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Writer's pictureKari Stone

Decoding the "Seller's Market": What Your Realtor Is Trying to Tell You


Buyers outside a new home

If you've recently dipped your toes into the real estate market in the Des Moines metro or have been considering buying or selling a property, you may have come across the term "seller's market." But what exactly does it mean when your realtor declares, "It's a seller's market"? Let's unravel the mystery behind this real estate jargon and understand the implications for buyers and sellers alike.


Defining a Seller's Market:

In the world of real estate, a seller's market occurs when the demand for homes surpasses the supply, giving sellers the upper hand in negotiations. This imbalance in the market typically results in higher home prices, quicker sales, and increased competition among buyers.


Key Indicators of a Seller's Market:

  1. Low Housing Inventory: One of the primary indicators of a seller's market is a shortage of available homes for sale. When the number of properties on the market is limited, sellers can command higher prices and typically enjoy a faster selling process.

  2. Quick Sales: In a seller's market, homes tend to sell rapidly. This can lead to multiple offers on a property and sometimes bidding wars, with buyers willing to pay above the asking price to secure their dream home.

  3. Rising Prices: With high demand and low supply, home prices typically experience an upward trend. Sellers can capitalize on this by getting favorable offers and maximizing their return on investment.

  4. Favorable Terms for Sellers: In a seller's market, sellers often have the upper hand when it comes to negotiating terms. They may receive offers with fewer contingencies, faster closing timelines, and more flexible conditions.


Implications for Buyers:

  1. Increased Competition: Buyers in a seller's market often find themselves competing against multiple offers for the same property. This can be challenging, requiring a strategic approach and the ability to act quickly.

  2. Higher Prices: The demand-driven nature of a seller's market usually results in higher home prices. Buyers may need to be prepared to stretch their budget or compromise on certain features to secure a property.

  3. Limited Negotiation Power: With sellers holding the advantage, buyers may have less room for negotiation. It's essential for buyers to be well-prepared, financially and emotionally, for a more competitive and fast-paced buying process.


Implications for Sellers:

  1. Higher Sale Prices: Sellers in a seller's market benefit from higher demand, leading to increased property values and the potential for multiple competitive offers.

  2. Faster Sales: In a market where demand outpaces supply, homes tend to sell quickly. This can be advantageous for sellers looking to close deals promptly.

  3. More Favorable Terms: Sellers may receive offers with fewer contingencies and more favorable terms, allowing for a smoother and more convenient selling process.


In the Des Moines metro, we continue to see low inventory for resale homes. The one section of the market where we are seeing prices decrease, higher inventory and more negotiating power is in new construction. This is something to take into consideration when you are starting your home search.


In this current competitive environment, buyers need to be strategic and agile, while sellers can capitalize on favorable conditions to secure higher returns on their investments. Keep these insights in mind as you navigate the landscape of this real estate market and consult with your realtor to make informed decisions based on the current market conditions. Either way, don't let the condition of any market keep you for buying or selling your home. Work with your realtor to come up with a plan to navigate the market together.



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