Sellers Flood Market, Buyers Hold Back!

Oct 14, 2025

Written by David Dodge

The housing market is getting interesting. More homeowners are putting their houses up for sale, hoping to cash in on slightly lower mortgage rates. But buyers? They’re not biting. This mismatch is creating a buyer’s market in many places, where sellers are ready to make deals, but buyers are holding back. Let’s break down what’s happening, why buyers are staying on the sidelines, and what it means for anyone thinking about buying or selling.

Sellers Are Testing the Waters

Lately, more homes are hitting the market. In the four weeks ending October 5, 2025, new listings jumped 2.3% compared to last year. That’s the biggest increase in over three months! Why the rush? Mortgage rates dropped to a 10-month low of 6.26% in September, and sellers thought buyers would come running.

But that’s not happening. Home sales are actually down—pending sales fell 1.3% from last year. Houses are sitting on the market longer, sometimes over 100 days. In one case, a seller had to cut their price by $15,000 below asking and even throw in furniture and outdoor gear to seal the deal.

Why Aren’t Buyers Moving?

So, what’s keeping buyers away? A few things:

High mortgage rates: Even at 6.26%, monthly payments are still steep for many.
Money worries: With inflation and job concerns, people are nervous about making big moves.
Too many choices: There are way more sellers than buyers right now—72% more for condos alone. Across the whole market, there are about 490,000 more sellers than buyers, the biggest gap since 2013.

This oversupply means prices are starting to dip. Experts think home prices could drop 1% by the end of 2025. Buyers are also getting picky, asking for discounts or extras like inspection fixes. “It’s a buyer’s market,” says Jesse Landin, a real estate agent in San Antonio. “People are throwing out low offers to see what sticks.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

Here’s a quick look at the key stats driving this trend:

What’s Happening	Number	Change from Last Year	Notes
New Listings (4 weeks to Oct 5)	Up 2.3%	Biggest jump in 3+ months	Sellers are hopeful
Pending Home Sales	Down 1.3%	Buyers aren’t committing	Hesitant despite lower rates
Average Mortgage Rate (Sept)	6.26%	10-month low	Sparked listings, not sales
Condo Sellers vs. Buyers	72% more sellers	Widest gap by type	Great for deal hunters
Overall Sellers vs. Buyers	490,000 more sellers	Record since 2013	Pushing prices down
Example Price Cut	$15,000 below asking	N/A	Included furniture

These numbers show a market leaning toward buyers, but it’s not a total steal yet. There’s more inventory, but affordability is still tough.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Buyers: Now’s your chance to negotiate. Look at condos or new homes where builders might offer perks like lower mortgage rates. Don’t be afraid to make a lower offer—sellers are more open to deals.

Sellers: Price your home realistically from the start. Be ready to offer extras, like covering repair costs or tossing in furniture, to stand out.

What’s Next?

If mortgage rates keep dropping—maybe toward 6% or lower—buyers might start jumping in. For now, it’s a waiting game. The market favors buyers, but only those ready to act will snag the best deals.

What do you think about this housing market? Are you waiting to buy, or trying to sell? Share your thoughts below!

Navigating St. Louis’ red-hot luxury market doesn’t have to be a headache. With House Sold Easy, it’s all about less hassle—we’ve got you covered from start to finish. Our St. Louis experts know every corner of this city and will make buying your dream home or selling your high-end property a breeze. Don’t miss out on the hottest market in the U.S.! Contact House Sold Easy today and let’s make your real estate goals happen!