For the first time in a while, buyers across much of the country may finally be catching a break.
Recent reports show that more than half of the homes in the United States lost value over the past 12 months. And in some major markets — including Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa — over 80% of homes saw a decline in value.
And honestly? That’s not necessarily bad news.
A Market Correction — Not a Collapse
The areas experiencing the biggest declines today are also the same markets that experienced some of the most explosive appreciation over the last several years.
Many homeowners in these cities saw their property values rise 40% or more in just six years. So even if values soften and appreciation drops from 40% down to 35%, homeowners are still sitting on gains that are far above historical averages.
That’s not a housing crash.
That’s a market correction.
In reality, many of these markets are simply returning to a more sustainable pace of appreciation and aligning with the rest of the country.
Buyers Finally Have Some Opportunity
For buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, this shift could create real opportunity.
Less competition.
More negotiability.
More realistic pricing.
Potentially better inventory options.
For many people who felt priced out over the last few years, the market may finally be moving back toward balance.
And timing matters.
Most of the recent value declines have occurred over the last two quarters, and data from the Mortgage Bankers Association suggests that softness in some markets may continue into the first or second quarter of next year.
That means buyers may have a window to purchase before the typical spring market activity heats back up again.
Sellers Need to Adjust Expectations
Now, does this mean it’s a bad time to sell?
Not at all.
But it does mean sellers need to be realistic.
If your home has been sitting on the market longer than expected, there’s a good chance your trusted real estate agent has already had “the conversation” with you:
“I think we may be overpriced for the current market.”
That’s not negativity — that’s strategy.
Today’s market is rewarding properly priced homes and punishing overpriced listings. Sellers who recognize the shift early can still position themselves ahead of the market rather than chasing it downward later.
In some cases, lowering expectations slightly now could actually help sellers maximize their overall outcome — especially if they’re planning to buy another property while conditions remain favorable.
Playing the Float
There’s an interesting opportunity developing right now for homeowners who are both selling and buying.
If you can sell before prices soften further while simultaneously purchasing another home during a market correction, you may be able to “play the float” — benefiting from both sides of the market cycle.
That strategy won’t work for everyone, but for the right homeowner, it can create tremendous long-term value.
Final Thoughts
The headlines may sound alarming, but context matters.
Yes, home values are softening in many markets.
Yes, sellers may need to adjust pricing expectations.
But buyers are finally seeing opportunity return, and most homeowners are still sitting on significant appreciation gains.
In other words:
It’s still a good time to sell.
And it may be an even better time to buy.
Jay Atterstrom
📧 [email protected]
📞 (214) 377-0033