Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?

by Melanie Gundersheim

For years, homebuyers have been accustomed to bidding wars that drive prices up and make the home search a stressful race against time. But in 2025, the landscape is shifting. So, should buyers still expect bidding wars? The answer is: it depends on where you’re looking and what kind of property you want.

The National Picture: Fewer Bidding Wars Overall

Recent data shows a significant drop in bidding wars nationwide. For example, only about 20% of homes received multiple offers in mid-2025, down from nearly one-third just a year earlier. This shift is largely due to rising mortgage rates, increased inventory in many markets, and buyers becoming more cautious.

This means buyers often have more negotiating power and time to make thoughtful decisions than they have had in several years.

Regional and Market Differences Matter

Despite this national trend, real estate is local. Some markets, especially in the Northeast and highly desirable neighborhoods in cities like Charlottesville, still see bidding wars for well-priced, move-in-ready homes. In contrast, regions with higher inventory and less demand, such as parts of the Southeast, experience far fewer bidding wars.

What This Means for Buyers

Bidding wars are less frequent but not gone entirely, especially for homes in prime locations or those priced attractively.
Buyers should get pre-approved and act quickly when a home fits their needs but can approach with more confidence and less frenzy.
More homes mean stronger negotiation power, including potential concessions from sellers that were rare in a seller’s market.

What Sellers Should Know

Sellers can no longer rely on multiple offers to inflate prices automatically.
Proper pricing and home presentation are vital to attract competitive offers.
Offering incentives or being open to negotiations can help close deals in a slower market.

Conclusion

While the era of extreme bidding wars is calming, buyers still face competition for the right homes. The market is becoming more balanced, favoring careful strategy over rush decisions.

For buyers and sellers alike, understanding your local market and staying informed will be the best way to succeed in today’s evolving environment.

If you want help navigating bidding scenarios or have questions about your local market, feel free to contact me.
Email me or DM me. I’m here to help you make smart, confident decisions—without the stress.