5 Signs Buyers Are Finally Catching a Break

An open front door reveals a winding concrete pathway leading through a lush, green yard with manicured landscaping and mature trees under a bright blue sky. The scene symbolizes new opportunities and a welcoming market for homebuyers, captured from inside a home with warm hardwood floors and soft natural light.

Let’s be honest. Buying a home hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park the last few years.

Between bidding wars, appraisal issues, and sky-high prices, a lot of would-be buyers have been sitting on the sidelines, wondering if they’ll ever catch a break.

But here’s the good news: the market is shifting.

While the Triangle is not in a full-blown buyer’s market just yet, conditions are finally becoming more favorable for homebuyers here. Inventory is up, competition is cooling, and sellers (and even builders) are making moves to win over serious buyers.

If you’ve been waiting for a better time to jump back in, here are five reasons now might be your moment.

1. Sellers Are Offering Real Incentives Again

Not long ago, making an offer meant going over asking, skipping repair requests, and hoping for the best. Those days are fading fast.

According to Redfin, 44% of sellers in early 2025 offered concessions, everything from mortgage-rate buydowns to closing cost coverage and repair credits. That’s one of the highest rates ever recorded, and it reflects a major shift in negotiating power.

What this means for you: You may not need to fight over every dollar or give up protections just to get your offer accepted. Sellers are listening, and they’re more willing to work with motivated buyers.

2. Down Payments Are Shrinking

Here’s another win for buyers: down payments are trending lower.

Redfin reports the typical down payment dropped 1% year over year, the first annual decline in nearly two years. While the average still sits around 15%, many buyers are using lower down payment options like FHA and VA loans, or choosing more affordable homes to manage monthly costs.

In a market like Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and the surrounding Triangle communities where price points vary widely by neighborhood, that flexibility can open up real opportunities for first-time buyers or those looking to upsize on a budget.

3. Builders Are Dropping Prices and Offering Perks

Thinking about new construction? You may have more leverage than you realize.

In June 2025, 37% of homebuilders reported price cuts, the highest share since 2022, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Even better, 62% are offering buyer incentives, like interest rate buydowns, closing cost assistance, or free design upgrades.

With inventory climbing and builder confidence dipping, they’re far more open to negotiation. If you’re ready to move soon, now’s a great time to explore new communities across Apex, Holly Springs, or Fuquay-Varina.

4. Inventory Is Rising, and That Means More Choices

For years, one of the biggest challenges for buyers has been the lack of homes on the market. That’s finally starting to change.

Active listings have jumped more than 31% year over year, surpassing 1 million homes nationwide. That's the highest level since 2019, according to Realtor.com.

Here in the Triangle, we’re seeing that translate into less competition, more breathing room, and a better chance to find a home that actually fits your lifestyle and budget without the panic of a bidding war.

5. Investors Are Selling, Opening the Door for Everyday Buyers

Here’s something that might surprise you: investors are offloading homes at record levels.

In 2024, 10.8% of all U.S. home sales were investor-owned properties, the highest ever recorded. As rents cool and returns shrink, more investor listings are hitting the market, especially in the more affordable price points where many first-time buyers are looking.

That means less competition from cash-heavy investors and more inventory for regular buyers looking to build long-term stability and equity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Start Looking Again?

No, the market isn’t perfect. But for the first time in years, buyers have something they haven’t had in a while - - - options and leverage.

If you hit pause on your home search over the last year or two, now may be the time to press play again. Prices are still relatively high, and mortgage rates haven’t dropped dramatically, but you’ve got more inventory, motivated sellers, and fewer bidding wars working in your favor.

Curious what this shift looks like in your neighborhood? Want to explore homes with more negotiating power on your side?

Let's connect. I’ll help you make sense of the numbers, identify smart opportunities, and find the right move for your next chapter.

Thanks for reading!

Brandon Yopp