Market News May 9

Market Updates

South Region Numbers Top Pending Sales


Recent statistics from the National Assocation of REALTORS® (NAR) reported a 6.1% increase in pending home sales during March 2025. This was the biggest month-to-month increase since December 2023.

While two regions experienced falling numbers, others saw pending sales rise. Year-over-year, contract signings grew in the Midwest but fell in the Northeast, South and West.

  • The South's numbers soared 9.8% to 94.1 in March but were still down 0.4% from a year ago.
  • Pending sales in the West rose 4.8% from the prior month to 58.6, down 2.0% from March 2024.
  • The Midwest index rose by 4.9% to 77.7 in March, up 1.4% from the previous year.
  • The Northeast pending sales index dropped 0.5% from last month to 62.5, down 3.0% from March 2024.
While springtime has always been a traditional season for home buying, mortgage rates fell by around 20-30 basis points in March. Combined with rising inventory numbers, this provided buyers with additional incentives.1

Share Your Business Smarts


No matter how busy you might be with listings and clients, you may be considering an additional career path or side gig. Here are some options that enable you to share and profit from your expertise.

Real estate content creators can help an agent, office or brand by bridging the gap between property listings and potential clients. If you're experienced with building websites, familiar with applications like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite, and have strong writing skills, this can be a lucrative option.

Real estate coaches empower both new and experienced agents to grow their careers by sharing their experiences. A good coach will also identify weaker sales skills and help agents strengthen them. Good communications skills are mandatory.

Real estate instructors make use of their license when teaching pre-licensing, continuing education (CE) and exam preparation. You may have the option of teaching within a traditional classroom or online. Some states require instructors to complete specific training for these positions. You may also need to earn the Certified Real Estate Instructor (CREI) certification.2

More First-Time Buyers Return to the Sidelines


While plenty of renters still plan to eventually buy a home of their own, around 70% are currently holding out for lower rates and bigger properties.

Among Gen Z (ages 18-28) and Millennial (ages 29-44) renters who plan to buy homes, many have decided to skip the starter home in favor of a larger property. Those who are able to follow this strategy won't need to sell and find another home any time soon. However, many stated that they were willing to consider a lower-priced fixer-upper property with enough square footage for long-term potential.

Higher rates and prices aren't the only obstacles for many would-be buyers. Renters with children find themselves prioritizing childcare and education costs, while Millennials are more focused on saving for retirement.3

May Is the Month That Pays


A new report from the real estate data specialists at ATTOM has found that home sellers are most likely to score the highest premiums in late May.

ATTOM's analysis of 47.9 million single-family home and condo sales from 2015 to 2024 found that sellers can expect to see the highest premium of the year — 14% — on May 27th. Homes sold that day fetched a median sale price of $270,000, more than $30,000 above the median estimated home value ($236,900).

The previous day, May 26th, came in second place with a 13.7% seller premium.

February ranked second place for seller profits, with a 9.4% seller premium, followed by April and June at 9.1% and 9%, respectively.4

Bold Colors = Stunning Staging

While most sellers go for a fresh coat of paint before listing their homes, they don't have to stick to bland neutrals. Using this year's bold colors as part of your staging can emphasize a home's best features to potential buyers. If a new listing needs a color boost, suggest that the sellers research this year's popular interior schemes before putting brush to wall.

Here are a few tips to share after you've viewed a property:
  • If similar homes are also for sale nearby, a different color scheme can help theirs stand out.
  • The seller may want to consider using a different color to emphasize special features, such as a stone fireplace or large foyer.
  • Unique rooms or areas will stand out more when painted a bolder, brighter color.
  • Shades of green and blue are considerably more relaxing than bright white walls. This helps buyers see the home as one that will provide a soothing environment after move-in.
If these suggestions appear challenging to a seller, you may want to refer them to a local decorator or even bring in a "virtual stager" with advanced skills.5

Sources: 1nar.realtor, 2theclose.com, 3nationalmortgageprofessional.com, 4realestatenews.com, 5nar.realtor