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The real estate market is sending mixed signals this season—and buyers and sellers alike are feeling it.
As of May 2025, housing inventory has officially hit its highest level since 2019, surpassing one million active listings nationwide. This would traditionally signal a more favorable market for buyers, who’ve long been navigating historically low inventory levels. But despite this apparent surge, many buyers are pressing pause.
So, what’s going on?
As a REALTOR® and Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), and a proud member of the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), I keep a close eye on these shifts—not just for the data, but for what it means to you.
We’re seeing more homes on the market, which should be good news, right? It is—but there’s a catch.
Many buyers are taking a wait-and-see approach due to elevated mortgage rates, which hovered around 6.7% in early May. Add to that the broader economic uncertainty, including inflation concerns and new tariffs affecting household budgets, and it’s no surprise people are feeling cautious.
While there are more options out there, affordability remains a real concern. In some cases, potential buyers are finding that what’s available still doesn’t match their price point or expectations. Others are waiting for interest rates to dip again.
If you’re thinking about listing your property, now is still a good time—but pricing and presentation are more important than ever. With more competition on the market, buyers can afford to be selective. Homes that are staged well, move-in ready, and priced competitively are the ones getting the most attention.
As a CPRES, I also work closely with families managing inherited properties. If you’re selling a probate home, this environment makes strategic preparation essential—both to attract serious buyers and to ensure a smooth legal and financial process.
Yes, rates are higher—but so is your negotiating power.
With more homes on the market and fewer competing offers, buyers can often negotiate better terms, concessions, or even price reductions—something that was nearly impossible during the frenzied seller’s market of the past few years.
And let’s not forget: refinancing is always an option when rates shift again in the future.
Katherine Boddeker
REALTOR® | HAR Member | Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES)
Serving the Greater Houston Area
713-349-9700
katherinetxrealtor.com
www.coldwellbankerhomes.com
Mobile: 713-962-9641
Office: 713-349-9700
Company Website:
www.coldwellbankers.com
Coldwell Banker Realty-Bellaire
5107 Bellaire Blvd. #200
Bellaire, TX 77401
Email: [email protected]
