Buyers Hear It's a Buyer's Market and Start Making Offers Way Below Asking. That Doesn't Mean Every Seller Is Desperate

August 14, 2026 - 12:31

The phrase "buyer's market" is getting thrown around a lot lately, and it is changing how people approach home shopping. Some buyers hear that inventory is up and think it is an invitation to submit offers that are tens of thousands of dollars below the listed price. They figure it is worth a shot, and sometimes it works. But the reality is more complicated than the label suggests.

Having more homes on the market does give buyers leverage. They can take their time, compare properties, and ask for concessions. That is a real shift from the past few years when bidding wars were common and sellers held most of the cards. Still, a buyer's market does not mean every seller is desperate or willing to accept a lowball number just to close a deal.

Many sellers are still anchored to their asking price, especially if they have owned the home for a while and have equity built up. They may be willing to negotiate on closing costs or minor repairs, but a huge discount can push them to just wait it out. Some are also testing the market themselves, listing high with the expectation of coming down a little, not a lot.

Agents are seeing a split in behavior. Some sellers are realistic and price their homes competitively from the start, which leaves little room for aggressive low offers. Others are stubborn, and they would rather hold the property than take a hit. Buyers who assume every listing is a fire sale are often disappointed.

The smart approach is to look at each property individually. A home that has been sitting for months with multiple price cuts is a different situation than one that just hit the market. Local conditions matter too. Some neighborhoods are still seeing multiple offers, while others are slow. The term "buyer's market" is a general trend, not a rule for every single house.

So yes, buyers have more power right now. But that power comes with homework, not just bold offers. The ones who do well are the ones who understand the difference between negotiating and lowballing. Sellers are not all desperate, and treating them like they are can backfire. A fair offer that leaves room for a little back and forth is more likely to get a conversation started than a number that feels insulting.