Is Now the Right Time to Enter the Real Estate Market? Here’s What You Should Know (Especially in Austin)

If you’re wondering whether now is a smart time to buy or sell a home, you’re not alone. With everything happening globally including economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and shifting interest rates, it’s easy to feel like sitting tight might be the safest bet. But the truth is, real estate is about personal timing, not perfect timing.

For Buyers: A Market with More Breathing Room

The past few years were defined by intense bidding wars and rapid price hikes. But in 2025, the playing field is starting to level out:

• Inventory has grown – Austin has around 6.38 months of inventory as of April 2025, which is a big shift from the ultra-tight market of just a year ago. More inventory means more choices and less pressure.

• Sellers are more negotiable – With homes sitting on the market longer (average of 63 days), there’s more room to negotiate price, repairs, and closing costs.

• Prices are stabilizing – While we’re not seeing deep discounts across the board, pricing is more balanced. The average sold price in April was $594,388—up slightly from March, but relatively flat compared to this time last year.

• You can refinance later – If rates are your biggest concern, remember that locking in the right house now means you can always refinance when rates improve.

For Sellers: Strategy Over Speed

Selling in today’s Austin market isn’t as fast or frenzied as it once was—but that’s not a bad thing. It just means you need a solid plan.

• More competition – Active listings in Austin rose over 20% year-over-year. Buyers have more to choose from, so standing out matters.

• Homes are taking longer to sell – The average time on market is now over two months. Pricing right from the start and investing in presentation (cleaning, staging, marketing) are more important than ever.

• Values are still strong – Most homeowners have built up a lot of equity in recent years. If you’re moving for lifestyle or financial reasons, it still makes sense to take advantage of that equity now.

• Serious buyers are still out there – Even with more inventory, the buyers in the market today are intentional. A well-presented, well-priced home will still move—especially in desirable neighborhoods.

Trying to predict the "perfect" time to buy or sell almost always leads to missed opportunities. The Austin market is shifting into a healthier balance, which is good for both sides of the transaction.