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If you’ve been wondering whether buyers are still in the market, here’s your answer: yes, and they’re back with a vengeance.
In fact, online searches for “homes for sale” are the highest they’ve been in two years. That surge began even before last week’s mortgage rate drop. For reference, rates slipped to 6.55% on August 7, and then again to 6.53% on August 13, according to Mortgage News Daily.
Translation? Buyer motivation isn’t fading — it’s accelerating.
Online Searches Are Heating Up
Google Trends tells the story loud and clear.
Searches for “homes for sale” and “houses for sale” both spiked to two-year highs in July — even while mortgage rates were still in the high 6s.
Why does that matter? Because Google searches are usually the first sign of serious buyer intent. Before people start touring open houses or calling agents, they start scrolling listings late at night, quietly dreaming and planning.
So, if online activity is booming, it means real-world demand isn’t far behind.
Mortgage Applications Are Rising, Too
Fast forward to August — rates dropped, and buyers jumped in.
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey, purchase applications were up 1% from the prior week and a massive 17% higher than the same week last year.
That quick response tells us one thing: buyers are paying attention.
Even a slight dip in mortgage rates can spark a rush of activity because affordability improves, and house hunters know timing matters.
What This Means for Home Sellers
More active buyers means more opportunity for sellers.
Here’s what that could look like for you:
- More showings: With more people browsing and touring, your home stands a better chance of catching eyes.
- Healthy competition: You don’t need a dozen offers — just the right one. A few motivated buyers can still spark bidding wars.
- Faster sales: With the right pricing and presentation, your home could move quicker than expected.
Sure, the market isn’t as frenzied as it was during the pandemic, but that’s actually a good thing. A steady flow of motivated, qualified buyers is far better than the chaos of 2021.
How to Make the Most of This Buyer Momentum
If you’re thinking about selling, now’s a great time to position your home for success. Here’s how to start:
- Get a market analysis. Find out what your property could realistically sell for today.
- Make simple upgrades. Fresh paint, minor repairs, and a little curb appeal go a long way.
- Invest in marketing. High-quality photos, staging, and a strong online listing make your home stand out — especially when buyers are searching online more than ever.
Remember: buyers are already looking. The question is — will your home be one of the listings they fall in love with?
Conclusion
Buyer activity is picking up, online searches are surging, and mortgage rates just hit a new 2025 low. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to sell, this could be it.
The housing market may not be in overdrive, but motivated buyers are out there — and they’re ready to act when the perfect home hits the market.
Don’t wait for everyone else to catch on. Get ahead of the curve and start the conversation today.
FAQs
1. Are buyers really returning to the market?
Yes! Online search activity and mortgage applications are both climbing, showing renewed interest from buyers.
2. Why are mortgage rates so important right now?
Even a small rate drop can make homes more affordable, encouraging buyers who were previously hesitant to make a move.
3. Is it a good time to sell my home?
With more buyers searching and lower rates, it’s a strategic time to list — especially if your home is well-presented.
4. How can I attract more buyers to my listing?
Focus on great photos, curb appeal, and accurate pricing. Also, work with an agent who knows how to leverage digital marketing.
5. Will home prices rise again soon?
While no one can predict perfectly, increasing buyer demand often puts upward pressure on prices — especially in desirable areas.
