If you looked for a home a few years back, you likely remember how crazy it was. Houses would go up for sale one day and be snapped up the next—sometimes in just a few hours. You had to drop whatever you were doing to see a place, and if you hesitated even a bit, someone else would jump in and buy it, often without even visiting first.

That level of intensity caused many buyers to step back. It was stressful, hectic, and for a lot of people, really disheartening.

Here’s the bottom line: those days are over.

The market is slowing down, but that's actually a good thing. It's opening up more chances for buyers who have felt locked out over the past few years.

The Stat That Changes Everything

Right now, homes are sitting on the market for about 58 days on average. That’s a lot closer to what we’d consider normal. It’s quite a change from the peak of the pandemic when houses were selling almost immediately—often within just a few days.

You’ve got more time to make decisions now than you’ve had in the last five years. And that’s really important. This means you can:

Time to pause and reflect.

Let’s get down to negotiating.

It’s time to make a smart move—without any of the stress.

More Time Means Less Stress (and More Leverage)

Looking at the data from the graph, you now have an extra week to make your decision compared to last year. In fact, you’ve got almost twice as much time as you would have during the market’s busiest period.

In the past, buyers often rushed to make decisions because they didn’t want to miss out. Now, things have slowed down, giving you the chance to take your time and stay in control. As Bankrate says:

““For years, buyers have been racing to snag homes because of the fierce competition. But the market’s cooled off a bit now, and that gives buyers some breathing room. Homes are staying listed longer, so buyers can slow down, weigh their options and make more confident decisions.”
”

— Bankrate

There are more homes available now, and fewer buyers competing for them. That means bidding wars aren’t happening as much, so you might have some wiggle room to negotiate. Plus, you can take your time and really think through your decision without feeling rushed.

More listings + a slower pace = less stress and more opportunity

Here’s the thing: how fast homes are selling really depends on where you’re buying. Nationwide, the market is slowing down a bit, but your local area is what really sets the pace. Some states are seeing quicker sales than others, and it can even differ from one zip code or neighborhood to another. That’s why having an agent who knows what’s going on in your specific area is more important now than ever.

Curious how your state stacks up against the national average of 58 days? Take a look at the map below.

Here’s what Realtor.com has to say:

“Rephrase it in a conversational way
“While national headlines might suggest a buyer’s market is taking hold, the reality on the ground depends heavily on where and what you’re trying to buy. Local trends can diverge sharply from national averages, especially when you factor in price range, property type, and post-pandemic market dynamics.”
”

— Realtor.com

A knowledgeable local agent knows exactly when you need to act quickly and when it’s okay to take your time, making sure you don’t miss out on the perfect home.

Bottom Line 

If the whirlwind of recent years made you put your plans on hold, now’s your chance to move forward. The market has slowed down, giving you extra time, more choices, and greater control.

When you have the right agent by your side, you’re in the best spot you’ve been in for a long time.

Let’s chat about how fast things are moving in our local market and see if now might be a good time for you to jump back in.