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15 housing markets where sellers still call the shots

The housing market looks very different this summer than it did just a few years ago. In many parts of the country, buyers finally have more room to negotiate as inventory rises and homes take longer to sell. Nationally, existing-home sales are mostly flat year over year, while housing inventory continues to grow and affordability is improving across every region, according to the (NAR).

But some markets are still moving much faster.

Many of the country’s hottest summer housing markets are concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest, where inventory remains tight and competition is strong. HomeLight’s latest , conducted in April, found that sellers continue to hold the most negotiating power in those two regions, even as market conditions soften elsewhere. “When the right house hits the market, competition absolutely still exists,” says , a Massachusetts real estate agent.

Using a mix of housing market data and gleaned from a network of nearly 30,000 top-rated real estate agents, shares 15 housing markets where sellers continue to have the upper hand this summer.

A note about the data:

• The median sale price is the midpoint of the prices of homes sold in each market. For reference, NAR reports that the national median sale price for single-family homes is .
• Days on market refers to the typical number of days a home is listed for sale before an offer is accepted (from listing to contract). Nationwide, homes spend about 29 days on the market.
• Months of inventory estimates how long it would take to sell all homes currently on the market at the current sales pace. A balanced housing market typically has 4-6 months of inventory. Nationwide, inventory sits at 4.5 months.

15. Akron, Ohio

Median sale price:
Typical days on market:
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Akron stands out this summer as one of the Midwest markets where buyers can still find comparatively affordable homes without sacrificing access to jobs and major amenities. The area’s healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors continue supporting steady buyer demand, while some buyers priced out of nearby Cleveland are looking to Akron for lower home prices.

Even as many housing markets around the country cool, Akron remains a . Inventory is limited, and home values continue rising. In fact, NAR data shows the Akron metro posted one of the nation’s largest annual home price increases in the first quarter, with prices climbing .

“Today’s sellers are focused on pricing correctly from day one, investing in presentation like staging and professional marketing, and understanding buyer expectations in a competitive market,” says Akron agent . “Even with shifting interest rates, well-prepared homes are still generating strong interest and multiple offers.”

White expects buyer demand to stay strong through the rest of 2026: “Many buyers have been sitting on the sidelines, and as soon as they feel even a slight sense of stability, they’re jumping back in — creating bursts of competition.”

14. Charlotte, North Carolina

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Unlike many of the hot housing markets concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest, Charlotte is one of the few Southern metros still seeing strong competition despite . The region’s banking, healthcare, and tech industries continue to attract new residents, especially younger professionals and first-time buyers.

More homes are hitting the market than a year ago, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in recent summers. Even so, Charlotte remains a competitive market. Inventory is still relatively limited, and desirable homes continue attracting strong interest while sellers receive close to their on average.

“Move-in-ready homes with modern layouts sell faster and command the highest prices,” says , a Charlotte agent.

“Pending sales are up across all tiers. High-net-worth buyers remain active, however, because of the fact that we have lots of new townhomes being built across our city and all over our region,” says Joan B. Goode, president of the . She says the additional supply could make homeownership more attainable for everyday buyers as well.

13. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Milwaukee is dealing with a of homes for sale, even as more listings come onto the market this year. Inventory sits far below balanced-market levels, helping keep prices rising and competition strong for desirable homes.

“Supply remains tight, so we really need to see consistent reductions in mortgage rates for affordability to improve,” says Tom Larson, president of the .

Even with higher mortgage rates, buyers are still moving quickly when well-priced homes become available. Milwaukee attracts buyers looking for more affordable home prices than many larger metros, while the area’s healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors continue supporting housing demand.

“Buyers are wishing prices would fall based on rate increases, but the lack of available inventory is raising prices and costing buyers who wait to pay more for a home,” says , a Milwaukee agent with nearly 50 years of experience. “We tell our buyers the sooner you buy, the less you will pay.”

12. Richmond, Virginia

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Richmond continues attracting buyers with its mix of job opportunities, relatively affordable home prices, and convenient central location. Even as some Virginia markets see more homes come on the market, buyers in the Richmond area are still competing for a relatively limited supply.

Compared with a year ago, the number of homes for sale fell nearly , while pending sales increased almost 8%, signaling continued buyer demand. Homes are also selling faster than they were last year, and sellers are still receiving slightly more than their asking price on average.

“While mortgage rates remain sensitive to global events and inflation pressures, the underlying demand in Virginia is still very strong,” says Chief Economist Ryan Price.

Major employers in healthcare, finance, technology, and government help keep demand steady across the region. With inventory still tight, well-priced homes often receive multiple offers and move quickly, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like the Fan District or Church Hill.

11. Worcester, Massachusetts

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Worcester is drawing plenty of buyer interest this summer as more people search for lower prices outside the Boston area. Buyers looking for more space and slightly better affordability are continuing to push into Central Massachusetts, where competition for desirable homes remains strong.

have started hitting the market compared to the past few years. “But that said, inventory is still historically tight, especially for well-priced homes that we consider under the mid-600s in the Worcester area,” says Nasuti. as buyers compete for the limited number of homes available.

Nasuti notes that, compared to past summers, buyers today are more cautious. “Interest rates have changed how people shop, so they're analyzing their monthly affordability much more carefully.” Some buyers are widening their search for better value, while others are turning to condos and townhomes for lower price points and .

“It's a very good time in the market for sellers if the home is priced and presented correctly. For buyers, there's finally a little bit more breathing room, but more opportunity to negotiate than we've seen in years past,” says Nasuti.

10. Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Lancaster attracts buyers seeking more space and lower housing costs than they can find in many larger East Coast cities. Its location also appeals to people who want to stay within reasonable driving distance of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other major job centers.

Even as inventory improved this spring, buyer demand . Properties are selling for nearly of the asking price, showing that buyers are still willing to compete for the right home. In many neighborhoods, well-priced homes are moving quickly, helping Lancaster maintain seller momentum this summer.

"Lancaster County remains a highly competitive and desirable housing market," says Christina Diehl, president of the . "Buyer demand continues to be strong, and we are seeing home values hold steady as inventory gradually improves."

Local agents say sellers continue to hold an advantage, especially when homes are priced and . “Selling is more intentional, and homeowners are staying put longer,” says , an agent in the area. She adds that buyers waiting for prices to cool may end up paying more later.

9. Springfield, Massachusetts

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Springfield has become an increasingly popular choice for buyers searching for lower housing costs while remaining close to major job centers like Boston and Hartford.

Compared to many other parts of Massachusetts, Springfield is relatively affordable. While the statewide median sale price is , Springfield homes sell for far less, helping sustain buyer demand even as mortgage rates remain elevated.

“Properties that are well-priced and show nicely and are in great locations, per se, are still getting multiple offers in this situation … even though we have a shortage of housing,” says Judy Nevarez, president of the .

Springfield has less than of housing supply, leaving buyers with limited choices. Sellers are still receiving more than their asking price on average, a sign that competition remains active.

Local agents say the market is moving just as quickly as it did in past summers. “It was competitive then, and it’s competitive now,” says , a Massachusetts agent with nearly 30 years of experience. “That hasn’t changed.”

8. Providence, Rhode Island

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Providence stands out as one of the Northeast’s hottest housing markets. Even with high mortgage rates, buyers continue competing for a limited number of homes. During the spring market, median sale prices surged as much as year over year. While appreciation has cooled, home prices continue to trend upward.

“The interest by investors in multifamily homes continues to raise prices. Though properties are staying on the market a little longer and buyers have more listings to choose from, many Rhode Islanders are shut out of that market altogether due to affordability issues,” says Mike Pereira, president of the .

Part of what keeps Providence attractive is its location. Buyers can stay within commuting distance of Boston while finding lower home prices than they might farther north. The city’s walkable neighborhoods, universities, healthcare systems, and access to commuter rail also appeal to both local and out-of-state buyers.

Even as more homes slowly come onto the market, Providence is still seeing strong buyer activity, with limited inventory putting pressure on prices across much of the area.

7. Columbus, Ohio

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Columbus continues drawing buyers this summer with its growing job market and expanding tech sector. The metro posted annual job growth, helping support a large and steady buyer pool. Major employers like Ohio State University and Intel’s massive semiconductor project are fueling demand, while home prices still look more manageable than in many other fast-growing cities around the country.

Inventory from the extremely tight conditions of recent years, but supply still isn’t keeping up with buyer interest. Home prices continue to rise, and sellers are still receiving close to their asking price on average, showing that competition remains strong this summer.

President Gloria Alonso Cannon says that are becoming increasingly more common. “I will be surprised if this does not hold through the summer, but gone are the years that we're seeing 20 and 25 offers on a home. But we are still in houses that are very well-prepared and are priced where they should be priced.”

, a local agent, expects inventory to increase. “I think there are going to be more homes on the market, but I’m not sure that the prices will come down.”

6. Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Grand Rapids is seeing this summer, with buyers competing for homes across much of the metro. Prices are rising, and in suburbs like East Grand Rapids and Rockford, attractive listings often receive multiple offers within the first few days on the market.

“The sellers winning in this market aren't just listing a house, they're launching a product. That mindset shift is everything,” says , a Grand Rapids agent with more than two decades of experience.

Part of the demand is coming from buyers relocating from larger, pricier metro areas. The region’s healthcare, manufacturing, and education employers are also bringing new residents into West Michigan, while ongoing downtown development has added to the area’s appeal.

Brace says the market could heat up even more if mortgage rates ease later this year. “There's an enormous amount of pent-up demand sitting on the sidelines in West Michigan: buyers who are qualified, ready, and waiting for a payment that pencils out.”

5. Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Kenosha has become one of the Midwest’s fastest-moving housing markets, with strong buyer demand colliding with a limited supply of homes. Inventory has struggled to keep up as more buyers move into the region.

“We in Kenosha County, similar to a lot of communities across the country, had pretty significant stagnation in new housing developments really since the recession,” says Nicole Ryf, president of the .

Part of Kenosha’s appeal is its location between Chicago and Milwaukee. Many buyers from Illinois are crossing the border in search of lower housing costs and more space while staying close enough to commute to the Chicago area.

“We know the cost of living there is significantly higher than it is here; I will say that does drive up our prices here a little bit,” says Ryf. “That being said, we are still very competitive compared to these larger metro areas.”

New manufacturing and industrial growth across southeastern Wisconsin is also bringing more workers into the area. Even as prices rise, desirable homes are still selling quickly when they hit the market.

4. Buffalo, New York

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With one of the tightest housing markets in the Northeast, Buffalo is experiencing another competitive summer. Buyer demand is still strong, but there on the market to fully meet it, especially for in popular price ranges. Even as inventory improves, the region still has less than two months of housing supply, and sellers are receiving nearly of their asking price on average.

“Our market is still very competitive,” says Lori Adams, president of the . “You have 3,400 agents competing for 600 homes.”

Buffalo’s home prices still look relatively affordable compared to many larger East Coast cities, even after several years of price growth. The area’s healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors continue bringing stability to the local economy and housing market.

“Our housing stock is affordable compared to other places, but it's not necessarily affordable for people's salaries here in Buffalo,” Adams says. However, she adds that well-priced homes are still selling quickly, particularly when they show well.

3. Rochester, New York

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Rochester offers some of the lowest home prices in the Northeast, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers and anyone looking for more house for their money. Even with mortgage rates remaining elevated, buyers continue to target the area because housing costs are still far lower than in many larger cities.

That affordability has not translated into an easy market for buyers. Inventory fell from a year ago, leaving shoppers with even fewer homes to choose from. While closed sales also declined, the typical home spends just before going under contract.

“We’re short supply, and locally that shows up in predictable ways: bidding wars, affordability pressure, and sellers holding historically low mortgage rates with little incentive to move,” wrote Rochester agent Mark Siwiec in the .

Rochester's large healthcare systems, universities, and technology employers continue bringing people to the area. Combined with relatively affordable home prices, those factors help keep buyers active and competition strong for well-priced homes across much of the market.

2. Manchester, New Hampshire

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Buyers continue to pour into the Manchester area as they search for more affordable alternatives to Greater Boston without giving up access to job centers and city amenities. That popularity has helped keep Manchester among the country’s hottest summer housing markets, with listings attracting nearly the national average number of views per property.

Even as inventory has improved slightly from the extreme lows of recent years, supply remains far below balanced-market levels, helping homes sell quickly and keeping pressure on buyers. As a result, homes are selling for more than of their asking price on average.

“We’re seeing a market where demand remains very strong, even as buyers continue to navigate limited inventory,” says Josh Greenwald, president of .

Pending sales in Manchester rose year over year in May, while closed sales also increased. Greenwald is optimistic that this points to more sales in the months ahead.

1. Hartford, Connecticut

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The Hartford metro area has become one of the country’s most competitive housing markets, driven by a chronic inventory shortage, strong buyer demand, and fast-moving sales. Hartford continues to attract buyers looking for more space and relatively affordable homes within driving distance of both Boston and New York City, making it difficult for the housing supply to keep up.

That competition remains intense this summer. Homes are , bidding wars are common, and buyers are frequently offering above asking price. also shows the Hartford metro has experienced some of the strongest home value growth in the Northeast over the past several years.

“Today’s sellers are focused on pricing precision, timing the market, and maximizing exposure from day one,” says , a Hartford agent with more than 30 years of experience.

Limited new construction continues to keep inventory tight, while many existing homeowners remain reluctant to give up low mortgage rates and move.

Looking ahead, Calabro predicts that days on market will vary widely depending on a home’s condition and . “Turnkey, well-priced homes will still move quickly, while overpriced or outdated properties will sit longer than sellers expect.”

How sellers can make the most of today’s market

Whether you live in one of the nation's hottest summer housing markets or a market that's beginning to cool, success often comes down to . As Nasuti puts it, “If we price homes appropriately, then they sell fast.”

Having the right guidance can make a difference long before a listing goes live. “Sellers who partner with an experienced agent and take a proactive approach are seeing the best results,” says White.

Working with a can help sellers understand their market, price strategically, and prepare their home for buyers. For those planning a move, can also offer flexibility by allowing homeowners to purchase their next home before selling their current one.

Markets may look very different from one city to the next, but one thing hasn't changed: Buyers still show up for homes that are priced right. For sellers who do their homework and plan ahead, this summer could be a good time to make a move.

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