General
What is a buyer's market vs. a seller's market?
A seller's market means more buyers than available homes — prices rise and sellers have leverage. A buyer's market means more inventory than demand — buyers have negotiating power. Most markets sit somewhere in between.
Market conditions shape everything — how you price, how you offer, how you negotiate. Understanding where the market sits before you act is basic strategy.
Seller's market
A seller's market exists when demand exceeds supply. Homes sell quickly, often above list price, with multiple offers and few concessions. Sellers can be selective — they can negotiate from strength on price, terms, and contingencies. Buyers in this environment need to move fast, price competitively, and be prepared for rejection.
Buyer's market
A buyer's market exists when supply exceeds demand. Homes sit longer, sellers reduce prices, and buyers can negotiate repairs, concessions, and closing cost credits. Sellers in this environment need to price aggressively from the start and be prepared to make concessions.
How to tell which market you're in
- Months of supply: Less than 3 months = seller's market. More than 6 months = buyer's market. 3–6 months = balanced
- Days on market: Homes selling in under 10 days signals strong seller conditions
- Sale-to-list price ratio: Consistently above 100% means buyers are overbidding
- Price trend: Sustained price growth signals seller strength; reductions signal buyer leverage
What this means for Central Texas
Central Texas market conditions vary by price point and submarket. The Killeen and Copperas Cove market can behave differently from Belton or Temple, even in the same month. Local data matters more than national headlines — and I track it closely.
If you want to know where the market stands right now — inventory levels, days on market, and price trends by city — reach out. I send current data, not summaries from last quarter.
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