Should I Sell My House Now?

Key takeaways:

• It’s a good time to sell your house if you price correctly and are open to negotiation. 
• Mortgage rates have dropped to 3-year lows, opening the door for priced-out buyers to re-enter the market.
• There are far more home sellers than buyers, tipping the scales toward buyers—but sellers can still get competitive offers.
• Selling now could help you avoid potential price swings if the economy moves toward recession or inflation.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re not alone. But with today’s near-record housing costs keeping everyone on the sidelines, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time. 

The typical monthly housing payment has surpassed $2,800, and house prices have risen for more than two years straight. These costs have frozen the housing market, scaring buyers and prompting more sellers to stay put. 

On top of record costs, President Trump’s policies are rattling the economy, further weakening demand. The result is a housing market with more listings than buyers, affecting housing markets nationwide. 

There is a bright spot, though. Mortgage rates have dropped to 5.99%—their lowest level since February 2023—in the wake of an order from the administration to purchase $200 billion in government bonds, giving buyers thousands more in purchasing power. 

So, what does this all mean for home sellers? Let’s dive into the data to help you decide if you should sell your house now, or wait.

>> Read: How to Sell Your House in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

From Redfin’s Chief Economist

“Home sellers should prepare for a buyer’s market. Rising inventory has given buyers more options, but near-record costs have made them wary. Lower mortgage rates haven’t brought buyers back yet, either. Those willing to brave today’s market are prepared to lead negotiations and pay a fair price.” – Daryl Fairweather, Redfin Chief Economist.

What sellers need to know about the housing market

Here are some market trends to keep an eye on before finding an agent and listing your home for sale.

Buyers are in charge, mostly

Nationwide, there are over 500,000 more home sellers than buyers. So, to stay competitive, homeowners need to be flexible on pricing and willing to offer concessions. Many are doing so, but a growing share of would-be sellers are choosing not to list, or even delist their homes altogether, pushing prices higher.

That said, trends vary widely across the country. In the Midwest and Northeast, there aren’t enough listings to meet demand, so sellers in cities like Rochester and Milwaukee may see bidding wars and quick sales. On the flip side, most Sun Belt cities favor buyers, as homeowners look to escape worsening climate risks and climbing insurance costs. 

Here are the top states where buyers have the upper hand, according to days on market. As a rule of thumb, the fewer days a house spends on the market, the more demand there likely is.

The economy is volatile

House prices are unaffordable, and economists are concerned that inflation could increase due to tariffs and immigration policies. Mortgage rates are also an unknown, but they have held near 6.3% for months and recently dipped to 5.99%.

“Mortgage rates have dropped from their peak last year, but with house prices at record highs, homebuyers are still struggling through a difficult housing market.” said Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at Redfin. “We expect mortgage rates to average 6.3% this year—down from 6.5% in 2025—with periods in the upper 5% range. But unless homebuilding skyrockets or the country falls into a severe recession, housing affordability and buyer activity are unlikely to improve substantially.

In these uncertain times, it’s essential to talk with your agent to decide if now is a good time to sell.

>> Read: How to Buy, Sell or Rent a Home Amid Economic Uncertainty

When is it usually a good time to sell your house?

Spring is generally the best time to sell, when buyers are most likely to be active. However, market trends and personal considerations matter the most. 

In today’s market, sellers should prepare for lower demand, plan ahead for their next home, and be realistic about pricing.

Here are some general rules for sellers to follow to decide if it’s a good time to sell.

>> Read: How to Sell Your House Fast – and for More Money

When is it typically a bad time to sell your house?

You may have no choice but to sell your house, but when these trends are at play, you’re less likely to sell quickly or above market value.

>> Read: 7 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

So, should you sell your house now?

If you’re financially ready and have a great agent, now may be a good time to sell a house. 

However, home prices are sky-high and climbing, pushing more buyers to wait for a good deal. Sellers don’t have the negotiating power they’re used to, so you may need to offer incentives to attract serious offers.

Home sellers should connect with an agent, price competitively, and be open to offering concessions. Selling with Redfin gives you access to top-tier marketing, pre-listing support, and award-winning local agents. Qualified Redfin customers can also unlock Rocket Preferred Pricing, a new program that helps you save when you buy with Redfin and finance through Rocket Mortgage.

There are always good reasons to sell your house — maybe you’re relocating, downsizing, or hoping to cash in on your home’s equity. You may also just need to move. There isn’t a right answer for everyone, but when selling in today’s unpredictable market, timing and strategy matter more than ever.