Market Outlook: Why This Spring Could Be One of the Busiest in Real Estate – And How to Prepare

Spring is traditionally the busiest season in real estate, but this year is shaping up to be one of the most active we’ve seen in a while. Buyers and sellers alike are jumping into the market as interest rates stabilize and stock market uncertainty drives more people toward real estate as a solid investment. If you’re thinking about making a move, now is the time to prepare—because competition will be fierce on both sides.
Why Buyers Have an Edge This Spring
More Inventory, More Choices
The number of homes for sale this February was higher than it’s been in any of the past five Februarys. According to Realtor.com, inventory has grown by 27.5% in the last year alone, and experts predict that number will continue to rise.
What does this mean for you? More choices, less pressure, and better opportunities to find a home that checks your most important boxes. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, highlights the benefits of a growing inventory: “Buyers will not only have more home options . . . but they are also likely to find somewhat lower asking prices and more time to make decisions – all buyer-friendly factors as we inch closer to the busy homebuying season.”

More Negotiating Power
As more homes hit the market, some listings are sitting longer—especially those priced too high from the start. The result? More price reductions and sellers who are more willing to negotiate on price, closing costs, and repairs.
Looking back to pre-pandemic market conditions (2017–2019), today’s level of price reductions is much closer to historical norms. This shift is great news for buyers who have been waiting for a more balanced market.
What Buyers Should Do to Prepare:
- Get Pre-Approved – With increased competition, a solid pre-approval letter is a must.
- Know Your Budget and Must-Haves – Be clear on your priorities so you can act fast when the right home comes up.
- Be Prepared to Move Quickly – Desirable homes will still sell fast. A strong offer with good terms can make all the difference.
- Work with a Skilled Agent – In a competitive market, having an experienced agent to guide you is crucial..
Why Sellers Should Still Act Now
While buyers are gaining advantages, sellers are still in a strong position. Spring typically sees heightened demand, and homes in desirable locations that are priced correctly will continue to sell quickly. However, with increased inventory, sellers must be strategic to stay competitive and attract the right buyers.
Key Reasons to Sell This Spring:
- Strong Buyer Demand: The spring market draws in serious buyers who are ready to act.
- More Stable Interest Rates: As buyers adjust to current rates, more are entering the market with confidence.
- Favorable Market Conditions: Home values remain strong, but as inventory rises, pricing competitively is more important than ever.
- Shifting Buyer Expectations: Buyers now have more choices, which means homes that are well-prepared and well-marketed will attract the most attention and best offers.
How Sellers Can Stay Competitive:
- Price it competitively: Overpricing can result in extended days on the market and potential price reductions.
- Perform inspections: Getting inspections done ahead of time can help you avoid surprises, attract serious buyers faster, and give your agent more leverage when negotiating.
- Make necessary repairs: Buyers now have more choices, so well-maintained homes stand out.
- Boost curb appeal: First impressions matter—ensure your home looks inviting from the start.
- Stage your home effectively: Professional staging can attract more buyers and lead to stronger offers.
- Use strategic marketing: High-quality photos, virtual tours, and social media exposure help maximize your home’s visibility
- Be flexible in negotiations: Offering incentives like closing cost assistance or flexible move-in dates can make your home more appealing
Let’s Make This Spring a Success
Whether you’re buying or selling, preparation is key. The spring market moves fast, and having a clear strategy will give you an edge. If you’re thinking of making a move, let’s start planning now.
Contact us today to position yourself for success this spring!

MY TAKE
Caroline's take on what you need to know
The spring market is shaping up to be one of the busiest we’ve seen in years. With inventory rising and buyers adjusting to current interest rates, both sides of the market need to be prepared to compete.
For buyers, this means being pre-approved, knowing what you want, and acting decisively when the right home hits the market. For sellers, pricing correctly from the start, presenting your home in the best possible light, and leveraging a strategic marketing plan are key to securing top dollar.
We specialize in positioning our clients for success, whether buying or selling. If you're ready to make a move this spring, let's strategize and ensure you’re making the most of this market. —contact us today!
Market Report March 2025
Here's the latest January 2025 Market Update showing year-over-year data. The data includes all Single-Family and Condo & Townhomes in the California Area sourced from Broker Metrics & Info Sparks for the period from December 2024 thru February 2025. This may include preliminary data and may vary from the time this data was gathered. All data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
FOR NEWS INQUIRIES
Kyle Henry
Director of Marketing
Kyle.H@CarolineHuo.com
650.727.1308
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