Why Now Might Be the Right Time to Restart Your Home Search

If you’ve taken a break from house hunting over the past few years, you’re not alone—and you haven’t missed your chance. In fact, the market today may offer something you haven’t seen in a while: real opportunity.

With more homes for sale, price growth slowing, and mortgage rates easing, buyers are finding themselves in a stronger position than they’ve been in years.

Affordability Is Starting to Improve

According to Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, affordability is finally turning the corner:

“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”

Mortgage rates have edged down from recent highs, and home price growth has cooled—together making ownership more attainable for many buyers.

More Homes to Choose From

A key factor behind this shift? Inventory is rising.Realtor.com reports that there are 17% more homes for sale compared to this time last year.

That means more choices, less competition, and a better chance to find a home that fits your lifestyle—whether it’s extra space, a better location, or your first step away from renting.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.”

Across all regions, listings are up year-over-year—offering opportunities for buyers who may have felt shut out before.

With affordability improving, inventory climbing, and competition easing, buyers now have the leverage to make confident moves.

If you paused your home search, now may be the right moment to take another look. The combination of more options and more negotiating power doesn’t come around often.