If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, price growth moderating in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options.
Experts agree: buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say and how it applies right here in Massachusetts.
Affordability Is Finally Improving
Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting to turn the corner:
“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”
In Massachusetts:
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According to Zillow, the typical home value in the state is about $649,116, up just ~1.2% year-over-year (data through Sept 2025).
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That slower percentage rise means fewer “shock” increases in value, which helps affordability for first-time buyers.
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While prices are still high, the pace of increase is moderating; giving buyers more breathing room.
There Are More Homes on The Market
A big reason price growth is easing: more homes are coming onto the market, giving buyers more choice and less competition.
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In Massachusetts, data from Redfin show about 21,111 homes for sale in September 2025 – that’s up ~14.2% versus a year earlier.
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The median sale price across all home types was about $638,500, up ~2.1% year-over-year.
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Compared to the super-heated market of 2021–22, this is more balanced. For buyers, that means less pressure, fewer bidding wars, and more opportunity to negotiate.
Massachusetts Association of REALTORS (MAR) found for May 2025 that inventory rose 6.2% for single-family homes and 13.1% for condos.
That’s a positive sign: availability is improving.
Compared to this time last year, every region of the country has more homes on the market than at this time last year (see graph below):
But… Not All Would-Be Buyers Should Wait
While the trend is favorable, keep in mind:
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Some markets in the state remain tight, especially in entry-level price zones or in towns with top school districts or strong trail/outdoor access.
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Inventories are improving, but they’re not “loose” yet in many locations. For example: MAR still flagged inventory as a key challenge in parts of Massachusetts.
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Slower growth does not mean drop in value. A smaller increase is still an increase – meaning you’re not likely to “beat” the market by waiting long-term, if affordability allows now.
When you compare current inventory growth to pre-pandemic norms (2017–2019), the picture changes a bit, depending on where you are (see graph below):
So What Does This Mean For You?
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If you paused your home search because the market felt too competitive or pricey: now is a moment worth revisiting. More listings + moderating price growth = more leverage for buyers.
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Buyers may find homes in the $350K-$500K starter range (depending on town) with fewer multiple-offer situations.
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School-district focused towns may still carry premium pricing, but “budget smart” towns nearby may benefit from improved market access.
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Buyers should get pre-approved, identify target towns, and be prepared so that when the right home hits the market, they’re ready.
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Increased inventory doesn’t mean “everything is perfect” but it does mean more choice and less frantic competition.
Bottom Line
Want to know what’s happening in your neighborhood or zip code? Reach out to a trusted agent (that’s me! 😉) and ask for a custom overview of current listings, days-on-market, price trends, and how your budget stacks up.
Because this isn’t 2021. It’s not even 2023 or 2024.
This is a new market and you might be surprised by what you find.
📞 Call or text me at 508-365-7036 to get started on your home search today.
Let’s find the right home for you!
