The Spring Market Is Not Broken. It’s Just Normal Again.
This spring home sales season is not delivering the frenzy many people expected. In fact, it is shaping up to be a letdown across much of the country. Homes are sitting longer. Buyers are hesitant. And sellers are asking: what happened?
Let’s be clear. The market is not crashing. It is adjusting. And that adjustment feels dramatic because we got used to chaos.
What the Wall Street Journal Reported
According to a recent article from the Wall Street Journal, this spring’s market is the softest we have seen in years. Inventory is growing, but demand is still sluggish. Mortgage rates are hovering around 6.75%, and buyers are cautious. Even in areas where prices have started to come down, many people are still sitting on the sidelines.
This shift is not because of one single factor. It is a mix of economic uncertainty, high borrowing costs, global trade tensions, and consumers adjusting to the reality that mortgage rates are not going back to 3% anytime soon. The result? Homes are taking longer to sell, sellers are making concessions, and urgency is down across the board.
What I Am Seeing Firsthand
This shift is not just in the headlines. It is happening in real time. In conversations with real estate agents around the country, they are seeing inventory levels rise to the highest point since before COVID. The average days on market is now between 30 and 60 days. This is not a sign of collapse. This is what a normal market looks like.
We had an extraordinary few years. Homes were selling in hours. Bidding wars were routine. Buyers were waiving inspections and appraisals. That was not sustainable. And now, we are seeing the market settle.
What Sellers Need to Know
For sellers, this can feel like a slap in the face. But it is important not to panic. If your home is not selling in the first week, it does not mean something is wrong. It means the market has shifted. Buyers now have options, and they are taking their time.
The key is to stay focused and flexible. Price your home with the current market in mind. Be prepared to make small improvements or updates. Listen carefully to feedback from showings. Most importantly, make sure your home is presented professionally, photographed beautifully, and marketed effectively.
Buyers Have the Advantage of Time
Buyers are in a better position to be thoughtful. They can schedule second visits. They can negotiate concessions. And they are more likely to walk away if a home does not feel just right. This is a good thing. It leads to better decisions, fewer regrets, and a healthier process for everyone involved.
That said, smart buyers are not waiting forever. They are paying attention to local inventory, tracking price trends, and staying in close contact with their real estate agent. They are ready to act when the right home comes along. And yes, builders are offering incentives but existing homes can still compete if they are priced and presented well.
Final Thoughts
This spring market is not a dud. It is simply the reset we needed. A slower, more deliberate market benefits everyone in the long run. Buyers have space to breathe. Sellers learn to price with intention. And the chaos of the past few years finally starts to settle.
If you are preparing to sell or buy, now is not the time to retreat. It is the time to get strategic. Reach out, and I can connect you with a trusted expert in your area who understands this new market and will help you succeed with clarity and confidence.
