Have you been wondering whether it’s the right time to buy a home? You’re not alone. A lot of people are holding back, wondering what the market will do next. But here’s what savvy buyers already see: this summer might be one of the best windows to jump into the market in years. Let’s look at three big reasons why.
1. Buyers Have More Leverage
After years of sellers calling all the shots, the market is starting to balance out. Right now, more sellers are active than buyers — a shift that gives you a serious advantage. Back in 2021 to 2023, there were far more buyers than houses, which created crazy bidding wars and skyrocketing prices.
But today? Inventory is up, and you’ve got room to negotiate. Sellers are more willing to offer perks like covering closing costs or tackling repair work just to close a deal. And this return to a more balanced market is a healthy sign. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), “With housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers in nearly every region of the country are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”
If you’re house-hunting in Tacoma, Puyallup, or even up in Des Moines and SeaTac, this shift can mean serious savings.
2. More Homes to Choose From
And it’s not just about leverage — there’s also a lot more to look at. Realtor.com reports that this past May had more listings than we’ve seen in May 2023 or May 2024. That’s great news for buyers across the South Sound, from Auburn and Burien to Normandy Park and Lake Tapps.
More inventory means a better shot at finding a home that fits your style and budget. As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, points out: “With more fresh inventory hitting the market, buyers have better opportunities to find a home that fits their needs.” So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect house in Sumner or Bonney Lake, it might just have hit the market — or will soon.
3. Sellers Are Getting More Flexible on Price
More listings also mean houses are taking a bit longer to sell, which is great news for you. Instead of crazy bidding wars, you’ll see more sellers adjusting their prices — especially if they started too high. Realtor.com data shows that in May, 19.1% of listings had a price cut. That’s five months in a row of increasing price reductions.
That doesn’t mean a crash is coming. It just means sellers are waking up to the reality of today’s market. According to The Street, “Although sellers had the upper hand over the past few years, houses are staying on the market longer, shifting negotiating power back to homebuyers.”
That’s a good thing if you’re thinking of making a move to Lake Tapps, Burien, or even Normandy Park — you may find sellers are more flexible than you’d expect.
The Bottom Line
Summer 2025 could offer a much more balanced playing field for buyers. With more choices, more negotiating power, and more realistic prices across cities like Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, SeaTac, and beyond, this could be your perfect moment to jump in.
If you want help navigating this changing market and seeing what’s available in your favorite neighborhood, I’d love to help. Reach out to a local real estate expert who knows the area well — like me — and let’s make your next move a smart one.
