Should I Sell My House Now?

Key takeaways:

• It’s a good time to sell your house if you price it correctly and are open to negotiation.
• Rising inventory favors homebuyers, but sellers can still get good offers in some markets.
• Selling now could help you avoid potential price swings if the economy moves toward recession or inflation.
• Consider holding off if you want top dollar or recently refinanced.

If you’re thinking about selling, you’re not alone. But with today’s high mortgage rates and house prices keeping everyone on the sidelines, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time. 

The typical monthly housing payment has reached nearly $2,900, and buyers need to earn $50,000 more than renters to afford a home. These costs have frozen the market, which will likely only marginally improve in 2025. As a result, the Spring homebuying season is off to a slow start.

On top of that, President Trump’s tariffs – while reduced – have created a turbulent economy. Experts believe a recession, inflation, or both are more likely than not in the near future, which could further spook buyers and lower demand. What does this mean for sellers? 

There are always good reasons to sell your house. Maybe you’re relocating, downsizing, or hoping to cash in on your home’s value. But given today’s volatile market, is now the right time? Let’s dive into market trends to help you decide if you should sell your house now, or wait.

>> Read: How to Sell Your House in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

What sellers need to know about the housing market

Here are some market trends to keep an eye on before finding an agent and listing your home for sale.

Buyers are in charge, mostly

“Home sellers should prepare for a buyer’s market,” said Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist. “Rising inventory has given buyers more options, but record housing costs have made them weary. Those willing to brave today’s market are prepared to drive negotiations and pay a fair price, so in general, homeowners should no longer expect to go under contract within a week. Sellers will need to be flexible, strategic, and realistic about pricing if they want to stay competitive.”

That said, trends vary widely across the country. In the Midwest and East Coast, there aren’t enough homes for sale to meet demand; sellers in cities like Milwaukee and Detroit may see multiple offers, bidding wars, and quick sales. On the flip side, many Sun Belt cities now favor buyers, as homeowners look to escape worsening climate risks and skyrocketing insurance costs. Typical homes in Austin and Tampa sell in 54 and 41 days – nearly four-times longer than during the pandemic. 

Here are the top states where buyers have the upper hand, according to days on market. As a rule of thumb, the fewer days an average house spends on the market, the more demand there likely is.

The economy is volatile

House prices are climbing, and mortgage rates remain elevated. Plus, economists are concerned that inflation could rise further due to President Trump’s shifting policies on trade. Stagflation – rising inflation, high unemployment, and a weak economy – is possible.

This unpredictable economy has increasingly kept buyers on the sidelines and allowed inventory to build up. In a worst-case economic scenario, sellers may have to deal with falling house prices, higher mortgage rates, and reduced demand, which would further slow the housing market. 

In these uncertain times, it’s essential to talk with your agent to discover how local trends are shifting and decide if now is a good time to sell. Having a backup plan and staying patient can help you navigate bumps in the road.

>> Read: How to Buy, Sell or Rent a Home Amid Economic Uncertainty

When is it usually a good time to sell your house?

Spring is generally the best time to sell, when buyers are most likely to be active. However, market trends and personal considerations matter the most. In today’s market, sellers should be prepared for reduced buyer demand, plan ahead for their next home, and be realistic about pricing.

Here are some general rules for sellers to follow to decide if it’s a good time to sell.

>> Read: How to Sell Your House Fast – and for More Money

When is it typically a bad time to sell your house?

You may have no choice but to sell your house, but when these trends are at play, you’re less likely to sell quickly or above market value.

>> Read: 7 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

So, should you sell your house now?

If you’re financially ready, know your next move, and have a great agent, now may be a good time to sell a house. 

However, housing costs are rising and the economy is turbulent. Plus, with more supply and elevated mortgage rates, many buyers are holding out for a good deal, meaning sellers generally don’t have the negotiating power they had during the pandemic. You may need to offer incentives to attract serious offers.

Serious home sellers should connect with an agent, plan for a buyer’s market, and price competitively. Selling with Redfin gives you options to reduce your listing fee, get top-tier marketing and pre-listing help, and access to the best agents. Of course, if you need to sell now – whether it’s for a move, a change in finances, or something else – it’s always the right time.

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