Key takeaways:
- It’s a good time to sell your house if you’ve priced it right and are open to negotiating.
- Mortgage rates are down to a 3-year low, opening the door for bullish buyers to re-enter the market.
- They are too many local sellers rather than buyers, tipping the scales at buyers—but sellers can still get competitive offers.
- Selling now can help you avoid potential price swings if the economy moves into recession or deflation.
If you are thinking of selling your home, you are not alone. But with housing costs near a record to keep everyone aside, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time.
The average monthly mortgage payment has surpassed $2,800, and home prices have risen for more than two years straight. These costs have stalled the housing market, which scares consumers and encourages many sellers to stay put.
At record expense, President Trump’s policies are to retaliate economy, and demand continues to decline. The result is a housing market with more listings than buyers, which affects housing markets across the country.
There is a bright spot, however. Mortgage rates fell to 5.99% – their lowest rate since February 2023 – after order from the administration to buy 200 billion dollars in government bonds, which gives consumers thousands more in purchasing power.
So, what does all this mean for home sellers? Let’s dive into the data to help you decide if you should sell your house now, or wait.
>> Read: How To Sell Your House In 2025: The Complete Guide
From Redfin’s Chief Economist
“Real estate agents must prepare for the buyer’s market. Rising inventory has given buyers more options, but near-record costs have made them wary. Low mortgage rates haven’t brought consumers back yet. Those who are willing to be bold in today’s market are prepared to lead the negotiations and pay the right price.” – Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist.
What sellers need to know about the real estate market
Here are some market trends to keep an eye on before you find an agent and list your home for sale.
Consumers are in charge, mostly
All over the country, they are gone 500,000 There are more home sellers than buyers. Therefore, to remain competitive, landlords need to be flexible in pricing and willing to offer concessions. Many do, but a growing share of salespeople do to choose not listing them, or even removing their homes entirely, causing prices to rise.
That said, trends vary across the country. In the Midwest and Northeast, there aren’t enough listings to meet the demand, so sellers in the cities are similar Rochester again Milwaukee can see bidding wars too quick sale. On the other hand, many Sun Belt cities like buyers, like homeowners look at the escape increasing weather risks and rising insurance costs.
Here are the top states where buyers have the upper hand, according to market days. As a rule of thumb, the fewer days a house spends on the market, the higher the demand.
The economy is faltering
Housing prices are unaffordable, and economists are worried about inflation it can grow because of costs and immigration policies. Mortgage rates are also unknown, but they have been holding around 6.3% for months and recently dropped to 5.99%.
“Mortgage rates are down from last year’s highs, but with house prices having increased significantly, homebuyers are still struggling in the housing market.” said Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin. “We expect mortgage rates to reach 6.3% this year—down from 6.5% in 2025—and at times above 5%.
In these uncertain times, it’s important to talk to your agent to determine if now is a good time to sell.
>> Read: How to Buy, Sell or Rent a Home Amidst Economic Uncertainty
When is usually the best time to sell your house?
Spring is usually the best time to sell, when buyers are most likely to be active. However, market trends and personal considerations are very important.
In today’s market, sellers must prepare for low demand, plan ahead for their next home, and be realistic about pricing.
Here are some general rules sellers should follow to determine when 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 can increase prices and lead to faster sales. That’s the case in many metros today, especially in the Midwest and East Coast, where demand outstrips space.
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When mortgage rates go down
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Lower mortgage rates may result in increased consumer demand. More buyers in the market usually mean higher prices, stronger offers, and potential bidding wars—good news for sellers. As prices drop, sellers should keep an eye on trends in the local market.
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If you need to sell
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Sometimes, life requires you to sell. Maybe your family is growing, you need to relocate for a job, or you want to be closer to family. In these cases, it may not matter if it is 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 your house?
You may have no choice but to sell your house, but if these methods are in play, you are less likely to sell quickly or above market value.
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The higher the loan rates
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Higher mortgage rates effectively reduce buyers’ budgets, meaning they get a smaller house for the same amount of money. This usually means the smaller, the lower the offer. If you can’t order the quantity you want, you may have to wait for a sale.
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If you have just returned the money
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Selling quickly after refinancing can wipe out any savings you’ve gained on the down payment, especially when you factor in closing costs and fees. Many sellers today are “locked in” to the pre-pandemic price and see no reason to let it go—even though this quota to drop.
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If your home needs work
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A home that needs love can be difficult to sell and may attract low offers. If you have major correction on your to-do list, consider tackling them before they are listed.
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>> Read: 7 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
So, should you sell your house now?
If you are financially ready and have a good agent, now may be a good time to sell a house.
However, home prices are very high and rising, forcing many buyers to wait for a good deal. Sellers don’t have the bargaining power they’re used to, so you may need to offer incentives to attract significant offers.
Home sellers should contact the agentcompetitively priced, and open to concessions. Marketing with Redfin gives you access to high-quality marketing, listing support, and award-winning local agents. Eligible Redfin customers can also activate Rocket Preferred Pricea new program that helps you save when shopping with Redfin and financing with Rocket Mortgage.
There are always good reasons to sell your house – maybe you’re moving, downsizing, or hoping to cash in on your home equity. You may also need to move. There’s no right answer for everyone, but when you’re selling in today’s unpredictable market, timing and strategy are more important than ever.
