Key Market Indicators: How to Know if Now Is a Good Time to Sell a House in Your Area
Jan 12, 2026
Trying to time the real estate market can feel a bit like watching the weather radar—conditions can change quickly, and what’s happening nationally doesn’t always reflect what’s happening on your street.
For homeowners across North America, the real question usually isn’t “Is the market good?”
It’s “Is the market good for me, right now?”
At Mark Spain Real Estate, we spend every day inside local market data—pricing homes, negotiating contracts, and advising sellers on timing and strategy. While no one can control the economy, you can control how and when you sell. The first step is understanding the signals your local market is sending.
One of the most reliable indicators we use with sellers is Months of Supply, sometimes called the absorption rate. It answers a simple but powerful question:
If no new homes were listed, how long would it take to sell everything currently on the market?
In practice, it works like a supply-and-demand thermometer:
Seller’s Market (0–3 months of supply): Buyer demand outpaces available inventory. In these conditions, we often see multiple offers, strong negotiating leverage for sellers, and pricing that holds firm—or climbs.
Balanced Market (3–6 months): Supply and demand are in alignment. Homes priced correctly tend to sell at fair market value with reasonable negotiation on both sides.
Buyer’s Market (6+ months): Inventory builds up, listings sit longer, and sellers may need to offer concessions to stay competitive.
Insight: In many neighborhoods we serve, a shift below three months of supply has been the tipping point where sellers regain control. Reviewing neighborhood-level MLS data—not just city-wide headlines—matters here.
Days on Market tells you how fast buyers are acting.
Under 30 days: This usually signals urgency. When homes are going under contract quickly, buyers are decisive, and competition is common.
45–90+ days: A longer DOM often means the market is cooling or pricing expectations are misaligned. Homes can still sell—but strategy becomes critical.
One mistake we see in slowing markets is overpricing “to test the waters.” More often than not, that leads to stale listings and price reductions later, which weakens negotiating position.
While list prices get the attention, the list-to-sale price ratio shows what buyers are actually willing to pay.
Above 100%: Buyers are paying premiums. Bidding wars are common.
Around 100%: Homes are priced accurately and are selling efficiently.
Below 95%: Negotiations are trending in the buyer’s favor.
When we see ratios consistently above 100% in a specific ZIP code, it usually tells us that well-prepared, move-in-ready homes are in short supply—and buyers know it.
Mortgage rates directly affect buyer affordability, but their impact isn’t always straightforward.
One dynamic we’ve seen repeatedly is the “lock-in effect.” Many homeowners are hesitant to give up low-rate mortgages, which keeps inventory tight. Even when rates rise, limited supply can continue to support pricing because buyers who must move still have fewer options.
When rates stabilize—or dip slightly—we often see a surge of buyer activity as people rush to lock in terms before conditions change again. Those windows can be excellent selling opportunities.
Real estate is local—sometimes hyper-local.
National news may say the market is slowing, but if your area is experiencing:
Job growth or corporate expansion
New schools, infrastructure, or transit projects
Continued inbound migration
…your local market may tell a very different story.
In recent years, many Southeast markets where we operate have continued to see strong demand driven by relocation and population growth, even during periods of national uncertainty.
Sometimes the data is mixed. Rates may be higher, but inventory is tight. Or the market may favor sellers, but your timeline doesn’t allow for repairs, showings, or extended uncertainty.
This is where strategy—not headlines—matters most.
For some homeowners, maximizing price through a traditional listing makes sense. For others, certainty and control are the priority.
We created the Guaranteed Offer Program for sellers who want clarity, speed, and predictability—regardless of short-term market swings.
With a Guaranteed Offer:
There are no showings or open houses
You can close in as little as 21 days
You receive a competitive, all-cash offer, eliminating financing risk
This option is particularly helpful for sellers navigating job relocations, inherited properties, time-sensitive moves, or those who simply prefer a straightforward transaction.
If inventory is low and homes are selling quickly, the market may be working in your favor.
If your priority is speed and convenience, market conditions may matter less than your personal goals.
Either way, you don’t have to interpret these indicators on your own.
Whether you’re considering a traditional sale for maximum exposure or exploring a Guaranteed Cash Offer for maximum certainty, the team at Mark Spain Real Estate is here to help you determine the best path forward.
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