Is It Time to Resume Your Home Search? Why Now Might Be the Perfect Moment

If you hit pause on your home search last year, you certainly weren’t alone. According to recent reports, nearly 70% of buyers stepped back in 2024—and with good reason. The real estate landscape was challenging: inventory was low, prices were sky-high, and mortgage rates were fluctuating unpredictably. It made finding a home you loved (and could actually afford) feel nearly impossible.

The good news? The market is shifting in 2025, and it might be the perfect time to jump back in.

Here’s why this year could offer the sweet spot you’ve been waiting for.

Understanding Why So Many Buyers Hit Pause

First, it’s important to acknowledge why so many homebuyers decided to sit things out last year. The combination of rapid price increases, climbing mortgage rates, and limited housing supply made it tough for anyone to move forward with confidence.

For sellers, the dilemma was equally complicated. Why list your home if you weren’t sure you could find a new one to move into? Uncertainty kept many would-be sellers on the sidelines, further fueling the cycle of low inventory.

But 2025 is shaping up differently. Key shifts in the market are offering fresh opportunities for both buyers and sellers to make moves they may have postponed.

The Inventory Sweet Spot: More Choices, Strong Demand

One of the most encouraging signs for buyers is that inventory is on the rise. More homeowners are listing their properties, and builders are delivering newly constructed homes at an accelerated pace. That means more options for you.

According to data from Realtor.com, housing inventory has increased 28.5% since this time last year. That’s a significant improvement for buyers who struggled with slim pickings in 2024.

However, inventory still remains below pre-pandemic levels, which is actually a positive for sellers. This creates a unique “sweet spot” in the market:

Buyers have more choices without overwhelming competition.
Sellers benefit from steady demand without an oversaturated market.

This balance means that if you list your home now, it’s likely to sell quickly—as long as it’s priced correctly and presented well. Simultaneously, when you become a buyer, you’ll have a wider range of options to choose from.

Timing Matters: Why Acting Soon Could Be Smart

While inventory is improving, experts warn that it’s continuing to climb. Realtor.com data shows that inventory has been rising for 17 straight months, and projections suggest that trend will continue throughout the year.

Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, notes:

“The fact that inventory is rising year-over-year . . . strongly suggests that national active housing inventory for sale is likely to end the year higher.”

What does that mean for you? If you’re thinking about selling, now may be the optimal time. As inventory builds, you’ll face more competition from other sellers. Listing sooner rather than later could help your home stand out more in a less crowded marketplace.

On the flip side, buyers benefit from today’s growing—but not overwhelming—selection. Waiting could offer even more choices, but you might also encounter higher prices or increased competition if interest rates drop and bring more buyers back into the market.

Why Today’s Market Could Be Ideal for Move-Up Buyers

If you’re considering moving into a larger home, today’s market could be especially favorable. Here’s why:

Selling Your Current Home: With solid demand and rising inventory (but not a surplus), your current home can sell relatively quickly and for a strong price.
Buying Your Next Home: More options are available now compared to last year, making it easier to find a home that better fits your needs without the frenzy of competing offers that defined the past few years.

Whether you’re moving up, scaling down, or relocating entirely, this balanced market offers advantages on both sides of the transaction.

Mortgage Rates Are Still a Factor—but Opportunity Exists

While mortgage rates remain higher than the ultra-low levels of the pandemic era, they have been showing some signs of stabilization. Many experts predict modest fluctuations throughout the year, rather than sharp rises or drops.

This environment means locking in a mortgage rate today could still be a smart move—especially if you’re looking to make a change that better suits your lifestyle.

And remember, you can always refinance later if rates drop significantly in the future. The important thing is finding a home that meets your needs and fits your long-term plans.

The Bottom Line: The Market’s Sign Is Clear

If you’ve been waiting for a clear signal from the housing market, consider this it. Conditions have shifted in favor of buyers and sellers alike. More homes on the market, sustained buyer demand, and moderate price growth create an ideal environment for making a move.

But timing is crucial. The inventory build-up is expected to continue, meaning the advantages you see today could diminish if you wait too long.

If you’re ready to explore your options, don’t go it alone. Connecting with a trusted real estate agent can give you the insight and support you need to navigate today’s evolving market confidently.

Whether you’re looking to move up, downsize, or relocate for a new opportunity, now might be the best balance the housing market has offered in years.