For much of the past five years, buying a home has been a fast paced, frantic, undertaking.  Homes would hit the market and go under contract within days -- so if a buyer didn't see a house immediately AND then rapidly make a strong offer, they risked losing out on buying the house.

But the market has shifted, at least somewhat, in some price ranges, for some property types.  (lots of caveats, I know)

While many homes still go under contract quickly, we're now seeing more inventory, somewhat fewer bidding wars, and a bit more breathing room for buyers.

What Does That Look Like?

Today's buyers are more cautious and intentional in their decision-making. Here's what we're seeing:

Asking more questions -- Buyers want to know the age of the roof, the condition of the HVAC system, recent utility costs, and more. They're digging deeper before moving forward.

Making second visits -- Instead of making an offer after walking through the house for 30 to 45 minutes, some buyers are coming back for a second look to make sure the home truly fits.

Taking more time to decide -- Rather than rushing to write an offer within hours, buyers are giving themselves time to weigh the decision.

What This Means for Sellers...

If you're selling your home, it's helpful to know that today's buyer behavior looks different than it did a year or two ago. The showing process might stretch out a bit longer, and offers may take more time to come together. That doesn't mean buyers aren't serious -- it just means they're being thoughtful.

What This Means for Buyers...

In some cases -- but definitely not all -- you may actually have the opportunity to see a home more than once before making an offer. That's a welcome change for many buyers who have felt rushed in recent years.