Are US home sales declining?

US home sales are not in a steep decline but are experiencing a period of slow growth and regional variation. While some months may see slight decreases in sales volume, overall figures remain relatively stable, largely due to persistent high home prices and elevated mortgage rates. It is more accurate to say the market has slowed down rather than declined completely.

What devalues a house the most?

The most significant factors that devalue a house are often a lack of maintenance, poor curb appeal, and over-personalized design choices. Issues like a leaky roof or cracked foundation can signal deeper problems to a buyer, while an unkempt yard or bold paint colors can make it difficult for them to envision themselves living in the home. External factors like proximity to a noisy highway can also negatively impact a home’s value.

Is it better to sell in a buyer's or a seller's market?

A seller’s market, with its low inventory and high demand, can result in higher prices and faster sales. However, a buyer’s market gives you more leverage as a buyer for your next purchase, so the timing depends on your overall strategy.

Will my house sell in the fall?

Yes. While the autumn and winter months are traditionally slower due to holiday plans and the school year, a motivated buyer will always be looking. The benefit of a slower season is that there’s often less competition from other sellers.

Do cash buyers pay less in a down market?

Reputable cash buyers, like iBuyHomes, make offers based on the fair market value of your home, minus a small service fee and any needed repairs. Their goal is to provide a fast, certain sale, not to lowball sellers.

Is It a Bad Time to Sell a House? Fall 2025 Market Secrets Revealed

The question, “Is it a bad time to sell a house?” is one many homeowners are asking as the fall of 2025 approaches. The answer, however, is a classic “it depends.” It depends not just on the overall housing market, but on your personal financial and life circumstances.

While media headlines often focus on national trends, the reality is that real estate is hyper-local. What’s happening in Charlotte, North Carolina, might be completely different from the market in Phoenix, Arizona. This guide will help you understand the key factors at play, so you can decide if now is the right time to sell your home.

Analyzing the Current Housing Market (Fall 2025)

As we enter the cooler months, the real estate market is presenting a mixed bag of conditions. The traditional seasonal slowdown is at play, but other factors are creating a complex landscape.

Mortgage Rates and Buyer Demand

Conventional wisdom suggests that higher mortgage rates lead to fewer buyers and a sluggish market. While Newsweek reported that rates have remained elevated, they haven’t completely stopped buyer demand. Many buyers have adjusted their expectations, and in some areas, there are still a significant number of qualified, highly motivated buyers.

However, the days of rampant bidding wars and dozens of multiple offers are less common than they were in the peak pandemic years. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicates that while homes sold are still a bit below pre-pandemic levels, a gradual increase in sales is expected to continue into 2026. This means the housing market is shifting, but it’s not in a free fall.

Home Prices and Inventory

Nationally, home prices, including the median sale price, have generally remained resilient, though the rate of appreciation has slowed. The market’s stability is largely due to low inventory levels. While new listings are trickling in, there simply aren’t enough homes for sale to meet the persistent demand from homebuyers. This dynamic is what keeps home values from a steep decline in many markets.

Certain cities, like San Antonio and Orlando, have seen a significant increase in housing inventory due to new construction and less frenzied demand. This gives buyers in these local market conditions more options. Conversely, in a city like Portland or Rochester with tight inventory, sellers may still find themselves in a more favorable position.

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The More Important Question: Is It the Right Time for You?

While market conditions are important, your personal situation is often the most critical factor in deciding “should I sell my house now or wait?”

Your Home Equity and Financial Situation

Do you have enough home equity to make a move worthwhile? If you’ve owned your home for several years, it’s likely seen a significant increase in its value. High equity gives you more financial flexibility. You can use it to cover the costs of the sale, pay down debt, or use it for your next purchase.

However, many homeowners are facing the “mortgage lock-in effect.” This is when a homeowner with a low-interest-rate mortgage from a few years ago is hesitant to sell, as their new mortgage payments on a different house would be much higher. This is a very real consideration, and it’s why many potential sellers are staying put.

Your Life Situation

Sometimes, life dictates a move regardless of market conditions. A new job, a growing family that needs a larger house, or a desire to downsize are all powerful personal reasons to sell.

Consider your personal timeline. Are you in a rush due to a job relocation to Detroit or a family move to Atlanta? Or are you simply toying with the idea of a change? Your motivation and timeline will often determine the best path forward.

The Market-Proof Alternative: A Cash Offer from iBuyHomes

If your personal timeline and need for certainty outweigh the desire to time the market perfectly, there is a powerful alternative: a cash offer.

A cash sale from a company like iBuyHomes completely removes the uncertainty of the traditional process. Here’s how it’s different:

Bypasses Mortgage Concerns: Your sale isn’t contingent on a buyer’s mortgage approval, credit score, or any of the complexities that come with conventional financing.
Ignores Seasonality: Forget about whether it’s the worst time to sell a house. A cash buyer doesn’t care about the holiday season, bad weather, or whether there are open houses in the winter months. The process is just as fast in December as it is in May.
Avoids Preparation Hassles: You can sell your home as-is, without worrying about expensive and time-consuming repairs, staging, or improving your curb appeal to attract the right buyer.

A cash offer from a reputable company like iBuyHomes gives you a simple, fast, and certain home sale. It puts you in control, allowing you to move on your schedule, for your reasons, and for a fair price, no matter what the market is doing.

Navigating the Sale: A Checklist of Considerations

If you decide to sell your property, whether through a traditional real estate agent or a cash offer, here are some final considerations.

Be aware of the tax implications of selling a home, especially if you have significant capital gains. Consult a financial advisor to understand your potential tax liability.
If you need to sell quickly, a cash offer is often your best bet. If you have time, working with a real estate agent can help you get the best deal by attracting the most buyers.
A well-prepared house can sell faster and for more money. Think about what will help you put your home in the best light, even if it’s just a deep clean and declutter.

Ready to discover the value of your home? Get a free, no-obligation cash offer from iBuyHomes today and take the first step toward selling with certainty, on your own timeline.