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Why Austin Buyers are Moving Forward
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Paige DeChausse
Paige DeChausse thrives in the unique juxtaposition of her roles: a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in real estate team management and a captivating fron...
Paige DeChausse thrives in the unique juxtaposition of her roles: a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in real estate team management and a captivating fron...
For years in Austin, buying a home felt like running a sprint with no finish line. Blink, and the house you loved was already gone. Bidding wars, waived inspections, cash offers from every direction — the pace left little room for thoughtful decisions.
But 2025 looks and feels different.
Today, when you walk into an open house, you’re more likely to see a buyer with a notebook than a competitor with a cashier’s check. There’s a noticeable shift: more homes, more time, more space to breathe.
Inventory tells the story
In May, Austin’s active listings reached over 17,000 -- the highest on record. For the first time in a decade, we’re sitting closer to a balanced market, with just over six months of supply. That’s not a dry statistic; it’s a change you can feel in conversations with buyers and sellers alike.
Builders have caught up, zoning has eased, and homeowners who once sat tight are beginning to test the waters. The result is choice something buyers here haven’t had in years.
What choice looks like
Choice means you can compare. You can walk through homes in East Austin and weigh historic charm against new construction. You can look at Cedar Park and Driftwood and ask yourself not just, “Can I get in?” but, “Is this where I want to be?”
Choice means negotiation is back on the table. Not just price, but repairs, timelines, even seller concessions that felt impossible a few years ago.
Choice means buyers can right-size. Instead of rushing into the house that works “for now,” they can think about what fits their life for the next chapter.
A more thoughtful moment
This shift isn’t about the market swinging in favor of buyers or sellers. It’s about the return of balance — and with it, the return of intention.
When you’re not racing, you can actually pause long enough to ask:
What kind of lifestyle do I want this home to support?
How does this neighborhood feel on a Tuesday night, not just a Sunday afternoon?
Is this home simply available, or is it right?
What this means for you
If you’ve been waiting for a moment when you could step into the market without losing your breath, this might be it. More inventory doesn’t just mean more houses. It means more room to choose wisely.
In a city that’s grown as fast as Austin, that kind of breathing room is rare.