Are Buyers Starting to Return? What Today’s Market Signals Mean for Sellers

Are Buyers Starting to Return? What Today’s Market Signals Mean for Sellers

Over the past year, the housing market has felt cautious. Buyers paused, sellers waited, and many wondered when conditions would shift. Now, signs are emerging that momentum may be building again — and sellers who pay attention early could benefit.

Mortgage rates have eased compared to recent highs, and that change alone is enough to bring hesitant buyers back into the conversation. But rates aren’t the only indicator. Let’s break down what the data is showing and why it matters if you’re considering selling.

Lower Rates Are Rekindling Buyer Interest

Today’s buyers are extremely sensitive to borrowing costs. Even modest drops in mortgage rates can have a noticeable impact on activity.

As rates moved closer to the mid-6% range, more buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines began reapplying for home loans. Industry leaders have consistently noted this pattern: when rates improve, buyer engagement follows.

Recent reports from the Mortgage Bankers Association confirm this trend. Mortgage purchase applications have climbed to their strongest levels of the year, and total applications have reached highs not seen in nearly three years. That kind of growth doesn’t happen overnight — it reflects steady improvement and growing confidence among buyers.

Contracts Are Increasing, Not Just Interest

Buyer curiosity is one thing. Signed contracts are another — and that’s where the market shows additional strength.

Pending home sales, which track properties under contract, have been trending upward according to the National Association of Realtors. This is an essential signal because pending sales often lead to closed transactions within one to two months.

An increase here suggests buyers aren’t just browsing — they’re committing. It’s one of the reasons many economists expect modest growth in overall home sales heading into 2026, even if mortgage rates fluctuate slightly along the way.

Why Timing Matters for Sellers

This early-stage shift can work in a seller’s favor.

As buyers regain confidence, competition among sellers has not yet fully returned. That gap creates opportunity — particularly for homeowners who price realistically and prepare their homes well.

Selling sooner may mean:

• More engaged buyers touring homes
  
  
• Less competition from other listings
  
  
• Buyers who are motivated after months of waiting
  
  

Many buyers currently entering the market feel they’ve delayed long enough and are prepared to act decisively when they find the right home.

The Big Picture

No market moves in a straight line, and short-term rate changes will continue. But the broader trend suggests improving conditions as we move toward 2026.

For homeowners who’ve been unsure whether to sell — or who stepped back during slower months — this may be the moment to reassess. Understanding what’s happening locally is key, and the right strategy can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re curious how buyer activity is shaping up in your area and what it could mean for your home’s value, connecting with a knowledgeable local agent is a smart first step.

What This Market Shift Looks Like in Prescott, Arizona

Here in Prescott and the surrounding Quad Cities, we’re seeing these national trends play out in very real ways.

Buyer interest has started to improve across Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt — especially for well-priced homes under the median price point, properties with views or privacy, and homes that appeal to retirees and second-home buyers relocating from Phoenix, California, and out of state.

As mortgage rates have eased, more buyers are re-entering the Prescott market looking to lock in a home before competition increases again. This has led to:

• Increased showing activity on properly priced listings
  
  
• More serious, qualified buyers returning after months of waiting
  
  
• Homes that are staged and marketed correctly standing out faster
  
  

While inventory is still available, Prescott remains a supply-constrained market compared to larger metro areas. That means sellers who act early — before more homeowners decide to list — may have a strategic advantage.

Why Working With the Right Prescott Realtor Matters More Than Ever

In a shifting market, pricing, timing, and local knowledge make the difference between sitting on the market and selling successfully.

The best realtors in Prescott understand:

• Neighborhood-by-neighborhood pricing differences
  
  
• What Prescott buyers are actually looking for right now
  
  
• How to position a home to stand out as buyer activity increases
  
  
• When to list — and when waiting may cost you leverage
  
  

National headlines don’t always tell the full story. Local expertise is what helps sellers take advantage of momentum before it becomes obvious to everyone else.

Thinking About Selling in Prescott?

If you’re considering selling a home in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, or Yavapai County, understanding current buyer demand — locally, not just nationally — is key.

A conversation with a trusted Prescott real estate professional can help you determine:

• Whether now is the right time to list
  
  
• How much buyer demand exists for your specific type of home
  
  
• What strategy gives you the strongest position heading into 2026
  
  

Prescott AZ Real Estate Market Snapshot

While national trends point to improving buyer demand, local market conditions in Prescott tell the most important story for sellers.

In Prescott and the surrounding Quad Cities, buyer interest remains strongest in:

• Homes priced appropriately for today’s market
  
  
• Properties with views, privacy, or usable acreage
  
  
• Single-level homes appealing to retirees and downsizers
  
  
• Well-maintained homes close to downtown, medical services, or trails
  
  

Buyers relocating from Phoenix, Southern California, and out of state continue to be a major driver of demand, especially as they seek cooler weather, lifestyle amenities, and long-term value.

Although inventory has increased compared to the ultra-competitive years, Prescott is still not oversupplied. Homes that are priced correctly and professionally marketed are seeing:

• More consistent showing activity
  
  
• Faster decision-making from buyers who waited through higher rates
  
  
• Stronger interest before competition fully rebuilds
  
  

Local insight matters.
Talk with one of Prescott’s top realtors to understand your home’s true market position. Reach out to us at The Bergamini Group today - 928-771-9190