For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With limited inventory and high demand, buyers faced intense competition to get an offer accepted. But now, inventory is rising, and in some areas, the market is beginning to shift. Read below for the scoop and detailed Kansas City market data.
Is the Market Finally Balancing Out?
The big question: Does this mean buyers will have it easier in 2025? Well, that depends on where you’re looking.
According to the latest data, some markets are still heavily favoring sellers, while others are becoming more buyer-friendly. This shift is happening as more homes hit the market, giving buyers in certain areas more leverage than in recent years.
What Determines a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?
It all comes down to supply and demand:
- Seller’s Market: More buyers than homes for sale, giving sellers the advantage, which leads to rising prices, multiple offers, and homes selling quickly—often above the asking price.
- Buyer’s Market: There are more homes than buyers, giving buyers the upper hand. In this scenario, sellers may have to offer concessions, negotiate more, and price competitively to get a deal done.
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show how this plays out historically. A key indicator is months of inventory—how long it would take for all homes on the market to sell if no new listings were added. Right now, the national average is still in seller’s market territory, but it’s creeping upward.
Where the Market Stands Now
While it’s still a seller’s market in many places, buyers in certain locations have more leverage than in years. According to Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub:
“Among the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets, 41 markets ended January 2025 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic January 2019. These are the places where homebuyers will be able to find the most leverage or market balance in 2025.”
Here’s a breakdown of where buyers and sellers hold the most power based on recent research:
What About The Kansas City Real Estate Market?
National data is interesting, but what about the Kansas City Metro real estate market? Are we in a buyer or seller’s market? Below are the most recent stats available on the KC real estate market:
How to Navigate the Market—No Matter Who Holds the Power
Understanding market conditions is key, but knowing how to adjust your strategy is even more important. Whether you’re buying or selling, the *right* local real estate expert can make all the difference.
- For Buyers in a Seller’s Market: Be prepared to act fast, get pre-approved, and work with an agent who knows how to craft a winning offer.
- For Sellers in a Buyer’s Market: Pricing competitively and offering incentives (like covering closing costs) can help attract serious buyers.
Bottom Line
Inventory is rising, and the market may be starting to balance out—but it depends on location. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, understanding the market is essential, and having a strategy to win in current market conditions is even more critical!
Want to know how to leverage when buying or selling a home in the Kansas City area? Let’s chat! Call or text 816-328-2887, we look forward to assisting you!
