As the spring homebuyer’s market kicks into gear, the average American buyer might not be feeling so optimistic about their prospects.
Most of the country is in a neutral market according to Zillow, the real-estate marketplace company. While this gives buyers more time to make decisions, the relatively cool market may also make it hard to find a home that checks all the boxes.
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Zillow forecasts 4.1 million in existing home sales for 2025, just above the 4 million sold in 2024.
There are some bright spots for buyers in certain cities. Below, we dive into the top 10 markets where you can expect to see lots of choice and hopefully find the home of your dreams with ease.
Top 10 markets with high housing inventory
Higher inventory, economic uncertainty and yo-yo-ing interest rates are suppressing price growth. Zillow anticipates a small increase in home value in 2025 — just 0.6%.
That’s good news for buyers. What else is good? Some of America’s most exciting cities top the list of markets with plentiful housing inventory, and most are in sunny climes.
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10. Atlanta
This city’s homes were ranked the second-most overpriced in the U.S. in 2024, according to a report by Axios Atlanta. Now, inventory is up 31.40% and home prices are down 10.6%, with a median selling price of $380,000. Homes are sitting longer, too — 84 days versus 55 days on average last year.
9. San Francisco
San Francisco real estate is a famously hot commodity, with an average home price of $1,150,195, the second-highest on this top 10 list. If you’re shopping for views of the Golden Gate Bridge or Coit Tower, you’ll be glad to know housing inventory has grown 32.50% since last year. Realtor.com reports that the median number of days on the market is holding at 51, so you’ll have plenty of time for viewings and making an offer.
8. Riverside, CA
Prospective homebuyers in Greater LA should check out Riverside, with housing inventory up 33.50% over year. This bustling hub boasts a typical home value of $585,739 (compared to just under a million in LA proper), and homes are sitting longer on the market, clocking in at 49 days this year according to Redfin. The typical seller sees only three offers on their home, so there’s a good chance you can close a deal.
7. Sacramento
At $578,290, Sacramento’s home prices are similar to Riverside’s, but availability is even better, with a 34.60% growth in inventory over 2024. But homes only stay on the market 36 days, so buyers may want to move fast to buy a piece of the capital city.
6. Phoenix
If you prefer your hot spots in a dry climate, Phoenix is calling. The supply of new homes is up 35.5% this year, and with an average price of $450,492, it’s one of the most affordable locales on this list. The buying is easy, too. Redfin reports that most sellers receive only two offers on their homes, which stay on the market an average of 59 days.
5. Los Angeles
Following the wildfires in Los Angeles, housing supply is up 35.5%. Homes receive an average of three offers, and stay on the market for 67 days. If you can afford the average $964,556 price, you may have an easier time buying a home in LA this spring than at any other point in recent years.
4. San Jose
The priciest spot on this list, the average home in San Jose sells for $1,648,729. This city is home to Silicon Valley, and demand for homes in the area has inflated prices for years. But in 2025, housing inventory has soared, with 36.2% more homes on the market compared to last year. You still need to move fast as most sellers receive five offers, and sell in just 11 days.
3. San Diego
The supply of homes in this California city has shot up 39% over last year. Experts believe the market is due for a correction, as high prices ($946,075 on average) continue to freeze out first-time home buyers. But buying is still competitive. Sellers receive an average of four offers, and homes stay on the market a mere 27 days.
2. Las Vegas
With a whopping 40.5% growth in supply and homes sitting on the market 61 days, Las Vegas is the second most affordable market on this list. Homes are valued at an average $430,277. Yet this relatively low number is a record high for Vegas. As of January 2025, prices jumped 9% for single-family homes and sales are trending upwards. Real estate experts note that many buyers in the area are displaced Californians looking for safer real estate options after January’s wildfires, so prices may continue to rise.
1. Denver
With a massive 40.9% increase in inventory over last year, buyers have plenty of choice in Denver — but there’s a catch. The average is valued at $581,411, a massive price tag in this region. The Colorado Association of Realtors reports that “economic conditions, affordability challenges, and tumultuous political turmoil” are making the market difficult for homebuyers. In spite of these local challenges, outside buyers will have plenty of opportunity to check out this mountainous city, with a median 59 days on the market for each listing.
How to buy this spring
Forbes reports despite the recent uptick in supply of new homes, supply may dwindle and prices rise as builders face tariffs on building materials.
Buyers still face competition in the market. Here are some tips to be prepared.
Read up on your target housing market(s), and familiarize yourself with real estate and legal jargon. It’s also an opportunity to get a realistic sense of home prices in a specific area.
Seek out guides that break down the homebuying process into stages so you know what to expect.
Ensure your credit score is in the best possible shape. That way your financing will go smoothly and you can get a great mortgage rate.
Get a mortgage pre-approval from your lender. That will help you set a budget for what kind of home you can afford.
Talk to a number of real estate agents so you can pick one you trust and will enjoy working with.
Most of all, try to enjoy the process of finding your dream home, wherever you choose to buy.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
