Published September 1, 2026

Navigating Today’s Market: Why Buyers Have More Power Than You Think

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Written by John Hurlbut

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If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to purchase a home, current market dynamics might offer the leverage you've been waiting for. Across many areas right now, the total number of sellers on the market outnumbers active buyers. This inventory shift creates a noticeable change in negotiation dynamics, giving prospective buyers more room to advocate for favorable terms than in recent years.

When inventory expands and buyer demand cools slightly, sellers understand that securing a buyer requires flexibility. Depending on the specific neighborhood and price tier, this shift opens up opportunities to negotiate not just on the sales price, but also on seller-paid concessions, closing costs, repair credits, or home warranty inclusions.

However, market conditions vary significantly from town to town and even neighborhood to neighborhood. While macro trends favor buyers, local strategy remains essential to winning the best terms. Partnering with a localized real estate expert allows you to evaluate active inventory in your target area and translate your negotiating power into a successful closing.

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John Hurlbut

Realtor, CRS, GRI, ABR | Altitude Homes Team | Keller Williams Realty

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