Bidding Wars Are Fading—Here’s What That Means for Buyers

If you’ve been hesitant to buy a home because of the fear of getting caught in a bidding war, there’s good news: competition isn’t nearly as fierce as it once was.

While multiple-offer situations haven’t disappeared entirely, they’re far less common today. According to a recent survey, only about 1 in 5 homes (20%) nationwide received multiple offers in June 2025. Compare that to nearly 1 in 3 (31%) a year ago, or 39% in June 2023, and you’ll see just how much the market has cooled.

For buyers, this shift means less pressure, more time to make decisions, and better opportunities to negotiate on price and terms.

Local Markets Still Vary

Of course, national averages only tell part of the story—real estate is always local. Data from John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) show just how much conditions differ by region.

• Northeast: Roughly 34% of homes are still drawing multiple offers—well above the national average.
• Southeast: Only about 6% of homes are seeing more than one offer, making it one of the least competitive regions.

Why the difference? It often comes down to inventory. In markets where housing supply is still very limited, buyers continue to compete more aggressively. But in areas with more listings, the competition eases—giving buyers much-needed breathing room.

Sellers Are Making Concessions

Another sign the market has shifted: sellers are far more flexible than they used to be. A recent Redfin report shows that nearly half of sellers are offering concessions, such as:

• Covering some (or all) of the buyer’s closing costs
• Reducing their asking price
• Agreeing to repairs or upgrades to close the deal

Just a couple of years ago, buyers were the ones making all the compromises—waiving inspections, skipping appraisals, and stretching budgets to win bidding wars. Today, the balance has shifted, giving buyers more leverage and options.

Bottom Line

If bidding wars have been holding you back, it may be time to reconsider. Competition has eased significantly on a national level, and in many markets, buyers now have more power than they’ve had in years. Pair that with sellers offering concessions, and you’ve got a market that’s much friendlier to buyers than the frenzy we saw not long ago.

Source: Keeping Matters Current

Peter Pescatore

Experienced Chief Operating Officer with a 26 + year demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Skilled in all aspects of the residential mortgage market . Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science (BS) focused in Business Administration and Management, from St. Joseph College. A direct endorsement underwriter and a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator.

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