such a major purchase.
Even buyers who can afford to buy are asking themselves if they should—and a lot of them are choosing to wait it out.
They're not necessarily backing out because they can’t afford it anymore. They’re backing out because they’re not sure what’s coming next.
This cautious pause is hitting sellers, too. It’s adding even more pressure to a market that’s already been tight for the past few years.
High prices and interest rates have kept inventory low, and now with buyer demand softening, we’re seeing more price reductions, more concessions, and more flexibility from sellers than we’ve seen in a long time.
If you’re a buyer who’s not spooked—this could be your moment. In a market where competition is cooling and sellers are more willing to deal, it’s possible to negotiate perks like mortgage-rate buydowns, help with closing costs, or even price cuts.
In cities like Portland and Seattle, we’re seeing as many as 70% of sellers offering concessions.
The market is full of uncertainty right now, but that uncertainty is creating a new kind of opportunity. If you’re financially stable and can afford to weather the short-term volatility, you might just be able to land a better deal than you could’ve six months ago.
Because while a lot of folks are stepping back, a few bold buyers are stepping in—and they’re walking away with great homes at better terms.
Disclaimer: This content is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.
