WSJ Your Money Briefing There Are Now Half a Million More Home Sellers Than Buyers
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Jun 23, 2025 
Nicole Friedman, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in the housing market, shares insights on the evolving dynamics between home buyers and sellers. With rising mortgage rates and high prices, buyers have struggled, but now they find themselves with more negotiating power as the market shifts. Friedman discusses regional differences in inventory levels, the challenges first-time buyers face, and the potential for price declines as the market balances out. This conversation sheds light on the intricacies of today’s real estate landscape.
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Housing Market Shift to Buyers
- The U.S. housing market is shifting from a seller's market to a buyer's market due to rising inventory and high mortgage rates.
- Buyers now have more power to negotiate prices and terms, a major change from recent years of bidding wars.
Regional Market Differences
- The real estate market varies geographically; some regions have more buyers than sellers, others more sellers than buyers.
- The Southeast and Southwest show buyer's markets, while the Northeast and Midwest remain more competitive but slow down as inventory builds.
Advice for Young Homebuyers
- First-time and young homebuyers now can visit homes multiple times and negotiate better prices and concessions.
- However, affordability remains a barrier due to high home prices and mortgage rates, so renting might still be sensible for many.