Buyers — We’ve Been Telling You to Get Ready. The Signs Say Sellers Are Starting to Move.
For months, buyers have been hearing the same message:
Get prepared. Get pre-approved. Know your numbers. Be ready to act.
If you’ve been listening but waiting for the right moment — this might be it.
Across the country, several early signals show sellers are beginning to prepare for spring listings. New listings have started to rise again after months of decline, and many agents expect activity to pick up as we move deeper into spring.
At Great Lakes Real Estate, we’re starting to see the same pattern locally in Western New York. Conversations with sellers are increasing, preparation is happening behind the scenes, and many homeowners are targeting the next few weeks to get their homes ready.
If you’re a buyer in Erie County, Niagara County, or the surrounding areas — here’s what that means for you.
Why sellers are starting to prepare now
The market isn’t shifting overnight — but the ingredients for a more active spring are building.
Mortgage rates have come down from recent highs
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has recently moved close to the 6% range — the lowest levels seen in years.
That doesn’t make homes “cheap,” but it does improve affordability compared to where things were a year ago — and sellers are watching that closely.
New listings are finally ticking up
After months of hesitation, national data shows new listings rising again.
Many sellers have been waiting for:
- Better buyer confidence
- More stable rates
- Stronger spring timing
Those conditions are starting to align.
Seasonal patterns matter more than people realize
Real estate has always had a rhythm, and research shows spring activity remains the yearly peak for listings and sales.
What we’re seeing now is the early stage of that cycle — the quiet preparation before homes actually hit the market.
What we’re seeing in Western New York
Western New York doesn’t always move exactly like national headlines — but the pattern is familiar.
Around this time of year:
- Sellers begin repairs and updates
- Photos and marketing are being scheduled
- Pricing conversations start happening
At Great Lakes Real Estate, many sellers are aiming to list within the next 2–6 weeks — which means buyers may soon see more options than they’ve had all winter.
But here’s the important part:
More inventory doesn’t always mean less competition. When new listings arrive, many sidelined buyers jump back in at the same time.
Why buyers should act before the flood
A lot of buyers wait to see listings appear before getting serious. That’s backwards. The buyers who win in spring typically:
- Are already pre-approved
- Know their comfort payment range
- Have discussed priorities with their agent
- Can move quickly when the right home appears
Data shows buyers are still cautious and homes are taking longer to sell than during the frenzy years.
That creates opportunity — but only if you’re prepared when inventory begins to rise.
Here’s what buyers should do right now
This isn’t about rushing into a purchase. It’s about removing obstacles before the market speeds up.
1. Refresh your pre-approval
Rates move. Budgets change. A recent pre-approval gives you confidence and credibility.
2. Revisit your wish list
The reality is your priorities may shift once more homes become available. Decide what’s truly non-negotiable now — not mid-decision.
3. Talk strategy with your agent
At Great Lakes Real Estate, we help buyers plan before they shop. That means:
- Understanding current local conditions
- Knowing where opportunities exist in Erie and Niagara Counties
- Being ready to act without feeling rushed
4. Prepare mentally for movement
When listings increase, the pace changes quickly. Being emotionally ready matters just as much as financial readiness.
The Bottom Line
For months, buyers have been told to prepare.
Now we’re starting to see signs that sellers are preparing too.
New listings are beginning to rise. Mortgage rates are more stable. Spring momentum is building.
The buyers who benefit most aren’t the ones scrambling when homes hit the market — they’re the ones already ready when the first wave arrives.
If you’re planning to buy in Western New York, this is the moment to position yourself. Call (716) 754-2550. The team at Great Lakes Real Estate can help you build a plan so you’re ready when the right home appears.
