I've been in real estate for over 20 years and built two billion-dollar companies before founding ez Home Search. Looking at our platform's nationwide data refreshed every 2 minutes, I can share some insights. The real estate market is transitioning to more localized patterns rather than broad national trends. Our data shows Atlanta properties staying on market 52 days versus Jacksonville at 60 days, with pricing variations that reflect local economics rather than pandemic-era surges. First-time buyers should explore emerging markets with strong fundamentals. Our platform shows homes in growing areas like Phoenix and Charlotte offering better value than coastal markets. Many properties in these regions are seeing less competitive bidding, giving buyers more negotiating power. My top advice: leverage technology to gain information advantages. Our ez Home Search platform provides valuation models and equity scenarios for 80M+ properties, not just active listings. Use these tools to identify undervalued properties and calculate long-term investment potential before making offers. Data-driven decisions will serve you better than emotional reactions to market headlines.
I focus on commercial real estate in Miami, but track residential markets closely since they impact investor sentiment. Places like Austin and Tampa are seeing price corrections after pandemic-driven spikes that disconnected from local wage fundamentals. When I analyze markets, I look for employment stability and infrastructure investment, both of which have slowed in these previously hot markets. For buyers previously shut out, consider properties with deferred maintenance. I recently helped a client purchase a property with outdated systems at a 15% discount, then negotiated favorable contractor terms that increased the asset value by 22% within six months. The renovation math is working in buyers' favor right now. New homebuyers should request a "Virtual Lease Audit" equivalent for their target property - essentially a 5-minute video walkthrough comparing recent comparable sales. This pre-offer intel strengthens your negotiating position. When I use this approach with clients, they typically secure 3-5% better terms than initial listing prices. Look for hyperlocal opportunities that larger investors overlook. My most successful clients identify neighborhoods adjacent to major infrastructure improvements before they become widely known. Use geofenced searches (like my team does for commercial properties) to target specific areas rather than broader market searches.
As someone who manages short-term rental properties in Detroit and previously owned a limousine service in Chicago, I've witnessed interesting market shifts over the past few years. The current correction in places like Austin and Tampa isn't surprising - these markets experienced unsustainable growth during the pandemic when remote work drove migration. Now with interest rates higher and many companies requiring office returns, we're seeing a natural equilibrium. For buyers who've been shut out, Detroit presents an incredible opportunity that I've personally capitalized on. I've purchased properties here at a fraction of what they'd cost in other major cities, renovated them, and seen substantial appreciation. The revitalization of Detroit's downtown and cultural districts is creating value that hasn't yet been fully priced into the market. First-time buyers should consider emerging neighborhoods in legacy cities like Detroit. I've found success by looking for areas with new restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues - these signal upcoming appreciation. When evaluating properties, focus on buildings with good bones but cosmetic issues that can be addressed affordably. Don't overlook properties with unique character features like exposed brick or original woodwork. In my experience converting older industrial spaces into short-term rentals, these distinctive architectural elements command premium rates and better appreciation than cookie-cutter new construction. These features are increasingly valuable to younger buyers seeking authenticity and character in their homes.
# US Real Estate Market Status and Opportunities As the founder of ez Home Search and co-founder of Digital Maverick, I track market trends across the country through our expanding national portal and ISA operations. What we're seeing in places like Austin and Tampa isn't necessarily a full market collapse but rather a market correction after unsustainable growth periods. Our data shows about 7-8% of any given database moves every year - even in challenging markets. The difference now is conversion requires 2-3 times more work than during the pandemic boom. Teams using our systems are still closing deals by focusing on basic follow-up - one of our partners recently converted 2 showings and 1 consultation from just 25 leads in a week. For buyers previously shut out, I recommend focusing on your database relationships. Many sellers haven't listed because they're waiting for "perfect" conditions. Our coaching clients are finding success by asking their network about "off-market" opportunities and creating win-win scenarios where sellers can avoid the hassle of listing publicly. For new homebuyers, focus on speed and relationship-building in this market. Our tracking shows real estate website visitors typically spend only 3 minutes browsing, so be ready to act quickly. Avoid text messages with trigger words like "buy," "sell," or "free consultation" when communicating with agents - these make people clam up. Instead, communicate like you're talking to a friend to build genuine connection that leads to better service.
What is the status of the US real estate market? Why are we seeing prices going lower in former high-flying places like Austin, TX or Tampa, FL? A long overdue correction is currently taking place in US real estate. As many markets that have seen rapid price growth are now returning back to equilibrium," says Zillow economist Treh Manhertz in emailed commentary, "After running hot for several months with strong, sustained appreciation, as we near the halfway point of 2021, we are finally beginning to see some softening in the demand as well as the supply of housing." They became poster cities for the pandemic housing boom — lots of room to spread out, warm weather, lifestyle appeal — but they also experienced price gains that vastly outpaced wage increases. That's unsustainable. What is remarkable not just that the prices are softening — it's that it is happening while mortgage rates are high. Typically, higher borrowing costs would act to suppress prices, but nationally they have been counteracted by a shortage of inventory. In the bubbles, however, the correction was all too inevitable. I remember a home for sale in Austin for $1.2 million in 2022 that entered a bidding war days later." Forward to now, and that property has had two price cuts, is up for $995,000 — and is getting scant foot traffic. That is part of a larger story of giddy expectations running into the reality of the market. What buying opportunities are we seeing for buyers who've been largely shut out of the real estate market? And buyers on the sidelines can have an opportunity to regroup with a bit more clarity and less competition. In a lot of metro areas, particularly second-tier cities or those that overheated recently, you're seeing this greater price flexibility — and sometimes also seller incentives like rate buydowns, or help with closing costs. Opportunities outside of the box are also being created as short term rentals in markets with strict regulation are becoming increasingly difficult to operate. Perhaps most silently, investors who overleveraged Airbnb clones are exiting, especially in cities tightening up on permits. This presents an opportunity for first-home buyers to haggle on listings that were previously out of reach. I have seen several such owners in Nashville and Palm Springs switch from "no showings" during peak rental season to "motivated to sell" with 10-15 percent discounts.
As the founder of Greenlight Offer in Houston, I've been buying 15-20 properties monthly since 2016 and have witnessed multiple market cycles firsthand. 1. The U.S. market is correcting after the pandemic boom. Places like Austin and Tampa are cooling because higher interest rates have reduced buying power. Houston has remained more stable than these markets due to our diversified economy and continued population growth. 2. For buyers who've been sidelined, I'm seeing incredible opportunities in owner financing and assumable mortgages. Creative financing is making a comeback. In Houston specifically, we're finding motivated sellers in transitional neighborhoods who need quick, no-hassle sales. 3. New homebuyers should consider properties that need minor cosmetic updates - not major structural repairs. Also, don't wait for perfect timing on rates or prices. I've watched countless clients miss opportunities waiting for "ideal" conditions. Be ready to move quickly when you find the right property, and consider working with investors who can offer flexible terms beyond traditional bank financing.
As a Dallas-based investor, I'm seeing incredible opportunities in starter homes that need some TLC - I recently helped a client buy a $280,000 home that only needed about $15,000 in repairs to match similar $350,000 properties in the area. My top tip for new buyers right now is to look for homes that have been sitting on the market for 60+ days, as these sellers are usually more willing to negotiate on price and terms.
The market in places like Austin and Tampa is cooling off because we've hit a perfect storm of high interest rates and overbuilding that happened during the pandemic rush. I've seen this firsthand with my lending clients, where properties that were hot tickets last year are now sitting longer on the market and selling for 10-15% less than their peak prices.
After helping over 1200 homebuyers, my top tip right now is to get your financing sorted first and look for homes below your maximum budget to account for higher interest rates. I recently worked with a couple who got approved for $400K but chose to look at $350K homes instead, which gave them breathing room in their monthly budget and more negotiating power with sellers.
As FLATS' Marketing Manager overseeing multiple urban markets, I've seen how real estate trends shift regionally. The current market correction reflects interest rate impacts and a normalization after the pandemic buying frenzy, with markets like Austin and Tampa experiencing price adjustments as remote work flexibility stabilizes. For previously shut-out buyers, I recommend exploring affordable housing programs like the ARO units we offer at The Sally in Chicago. When analyzing our 3,500+ unit portfolio, we've seen residents successfully enter ownership through these programs that require income verification but offer significant price advantages in desirable neighborhoods. New homebuyers should leverage virtual tours before in-person visits - we implemented this at FLATS and saw 25% faster decision-making. Our data shows prospects who used our comprehensive virtual tours combined with detailed floor plans converted at 7% higher rates than those who didn't, saving time and narrowing options efficiently. Consider properties near amenity-rich developments. When positioning The Sally apartments, we analyzed how proximity to shared amenities at our sister property The Draper (fitness center, pool) improved value. Similarly, look for homes near developments with community features that effectively extend your living space without the added cost.
In the self-storage industry, we keep a close eye on the housing market because it directly influences our business. People often need storage when they are moving, downsizing, or waiting for new housing. The US real estate market in 2025 is showing more balance than we have seen in years. After a period of rapid price increases, places like Austin, Texas, and Tampa, Florida, are now seeing prices moderate or even dip slightly. This is partly due to increased inventory from new construction, higher interest rates slowing demand, and a natural correction after a period of intense growth. For self-storage operators, that means seeing customers who might have been renters for longer periods now moving into homes, which can drive short-term storage demand as they transition. For buyers who have felt shut out of the market in recent years, this cooling in hot spots is creating real opportunities. Homes are staying on the market longer, and price reductions are becoming more common, especially for properties that need updating. First-time buyers or those with more flexible timing can find good deals, particularly if they are open to older homes or neighborhoods just outside the most popular areas. For new home buyers right now, my advice is to focus on the fundamentals: get pre-approved, know your budget, and be realistic about what you can afford. In self-storage, we emphasize clear communication and setting expectations with customers, and the same applies here. Do not be afraid to negotiate, and consider properties that need some work but offer value over time. Also, remember that every market is local, while national headlines might talk about cooling, your neighborhood might still be competitive, so do your homework before making an offer.
As the Marketing Manager for FLATS®, I've closely tracked multifamily housing trends that directly influence the broader real estate market. The current market correction stems largely from inventory finally catching up with demand—we're seeing a 12% increase in available units nationwide compared to the pandemic shortage period. Looking at buying opportunities, consider affordable housing programs like AHSAP (Affordable Housing Special Assessment Program) that we offer at The Teller House in Chicago. These income-restricted units provide the same amenities as market-rate apartments but at significantly lower costs. Qualification is based on household size and income (for example, $47,100 max for one person in a studio). For new homebuyers, I recommend utilizing virtual tours to maximize your search efficiency. At FLATS®, implementing comprehensive video tours reduced our unit exposure by 50% and accelerated lease-up by 25%. As a buyer, this technology lets you efficiently narrow your options before investing time in physical visits. Don't overlook adaptive reuse properties like our Teller House, which transformed a historic 1920s bank into modern apartments. These developments often offer unique character, prime locations in established neighborhoods, and sometimes better value than new construction. The combination of historic architecture with modern finishes typically holds value better during market fluctuations.
As the CEO of GrowthFactor.ai, I've been monitoring real estate trends through our platform that evaluates hundreds of retail locations nationwide. The current market shows significant regional divergence - we're seeing price corrections in previously hot markets like Austin and Tampa because pandemic-driven demand has cooled while supply finally caught up. For buyers previously shut out, look at overlooked suburban locations near retail corridors. When evaluating 800+ Party City locations during their bankruptcy auction, we identified numerous areas where commercial activity was strong but residential prices hadn't yet responded. These "retail indicators" often precede residential growth by 12-18 months. First-time buyers should analyze traffic patterns and demographic shifts. Our AI agent Waldo identifies areas experiencing population growth but lagging price appreciation. Consider places with new national retailers entering the market - we've found that when brands like Books-A-Million or Cavender's Western Wear open locations, they've already done extensive demographic research showing growth potential. Use data to your advantage. Traditional realtors often rely on gut feeling, but our platform identified that locations within 1.5 miles of complementary businesses see 16% better appreciation. Specifically look for areas with recent infrastructure improvements or where commercial lease rates are rising faster than home prices - this imbalance typically corrects within 24 months.
Oh, the real estate market has been a wild ride lately! Prices are starting to dip in places like Austin and Tampa mainly because they skyrocketed so much during the pandemic. Everyone was moving, demand was through the roof and prices just kept climbing. Now, we're seeing things cool off a bit, especially as interest rates have gone up. That's making those previously hot markets more accessible to folks who felt priced out before. Now, for buyers who've felt locked out, this could be a good moment. With prices stabilizing, and in some places dropping, there might be more opportunities to get into the market. That's especially true in areas where the prices had soared to pretty unrealistic levels. It's also worth noting that some sellers are more willing to negotiate now, which wasn't much the case a year or two ago. So, keep your eyes peeled for deals where the prices seem to be softer. If you're a new home buyer, my best tip is don't rush; take your time to understand the market in the area you're looking at. And hey, always get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know what you can afford before falling in love with a house that might be out of reach. Also, don’t skip on the home inspection, alright? It can really save you from some nasty surprises down the road. Lastly, think long-term about your purchase – can you see yourself in this home for a good few years? If yes, you're likely making a solid choice.