Why Massachusetts & New Hampshire Buyers Are Finally in Control Again


With higher inventory and lower demand, market conditions are working in buyers’ favor.

Want to buy a home but scared about overpaying? I have good news: in 2025, buyers are finally calling the shots. We’ve been watching the market closely, and the shift is clear. Recently, we worked with a cash investor who had been searching with us for months. We found a prime opportunity, a $1.4 million property, and negotiated a 9% discount. That’s over $130,000 saved simply by taking advantage of the market conditions right now. With more sellers lowering prices and offering perks, buyers aren’t just getting good deals; they’re dominating negotiations. Here’s why. 1. Largest discounts in two years. According to Redfin, typical home sales across the U.S. are now about 1.8% below the list price. This is the largest discount we’ve seen in nearly two years. With the average closing time at 56 days, making it the longest January timeline since 2020, there’s a lot of inventory out there waiting for you.

"Homes are selling below their list price for the first time in years."
2. Inventory surge fuels buyer leverage. We're also seeing a surge in inventory. New listings climbed from 4.7% to 8.8% year over year in early 2025. This has resulted in a five-month supply of inventory, which is a very good sign for buyers looking to take advantage of the available opportunities. 3. Sales are slower. Even with more homes available, demand has weakened. Pending sales have fallen by 4% to 6% compared to last year, marking the lowest January levels outside of the pandemic years. In fact, over 60% of homes now stay listed for more than 60 days, which is up from previous months. This slowdown not only cools competition but gives buyers even more power at the negotiating table. 4. Sellers are offering more concessions. Sellers aren’t just dropping prices; they’re offering real value to close deals. These buyer perks include closing cost credits, repairs, or even interest rate buydowns. It’s safe to say, buyers aren’t just getting discounts; they’re also walking away with added value, making this one of the strongest buyer markets in years. If you’re buying now, this is your moment. You have the power to negotiate, avoid bidding wars, and enjoy more perks than we’ve seen in years. If you’re ready to take advantage of this unique market, or if you want a custom plan for buying or selling your home, don’t hesitate to reach out at (978) 852-3001 or PBrouillette@LaerRealty.com. You can also visit our website: www.homesareus.com to learn more about us. We’re here to help you make your next move with confidence.