Blog > From Frenzy to Sideways: What Today’s Housing Market Means for Buyers
From Frenzy to Sideways: What Today’s Housing Market Means for Buyers
If you tried buying a home during the pandemic boom, you probably remember how intense it was. Homes flew off the market in days—sometimes even hours. Buyers waived inspections, paid well over asking, and competed in bidding wars that often left many feeling defeated.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks very different. While inventory is still not back to historic norms, the pace of the market has slowed enough to give buyers something they haven’t had in years: time to think and breathe.
📉 How the Market Shifted
National data shows the average home is now sitting on the market for about 58 days. That’s a sharp contrast to the pandemic frenzy when multiple offers poured in within hours of listing.
This shift matters because:
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It signals a move toward a more balanced or “sideways” market.
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Buyers can make decisions without the pressure of feeling they’ll lose the home if they don’t act immediately.
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Sellers are adjusting expectations, which means negotiation opportunities are back on the table.
As Bankrate recently noted:
“For years, buyers have been racing to snag homes because of the fierce competition. But the market’s cooled off a bit now, and that gives buyers some breathing room. Homes are staying listed longer, so buyers can slow down, weigh their options and make more confident decisions.”
🏡 What This Means for Buyers
This calmer, sideways market creates advantages that many thought were gone for good:
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You can take your time touring homes. Instead of rushing through showings and writing offers on the spot, buyers can now schedule a second (or even third) visit before deciding.
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Negotiation power is returning. While sellers are still achieving strong prices, buyers may be able to negotiate repairs, closing costs, or even price adjustments in certain cases.
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Less emotional burnout. The process of buying a home is stressful enough without the added frenzy of 20-offer bidding wars. Today’s pace allows buyers to approach the process with a clearer head.
📍 What’s Happening in Nebraska & Iowa
Here in Nebraska and Iowa, we’re experiencing this sideways market firsthand. During the height of the pandemic, homes in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and surrounding areas often sold within 24–48 hours, sometimes with 10+ offers on the table. Buyers had little to no room to negotiate and often had to pay well above list price to win.
Today, the picture is different:
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Days on Market: Most homes are now sitting anywhere from 30 to 60 days, depending on price point and location.
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Price Sensitivity: Buyers are being much more selective. Homes that are priced correctly and move-in ready still sell quickly, but overpriced homes are sitting—and often require price adjustments.
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Opportunities for Buyers: Instead of competing with 10 offers, you may only compete with 1 or 2—or sometimes none at all. This opens the door for inspection negotiations, seller-paid closing costs, and in some cases, below-list offers.
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Move-In Ready Matters: At today’s higher interest rates, buyers want turn-key homes. If a property needs carpet, paint, or updates, it’s more likely to linger, giving buyers extra leverage.
That’s why I call this a sideways market—it’s not crashing, it’s not surging, but instead moving in a more balanced direction. For my clients, this means we now have the ability to slow down the process and be more strategic. You can take the time to make sure the home you’re choosing truly fits your needs without the stress of losing it within hours.
✅ Tips If You’re Ready to Buy
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Get pre-approved. Even though you have more time, sellers still want to see that you’re a serious buyer.
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Prioritize your must-haves. With more breathing room, it’s easier to compare properties and weigh pros and cons.
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Be open to negotiation. Don’t be afraid to ask for repairs, credits, or closing cost help—it’s much more common now than it was a few years ago.
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Lean on local expertise. The Nebraska and Iowa markets are unique. Some neighborhoods still move fast, while others offer plenty of time to consider your options.
🔑 Bottom Line
The days of panicked buying may be behind us—for now. If you sat out during the chaos because it felt impossible to compete, this sideways market may be your best chance to re-enter. With more inventory, longer listing times, and less competition, today’s buyers finally have the breathing room to make confident, well-informed decisions.
If you’re thinking about making a move in Nebraska or Iowa, let’s connect. I can help you understand the pace of yourneighborhood and guide you through the process with confidence.
Source: “From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again,” Keeping Current Matters, August 21, 2025