Real Estate Reality Check: Engagement vs Commitment

In today’s ever-evolving real estate landscape, anecdotal stories often reveal what statistics haven’t yet caught up to.

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One of our recent listings in Northern California is offering a firsthand glimpse at what might be early signs of a shifting market.

Three weeks ago, we listed a beautiful home that drew strong interest right out of the gate—open houses were buzzing, and four serious buyers stepped forward. Yet, we’re still not in escrow.

Here’s what unfolded:

• 🏷️ Buyer 1 submitted an offer under asking, with a 6% seller credit request. The seller declined.

• 🏡 Buyer 2 loved the property but needed to sell their own home first—which still hasn’t attracted any offers.

• 💸 Buyer 3 reconsidered after crunching monthly payments. Despite being within their pre-approval range, they stepped back, citing discomfort with the cost.

• 🔍 Buyer 4 chose a less expensive home in a less desirable neighborhood—$75K cheaper, smaller, and fewer features, but budget won.

  
  

Across the board, we’re seeing a pattern: buyers are hesitating, negotiating harder, or walking away altogether. Homes are staying on the market longer, inventory is climbing, and price reductions are becoming more frequent. These are all hallmarks of a buyer’s market in the making.

So—is this a temporary ripple or the beginning of a broader trend? That’s the question we’ll be watching closely in the months ahead.