Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It Might Be Time To Hit Play Again

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It Might Be Time To Hit Play Again

Last year, 70% of buyers put their home search on hold—maybe you were one of them. It’s understandable. With low inventory, high prices, and fluctuating mortgage rates, finding a home you loved and could afford was challenging.

But the market is shifting.

If you paused your moving plans in 2024, now may be the time to restart. Here’s why:

More Inventory Means More Choices

Even if you could make the numbers work, the limited home supply likely made it tough to find a property that met your needs. Now, inventory is increasing, giving buyers more options.

According to Realtor.com, active listings have risen 27.5% compared to this time last year.

If you were hesitant to list your home because you weren’t sure where you’d move next, you now have more options than you did a year ago—a significant advantage.

Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer

When housing supply was low, homes sold almost instantly due to high demand. A few years ago, that meant properties could be gone overnight. While that speed had its benefits, it also created challenges if you needed to find your next home quickly.

With inventory increasing, homes are now staying on the market longer. This gives you more time to make informed decisions without feeling rushed.

The latest data reveals that the average time homes spend on the market has increased by approximately 8% this year. While that’s the highest since 2020, it’s still quicker than pre-pandemic trends. In fact, homes are staying on the market about a week longer than last year—creating a sweet spot for movers.  

Though it may not seem like much, those extra days provide added flexibility, allowing buyers and sellers more time to make well-informed decisions. As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, explains:

“There are more homes for sale than in the last few years, which means the market pace is a bit more manageable–with longer days on market–and many sellers are more flexible . . . Though buyers face still-high housing costs, they may find a bit more give in the market, which could give them more time to make a decision, even in the busy spring and summer months.”

And if you're wondering whether this means selling your house will be harder—don't worry. Inventory is still nearly 23% below pre-pandemic levels, so well-priced homes continue to sell, especially as more buyers return to the market this season.

Bottom Line

With more inventory, sellers looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate have more options. Plus, with less urgency to rush into an offer, now might be the right time to revisit your home search if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines.

With more homes available and more time to decide, what else would help you feel ready to start your home search again? Let’s connect and discuss the latest trends in our local market.