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By Jeff Ryder

Jeff Ryder moved to Colorado Springs in 1993 as a Flight Paramedic at Fort Carson, serving in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he transitioned into journalism as a news anchor for the local CBS affiliate, KKTV, where he spent three years delivering stories that mattered to the community. His passion for helping people led him into real estate, where he has since built a thriving career, assisting over 1,500 families in making their next move.

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Are buyers truly back in control of the market? If you’ve been watching the housing market lately, the answer is a resounding yes. After years of bidding wars, rising prices, and quick sales, the market has shifted. Buyers now have more negotiating power than ever before, thanks to a series of changes that are giving them more room to maneuver.

Let’s explore the key reasons why buyers are finally in control again.

Largest discounts in two years. One major change is the significant discounts buyers are now seeing. Redfin reports that the typical home in the U.S. is selling for 1.8% below list price, the largest discount in nearly 2 years.

In some markets, homes are selling for 4% to 5% below the asking price. This shift signals a buyer’s market where discounts are becoming more common. Buyers now have the chance to secure homes for less than the original asking price.

Inventory surge fuels leverage. Another reason buyers have the advantage is the increase in available homes. In early 2025, new listings rose by 4.7% to 8.4% year over year. The months of housing supply have also climbed to five months, the highest since 2019. This surplus of homes gives buyers more options and greater negotiating power. More inventory means less competition and more time to make decisions.

Slower sales. Even with more homes available, demand has slowed. Pending sales have dropped by 4% to 6% compared to last year. Mortgage rates are hovering around 7%, making some buyers hesitant. Home prices are still up 4% year over year, with a median of $418,000. With homes staying on the market longer, particularly over 60% of homes were listed for more than 60 days, buyers now have the chance to negotiate better deals.

“Buyers now have the chance to secure homes for less than the original asking price.”

More sellers are offering concessions. Sellers are also offering more incentives. In Q1 2025, 44% of sales included perks like closing cost credits, repairs, or rate buy-downs. This is an increase from 39% the previous year. Buyers aren’t just benefiting from lower prices; they’re also receiving added value. These seller concessions are making it easier for buyers to secure deals that help them in the long term.

If you’re considering buying a home, now is a great time. With larger discounts, more inventory, slower sales, and increased seller concessions, buyers are in a much stronger position. Don’t miss out on these buyer-friendly market conditions. If you’re ready to start your home search, call me at 719-351-4312 or email me at jeffryder@kw.com, and let’s work together to find the perfect home for you!

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