The market is no longer acting like the seller's stronghold it once was, and early patterns are revealing what may come next.
The real estate landscape in Northwest Ohio is beginning to show clear signs of change. After a long stretch of a strong seller’s market, early indicators suggest that the market is starting to lean in a different direction.
These are not just gut feelings, but specific patterns I’ve observed repeatedly across listings and transactions. If you know what to look for, the signals are hard to miss. Let me walk you through five telltale signs that the market is evolving.
1. Spray and pray offers are increasing. I’ve recently noticed an influx of low, unsolicited cash offers on listings, often far below the asking price. For example, a home priced at $270,000 recently received an offer for $117,000. While it may sound absurd, these offers are becoming more common. Investors are submitting hundreds of them daily, betting that some sellers might be motivated enough to accept. If these offers keep coming, it’s a strong indication that the balance of power is starting to change.
“Every home can still sell, but strategy is more important than ever.”
2. More broker open houses. When a listing isn’t selling, and the price is too high, some sellers ask their agents to hold a broker open in hopes that bringing in other agents with giveaways and lunch might generate interest. In reality, it usually points to pricing problems or a weak listing strategy. When I start seeing more of these, it tells me that sellers and agents are scrambling for exposure.
3. More weekend open houses. There is also an increase in weekend open houses, including Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. While open houses can generate traffic, they are sometimes used to satisfy sellers who want activity when the real issue is incorrect pricing. When more homes are being shown through weekend opens, it often means agents are relying on visibility instead of strategy.
4. Increase in real estate signs. For-sale signs are becoming more noticeable in neighborhoods. Areas that typically had only one or two listings now have five to ten. This increase in visible inventory means the months of supply are rising. More homes on the market create more competition for sellers and more options for buyers.
5. Creative financing offers. Agents are beginning to ask whether sellers are open to financing deals themselves. These types of requests usually appear when traditional offers become less frequent. Creative terms like seller financing can be useful, but they also point to more hesitation among buyers and a growing need for flexibility from sellers.
These signs do not mean your home is losing value or that the market is in decline. They simply reflect a change from a highly competitive seller’s market to one where homes must compete more actively for fewer buyers.
Every home can still sell when it is priced correctly, prepared properly, marketed effectively, and negotiated well. The market is always evolving, and staying aware of these early signals can help you make informed decisions.
If you have questions or need guidance, I’m here to help. You can call me at 419-466-SOLD or send an email to jon@modene.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
