Fall Housing Market Update: Price Cuts Signal a Shift in Seller Strategy
Decreasing home prices are a constant each fall, and this year is no exception. This autumn, the U.S. housing market is quietly recalibrating. Nearly half of active home sellers are trimming prices, signaling a shift in expectations and a renewed effort to meet buyers where they are.
📉 Price Cuts Are Widespread—But Not Dramatic
According to recent data, 42% of active single-family listings nationwide now include a price reduction. The median markdown? A modest 4%. Sellers aren’t slashing values—they’re making strategic adjustments to re-engage buyers without destabilizing the market.
🏡 Inventory and Pricing Snapshot
- Total listings: 863,972 homes nationwide
- Supply: 2.76 months at current sales pace
- Median list price: Holding steady at $444,900
- New listing median: $410,000
- Price per square foot: $215
This pricing stability, paired with targeted markdowns, suggests sellers are testing the waters and repositioning when needed—especially in mid-range and higher price tiers where affordability is tightest.
⏳ Homes Taking Longer to Sell
The pace of sales has slowed slightly since early September:
- Median days on market: 70 (up from low 60s)
- Average listing age: 112 days
Well-priced homes continue to move quickly, while those priced above market linger until adjustments are made.
📝 Buyer Activity Holds Steady
Despite elevated mortgage rates, buyers remain active:
- Pending sales: 362,632 homes under contract
- Median pending price: $399,990
- Average escrow time: 36.6 days
When pricing aligns with buyer expectations, decisions are swift.
A Market in Balance
The Market Action Index sits at 34—still favoring sellers, but far from the frenzied pace of recent years. For agents and homeowners, the message is clear: pricing strategy is paramount. Decreasing home prices are no surprise not only as a seasonal adjustment but also as inventory begins to build.
What This Means for You
For Sellers: If you’re preparing to list your home this fall, pricing strategy is more important than ever. The data shows that nearly half of sellers are making price adjustments—not because the market is collapsing, but because buyers are more selective and affordability is top of mind. Starting with a realistic price can help your home stand out and attract serious interest from day one. If your listing isn’t getting traction, don’t wait too long to reposition. A timely price reduction can reignite buyer engagement and prevent your home from lingering on the market. In today’s environment, responsiveness and flexibility are key to a successful sale.
For Buyers: This season presents a unique opportunity. With inventory hovering near 864,000 homes nationwide and many sellers making concessions, buyers who stay alert may find valuable leverage in negotiations. Price cuts—especially in mid-range and higher price tiers—can open doors to homes that were previously out of reach. If you’ve been watching the market and waiting for the right moment, this could be it. When you see a well-priced home that fits your needs, be ready to act decisively—especially as days on market begin to stretch and motivated sellers become more open to offers.
Thinking About Selling? Start Smart.
If you’re considering selling your home—especially in today’s shifting market—my guide “Selling the Family Home: A Thoughtful Approach to Downsizing and Moving On” is a great place to begin. It’s designed for homeowners navigating change, offering practical tips, emotional insights, and step-by-step strategies to help you prepare, price, and move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply exploring your options, this resource is packed with the kind of guidance I offer my clients every day.
Want a complimentary copy? Just reach out—I’d be happy to share it with you or someone you know who’s preparing for a transition.