Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

Nationally, there are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. Let’s look at the chart. Recent Redfin data highlights a widening gap heading into mid-2026. Active sellers now vastly outnumber active buyers. Therefore, sellers know they must compromise to sell their homes. This leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, your exact negotiating room depends on your target neighborhood. However, more markets are trending toward buyers. So, let’s chat about our specific area in San Diego.

What the Data Says About San Diego in 2026

Historically, San Diego was a highly competitive environment. Yet, recent data show the local market is re-calibrating. Consequently, buyers finally have breathing room and leverage.

• Inventory is Balancing: Currently, San Diego County has a 3.0-month supply of homes. Clearly, this shifts away from the buying frenzy of past years. Thus, the region enters a more balanced territory for negotiations.

• Prices are Stabilizing: In June 2026, the median sales price reached $950,000. Prices briefly exceeded $1 million in early 2025. Since then, they have bounced between the high $900,000s and $1 million. Ultimately, this shows a market searching for balance. It no longer reflects unchecked, urgent growth.

• More Time to Decide: Sellers no longer force buyers to waive contingencies and rush decisions. Instead, homes spend more days on the market today. As a result, buyers gain time for thorough inspections and better negotiations.

• Sellers are Adjusting: Competition among listings is growing. Therefore, sellers are becoming more realistic. Recently, about 31% of active San Diego listings saw price drops. Sellers must adjust to meet current buyer demand.

How to Use Your Leverage

What does this mean for you? Simply put, you have options. Currently, homes sit on the market for much longer. Therefore, you can target motivated sellers. For example, you might ask for a seller credit to lower your interest rate. Alternatively, you can negotiate property repairs or bid under the list price. Overall, the current real estate climate supports a buyer-focused approach.

Chad’s Perspective: Time to Flex

Look, the data does not lie. During the last few years, sellers made you jump through hoops. They forced you to waive inspections and bid over asking. Thankfully, those days are over.

Right now, you hold the absolute leverage. Indeed, this is total alpha buyer energy. Furthermore, inventory is stacking up, and sellers are feeling anxious. Now, it is your turn to set the terms. You do not just ask for the keys. Instead, you negotiate the repairs. You make them buy down your rate. Ultimately, you secure the property on your own terms. Stop settling. Get in the arena, flex that buyer pull, and let’s crush this market.