Buyers Are Back—And They’re Not Waiting Around

If you’ve been wondering whether buyers are still out there, the answer is a resounding yes—and they’re coming in strong.

According to Google Trends, online searches for “homes for sale” have hit their highest point in the past two years. And that surge started even before mortgage rates dipped last week. For reference, average rates dropped to 6.55% on August 7 and again to 6.53% by August 13, as reported by Mortgage News Daily.

In short? Buyer demand is not slowing—it’s ramping up.

The Digital Signs Are Clear: Interest Is Surging

When people are ready to move, their search begins online—and the data proves it.

Searches like “homes for sale” and “houses for sale” peaked in July, even while interest rates were still hovering in the mid-6% range. That’s significant, because online search activity is often the first real signal of buying intent.

Before people schedule tours or contact agents, they’re browsing listings at night, imagining what’s possible.

📈 Rising search traffic = increasing buyer momentum. The next step? Offers.

Mortgage Applications Are Following the Trend

As soon as mortgage rates eased, buyers took action.

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly report shows a 1% week-over-week increase in purchase applications—and a 17% jump compared to the same week last year.

That kind of movement suggests one key thing: buyers are watching the market, and they’re ready to move the moment conditions improve.

Even small shifts in interest rates can impact monthly affordability—and smart buyers aren’t waiting to be left behind.

What This Means for Home Sellers

More buyer interest means more opportunity if you’re planning to sell. Here’s what this could mean for you:

• Increased showings – A spike in buyer activity means more eyes on your listing.

• Stronger competition – Even a few serious buyers can lead to great offers and potential bidding situations.

• Shorter time on market – Well-priced, well-presented homes are likely to sell faster than expected.

While today’s market isn’t as frenzied as 2021, that’s actually a benefit. A healthy flow of informed, motivated buyers is a more sustainable—and more strategic—environment for sellers.

Want to Sell? Here’s How to Take Advantage

Thinking of listing? Now might be your moment. Here’s how to get started on the right foot:

• Request a professional home valuation – Get a clear, updated estimate based on today’s market.

• Tackle light upgrades – A fresh coat of paint or minor touch-ups can make a big impact.

• Prioritize your marketing – Staging, photography, and a compelling online presence are critical now that buyers are researching digitally before touring.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just list your home—launch it. Make sure your listing is positioned to win in today’s competitive digital landscape.

The Bottom Line

Buyer interest is heating up, online searches are soaring, and mortgage rates just dropped to a new low for 2025.

If you’ve been holding out, this might be the most strategic window to list your home before the seasonal slowdown later in the year.

The buyers are out there. The question is—will your home be the one they’re dreaming about at 11 p.m. on Zillow?

FAQs

1. Are buyers really coming back into the market?
Yes—both digital search data and mortgage applications confirm a sharp increase in buyer activity.

2. How do mortgage rates impact buyer behavior?
Even a modest rate drop can significantly reduce monthly payments, encouraging more buyers to act.

3. Is this a good time to sell my house?
With buyer demand climbing and rates falling, it’s a strong moment to list—especially if your home is move-in ready and well-marketed.

4. How can I attract more attention to my home?
Prioritize top-tier visuals, competitive pricing, and work with a real estate professional who knows how to target active buyers online.

5. Will home prices start climbing again?
While the future is never certain, increased buyer demand often supports rising prices, particularly in high-demand areas.