The housing market is finally leaning in favor of buyers. For the first time in over a decade, sellers outnumber buyers by nearly 500,000 across the U.S. That is the widest gap in supply and demand since 2013. This means buyers now have the upper hand.

This shift is happening fast. In 31 of the 50 biggest metro areas, places like Austin, Miami, and West Palm Beach, homes are sitting longer, prices are softening, and sellers are more willing to negotiate.

So, if you have been waiting for your moment, this is it.

Inventory Is Climbing

Inventory is up more than 20% compared to last year. That means more choices and less pressure to rush. You are no longer forced to bid over asking or compete with a dozen other buyers in 15 minutes. The frenzy is cooling, and that is a good thing.

Pixabay / Pexels / In April 2025, the median home price was $431,931, but experts expect prices to slip by about 1% by the end of the year.

That might not sound huge, but in this market, every little bit counts.

Historically, rates are still high. But they are heading in the right direction. As of May 29, the average 30-year fixed rate sat at 6.8%. That is down from 7.03% in 2024. Sure! It is not massive, but small drops like that can save you thousands over the life of a loan.

Notice, the rate you see advertised isn’t always the rate you will pay. Fees, points, and other costs all roll into the APR, which tells the real story. When comparing loans, always look at the APR, not just the rate. That is how you avoid surprises.

Different lenders work better for different situations. If your credit score isn’t great or your financial profile is complicated, New American Funding might be your best bet. They accept credit scores as low as 500 and offer a wide mix of loan types.

Rocket Mortgage is good for buyers who want to put down less cash upfront. They offer programs that let you put just 1% down while matching the rest. That is great if you have a steady income, but not much saved.

Then there is Rate, which is ideal for first-timers with mid-level credit and no lender fees on VA loans. The point is, don’t settle for the first lender who says yes.

Want a Lower Rate? Work for It

Curtis / Pexels / To make the most out of this market shift, keep your debt-to-income ratio low. That means less credit card debt, fewer car payments, and no big financial commitments right before buying.

You can’t control where rates go, but you can do a few smart things to qualify for a better one. First, work on your credit. The higher it is, the lower your rate. Aim for 740 or above if you can. Next, save up for a bigger down payment. 20% is the sweet spot to avoid private mortgage insurance and unlock better loan terms.

Lenders love borrowers with stable finances and low risk. And shop around. Getting quotes from at least three lenders could save you around $1,200 a year.

Know the Market Before You Buy

Just because the housing market is swinging your way doesn’t mean every deal is golden. Some areas are still hot, others are cooling faster. That is why local research matters. Look at how long homes are staying on the market. Are sellers dropping prices? Are bidding wars still common? This tells you how much leverage you really have.

Buyer-friendly markets are growing, especially in Florida and Texas. Miami, West Palm Beach, and Austin have seen demand fall while listings rise. If you are in one of these places, you are in a prime position to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.