We’re seeing a shift in the real estate landscape: over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings in the US inched up by 0.4%, and total homes for sale rose by 0.5%—reaching their highest point since early Q2. Meanwhile, pending home sales dipped 1.1% to a six-month low, as many buyers pressed pause in the face of steep housing costs, even as inventory improved nationwide. The median sale price now stands 1.9% higher than a year ago, topping $400,000, with average mortgage rates hovering near 7%, close to a 13-month high.
For those actively searching, this combination of rising inventory and softer demand is creating more buyer-friendly conditions. There’s more room to negotiate on price or request concessions, particularly in markets where homes have lingered for several weeks. In my experience—especially across varied markets in Hawaii and California—sellers who price realistically tend to see the best results, while buyers gain valuable leverage when they know where to look. Clear information and a level-headed approach are key to navigating these changes, and I remain dedicated to helping my clients make informed, strategic decisions amid this evolving market.
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