If you've been watching the real estate market closely, you’ve likely noticed a major shift: buyers are finally calling the shots. For years, sellers ruled the game—homes sold in days, bidding wars broke out, and buyers bent over backward.

Those days? Over.
Welcome to the stagnant market—a buyer’s playground.

💡 What a “Stagnant Market” Means for You

A stagnant market = more listings, fewer buyers, longer days on market.
Here’s what that translates to for you:

✔️ More negotiating power
✔️ Lower prices
✔️ Bigger seller concessions
✔️ Time to actually think before writing an offer

📽️ Why Buyers Now Hold the Power

🏨 High Inventory, Low Competition
Too many homes, too few offers. Advantage: buyer.

📉 Motivated Sellers
Vacant homes, back-to-back mortgages, and 30+ DOM = sellers willing to talk terms.

🛠️ What You Can Negotiate Right Now

💵 Price Reductions
It’s not unusual to negotiate 5–10% below list price, especially when the home’s been sitting.

🎯 Seller Concessions
Buyers are stacking deals with:

• Full or partial closing cost coverage

• Rate buydowns (paid by seller)

• Prepaids (insurance, taxes)

• Repairs, appliance credits, even furniture

😮 Creative Perks
Some buyers are scoring:

• Window washing for a year

• Free landscaping or pool service

• Patio furniture included

• Professional deep cleaning

• Rent-backs at discounted rates

🏆 Recent Wins & Buyer Leverage

In the last 90 days, we’ve seen:

• Buyers negotiating $15K+ below asking

• Sellers covering all closing costs

• Sellers offering appliance packages, carpet credits, or HOA dues

In this climate, buyers who ask the right questions and make strategic offers are winning—big.

🔍 How to Maximize Your Leverage

Ask your agent:

• ⏱️ How long has the home been listed?

• 📉 Have there been price drops?

• 📦 What’s driving the seller’s move?

• ⚔️ Any competing offers?

Make strong, smart offers:

✔️ Be pre-approved
✔️ Offer flexibility on close date
✔️ Ask for credits strategically
❌ Don’t overplay your hand or skip inspections

🗓️ How Long Will This Last?

Analysts predict: buyer leverage could last through late 2025, unless rates drop or inventory shrinks.
But local markets vary—some could shift sooner.

🔑 Bottom Line

This is the rare moment where buyers can:

• Negotiate harder

• Ask for more

• Move with confidence

• Actually win the deal, not just survive it

📍 Start browsing now — full access to every active listing in the Valley:
👉 phoenixMLShomes.com

❓ Buyer FAQs

Can I really offer under list?
Well, sure, under most markets this is possible — the difference now is how much we can negotiate off their list price.

What can I ask for?
Closing costs, appliances, warranties, credits—don’t be shy.

Are sellers desperate?
Some are. Especially vacant or slow-moving homes.

Can sellers help lower my rate?
Absolutely. Rate buydowns are common.

Craziest perk you’ve seen granted?
One year of HOA dues paid by the seller for the buyer — negotiated and in writing.

How long will this last?
No one knows for sure—but don’t assume it’s forever.

Brent Hammonds — Associate Broker / REALTOR®
HomeSmart Real Estate
📞 602-717-3219
📧 azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
🌐 phoenixmlshomes.com
📝 azbrokerbrent.blog
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