Reviewed July 30, 2026. The buyer-and-seller estimates and listing figures below cover June 2026. The mortgage-rate figure is Freddie Mac’s national weekly average as of July 30, 2026.
More homes were competing for fewer estimated buyers in much of the country this June. That gave some buyers more room to compare homes and discuss terms. It did not make every neighborhood a buyer’s market, and it did not solve affordability.
Redfin estimated 1,496,490 home sellers and 1,007,735 buyers in the United States in June. That was 48.5% more sellers than buyers. Under Redfin’s definition, 33 of the 47 large metros with enough data qualified as buyer’s markets.
Those are proprietary, seasonally adjusted estimates. They are not a count of every person who may buy or sell, and they are subject to revision. Local price range, property type, condition, and current competition can produce a very different result.
What leverage can look like
Negotiating room is not limited to a price reduction. Depending on the property, contract, and financing, a buyer may discuss:
- A seller credit toward allowable closing costs or discount points
- Repairs or a documented credit for a material condition issue
- Inspection and due-diligence time appropriate to the property
- A closing or possession date that works for both parties
- Included items that are identified clearly in the contract
Credits and discount points must fit the contract and the applicable loan program. A lender should confirm what is permitted and how a credit affects the cash needed at closing and the complete loan cost.
Zillow reported that 25.8% of U.S. listings had a price cut in June, up from 23.9% in May. Homes took a median of 20 days to go pending. These are broad national measures, not proof that a particular listing is overpriced or ready to accept a specific term.
Start with the complete payment
Zillow modeled a $1,884 monthly principal-and-interest payment on its typical U.S. home in June, assuming 20% down and excluding taxes and insurance. It estimated that payment was 2.5% lower than a year earlier.
That model is not a quote. On July 30, Freddie Mac reported national weekly averages of 6.66% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.04% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. An individual offer can differ based on the borrower, lender, property, loan, points, credits, and lock period.
Before touring seriously, compare more than principal and interest. Include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance when applicable, association dues, known assessments, utilities, maintenance, and cash needed at closing.
Use local evidence
Redfin classified San Francisco as one of seven seller’s markets in its June analysis while Los Angeles and San Diego were among the metros it classified as buyer’s markets. Even inside one metro, current competition can change by neighborhood, property type, condition, and price.
A property-level review should include recent comparable sales, active competition, time on market, price history, known condition, prior contract history when available, and the terms that matter to the buyer and seller.
A disciplined buyer plan
- Set a comfortable complete monthly limit before touring.
- Confirm the financing assumptions in writing with a licensed lender.
- Review recent closed sales and active competition for the specific property.
- Keep inspections and contract protections appropriate to the home.
- Choose the terms that matter most before negotiating.
- Walk away when the payment, condition, or contract does not fit.
Important context
Redfin’s buyer count is a proprietary estimate built from Redfin information and MLS data. Zillow’s measures are national or metro-level estimates. Freddie Mac’s survey is a national weekly average. None of these sources determines the value, condition, loan terms, or negotiating position of an individual property or buyer.
This article is general market information, not financial, lending, legal, tax, insurance, or property-condition advice. Confirm property and transaction details with the appropriate licensed professionals and official sources.
Sources and periods
- Redfin buyer-and-seller analysis, published July 14, 2026, covering June 2026
- Zillow June 2026 Market Report, published July 7, 2026
- Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, weekly averages as of July 30, 2026
