If you’ve been thinking about selling, it’s easy to feel discouraged by the headlines. You’ve probably heard that buyers are “gone,” that the market is “dead,” or that “no one is buying with rates this high.”
There’s a big difference between a slower market and a stalled one.
Yes, mortgage rates are still higher than most people would like. Homes aren’t flying off the shelf the way they did a few years ago. And it’s true that some buyers are taking a “wait and see” approach.
But here’s what those headlines aren’t telling you:
Buyer demand has been more resilient than most people realize.
In fact, more sellers are putting up “pending” signs now than they were over the last two years — and they’re doing it at a time of year when activity usually starts to cool down. If you’re a seller (or a move-up seller), that’s a trend worth paying attention to.
One of the best ways to measure buyer demand is by looking at pending home sales. Those are homes that have gone under contract but haven’t closed yet — a real-time pulse check on how many buyers are still writing offers.
Recent data shows more homes are going under contract now than during the same period over the last two years. In other words, even with higher rates, more sellers are successfully finding buyers. That doesn’t mean buyers are everywhere or that every house sells overnight. But it does mean serious buyers are still very much in the market.
Many of these buyers have been sitting on the sidelines for months, hoping for lower rates. Now, life is pushing them to move forward anyway — whether that’s a growing family, a new job, downsizing, or simply needing a different home.
They’ve decided they can’t wait forever.
As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:
“A late spring buyer rush—even with mortgage rates not budging—is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers’ acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal.”
Today’s buyers aren’t just casually browsing. They have reasons, deadlines, and a clear sense of what they want. That’s exactly the kind of motivated buyer you want walking through your front door.
Does that mean every home will sell quickly or for top dollar, no matter what? No.
The market today is more balanced than it was during the peak of the frenzy. Buyers have more choices, and they’re more selective. They’re willing to wait for the right home at the right price.
That’s why your strategy matters more than ever.
Pricing: Overpricing to “test the market” can backfire quickly.
Preparation: Clean, well-presented homes still stand out and attract more serious interest.
Positioning: How your home is marketed, photographed, and presented online directly impacts the quality of buyers you attract.
The idea that “no one’s buying right now” just isn’t supported by what’s actually happening.
The buyers are there.
The opportunity is there.
This year’s housing market may be moving slower than many people hoped. But buyer demand is more resilient than the headlines suggest — and sellers who take the right approach are still getting results.
If you’re wondering whether there are enough buyers for your home, let’s talk.
Team OLIVIERI is here to walk you through what’s happening in your local market, review the latest demand, and build a strategy to help you take advantage of the momentum that’s already here.
There’s a big difference between a slower market and a stalled one.
Yes, mortgage rates are still higher than most people would like. Homes aren’t flying off the shelf the way they did a few years ago. And it’s true that some buyers are taking a “wait and see” approach.
But here’s what those headlines aren’t telling you:
Buyer demand has been more resilient than most people realize.
In fact, more sellers are putting up “pending” signs now than they were over the last two years — and they’re doing it at a time of year when activity usually starts to cool down. If you’re a seller (or a move-up seller), that’s a trend worth paying attention to.
Buyers Are More Active Than You Think
One of the best ways to measure buyer demand is by looking at pending home sales. Those are homes that have gone under contract but haven’t closed yet — a real-time pulse check on how many buyers are still writing offers.Recent data shows more homes are going under contract now than during the same period over the last two years. In other words, even with higher rates, more sellers are successfully finding buyers. That doesn’t mean buyers are everywhere or that every house sells overnight. But it does mean serious buyers are still very much in the market.
Many of these buyers have been sitting on the sidelines for months, hoping for lower rates. Now, life is pushing them to move forward anyway — whether that’s a growing family, a new job, downsizing, or simply needing a different home.
They’ve decided they can’t wait forever.
As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:
“A late spring buyer rush—even with mortgage rates not budging—is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers’ acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal.”
Today’s buyers aren’t just casually browsing. They have reasons, deadlines, and a clear sense of what they want. That’s exactly the kind of motivated buyer you want walking through your front door.
What This Means for Your Sale
Does that mean every home will sell quickly or for top dollar, no matter what? No.The market today is more balanced than it was during the peak of the frenzy. Buyers have more choices, and they’re more selective. They’re willing to wait for the right home at the right price.
That’s why your strategy matters more than ever.
Pricing: Overpricing to “test the market” can backfire quickly.
Preparation: Clean, well-presented homes still stand out and attract more serious interest.
Positioning: How your home is marketed, photographed, and presented online directly impacts the quality of buyers you attract.
The idea that “no one’s buying right now” just isn’t supported by what’s actually happening.
The buyers are there.
The opportunity is there.
Bottom Line
This year’s housing market may be moving slower than many people hoped. But buyer demand is more resilient than the headlines suggest — and sellers who take the right approach are still getting results.If you’re wondering whether there are enough buyers for your home, let’s talk.
Team OLIVIERI is here to walk you through what’s happening in your local market, review the latest demand, and build a strategy to help you take advantage of the momentum that’s already here.
We would like to hear from you! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always looking forward to hearing from you! We will do our best to reply to you within 24 hours !