Buyers Are Being More Selective In A Market With More Choices

In a surprising turn, more home sellers across the U.S. are opting to take their listings off the market instead of lowering their asking prices — even as housing inventory continues to grow and homes take longer to sell.

According to Realtor.com’s June 2025 Housing Trends Report, delistings have surged 47% year-over-year and are up 35% from the beginning of the year. This means more than 4% of all active listings were removed from the market last month — a significant shift that’s catching the attention of buyers and real estate professionals alike.

Why Are Sellers Pulling Listings?

The main reason? Sellers are holding out for their price.

Many homeowners built up strong equity gains during the pandemic housing boom and aren't in a rush to sell at a discount. Rather than accept a lower offer or reduce their listing price, they’re choosing to hit pause — removing their home from the market until conditions feel more favorable.

This trend is being seen nationwide, from hot markets in the West like Phoenix and Riverside to fast-moving metros in the South and Midwest. Even in regions with steady buyer interest, sellers are showing more willingness to wait than to compromise.

The Bigger Picture: A Market in Transition

The rise in delistings comes at a time when several other key housing metrics are also shifting:

• Inventory is rising: June marked the 20th consecutive month of active listing growth, with nearly a 29% increase year-over-year.

• Homes are staying on the market longer: Median days on market rose to 53 days, up from 48 a year ago.

• Price reductions are increasing: About 1 in 5 listings had a price drop in June — the highest share for that month since 2016.

• Prices remain high: The median U.S. list price stayed steady at $440,950, showing that most sellers are holding firm on value.

Together, these numbers paint a picture of a market that’s adjusting — not collapsing — as buyers grow more cautious and sellers remain confident in long-term value.

A Look at Southern California and Other Key Markets

In Southern California, where affordability challenges remain top of mind, the delisting trend is especially evident in mid-to-luxury price points. Cities like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego are seeing higher inventory and longer time on market — but many homeowners are choosing to wait rather than negotiate downward.

Other metro areas showing a similar pattern include:

• Phoenix, AZ – One of the top markets for delistings, reflecting high seller equity and less urgency to sell.

• Miami, FL – Sellers continue to pull back despite increased new listings and slowing buyer demand.

• Chicago, IL & Columbus, OH – Midwestern metros are also seeing higher delistings, even as more homes hit the market.

The trend is not limited to expensive or coastal markets — it’s a broader signal of seller sentiment across the country.

What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Sellers:
If your home has been on the market longer than expected, you’re not alone. But while delisting may seem like a solution, it’s worth consulting with your real estate agent to explore options like improved marketing, staging, or modest price adjustments that can reignite buyer interest without sacrificing value.

For Buyers:
While some listings are disappearing, many sellers still on the market are motivated — especially with growing inventory and longer days on market. Now is a great time to shop carefully, ask questions, and look for opportunities to negotiate.

The Bottom Line

The rise in delistings across the U.S. highlights a housing market that’s still finding its balance. Sellers — especially those with strong equity positions — are willing to wait. Meanwhile, buyers are being more selective in a market with more choices and less urgency.

Whether you're buying, selling, or sitting on the sidelines, staying informed is essential. Markets like Southern California, the Sun Belt, and the Midwest all have unique dynamics right now — but they share one thing in common: change is in the air.