Stellar Market Report: Q1 2025 – Your Guide to Navigating the Real Estate Market

The first quarter of 2025, the real estate market is offering a wealth of opportunities—and a few challenges—for home buyers and sellers alike. The Stellar Market Report: Q1 2025, powered by data from Stellar MLS and MarketStats by ShowingTime as of May 8, 2025, provides a clear snapshot of current trends. We’ll break down key metrics—active listings, new listings, closed sales, supply and demand, and pricing trends—to empower you with the knowledge you need to make confident decisions.

A Snapshot of the Market: April 2025 Highlights

The Stellar Market Report includes detailed market activity charts for April 2025, comparing current data to the five-year April average. These color-coded gauges—orange for Active Listings, purple for New Listings, and green for Closed Sales—offer a quick, visual way to understand the market’s pulse. Here’s what the numbers tell us:

1. Active Listings: A Surge in Inventory

• April 2025: 74,882 active listings

• 5-Year April Average: 36,785

• Insight: Active listings have soared by 103.5% (74,882 ÷ 36,785), nearly doubling the historical norm. This means more homes are available than we’ve seen in years.

• For Buyers: This is your moment! With 74,882 homes on the market, you have more choices and less competition, potentially giving you room to negotiate on price or terms. However, high inventory might signal a cooling market—partner with a realtor to pinpoint the best deals.

• For Sellers: More listings mean more competition. To stand out, price your home competitively and invest in staging or professional photography to catch buyers’ eyes.

2. New Listings: Fresh Opportunities

• April 2025: 23,074 new listings

• 5-Year April Average: 19,733

• Insight: New listings are up 17% (23,074 ÷ 19,733), showing that sellers are still entering the market with confidence.

• For Buyers: This steady flow of 23,074 new properties keeps your options fresh. Work with a realtor to jump on these listings early—they could be your ticket to a great find.

• For Sellers: Timing matters. Listing now could put your home in front of eager buyers, but you’ll need to price strategically to avoid getting lost in the shuffle.

3. Closed Sales: A Slight Dip

• April 2025: 15,385 closed sales

• 5-Year April Average: 16,676

• Insight: Closed sales are down 7.8% (15,385 ÷ 16,676), suggesting a slight slowdown in transactions—possibly due to higher inventory or cautious buyers.

• For Buyers: Fewer closed sales mean less pressure from bidding wars. Take your time to find the right home and negotiate smartly.

• For Sellers: Patience is key. With sales softening, your home might take longer to move—focus on competitive pricing and standout marketing.

Trends Over Time: Supply and Demand + Pricing (May 2024 – March 2025)

Beyond April’s snapshot, the report includes charts tracking Months of Supply and Average Sale Price from May 2024 to March 2025. These trends give us a broader view of Q1 2025.

Months of Supply: A Balanced Market

• Key Data Points:

  • May 2024: ~4.00 months

  • November 2024: Peaks at ~4.50 months

  • January–March 2025: Stabilizes at ~4.50 months

• What It Means: Months of supply measures how long it would take to sell all current listings at the current pace (no new listings added). A range of 4–6 months signals a balanced market—neither a buyer’s nor seller’s extreme. Q1 2025’s steady 4.50 months suggests equilibrium.

• For Buyers: You’re not fighting over scraps, but inventory isn’t overflowing either. Act decisively on homes you love.

• For Sellers: Competition is moderate. A well-priced, well-presented home can still sell quickly in this balanced environment.

Average Sale Price: A Cooling Trend

• Key Data Points:

  • May 2024: ~$475,000

  • November 2024: Drops to ~$440,000

  • January–March 2025: Holds at ~$440,000

• What It Means: Prices peaked at $475,000 in mid-2024, then softened to $440,000 by late 2024, stabilizing into Q1 2025—a 7.4% decline ($475,000 – $440,000).

• For Buyers: This price dip is your chance to snag a deal. With prices stable at $440,000, you can plan your budget with confidence.

• For Sellers: Values are softening, so avoid overpricing. Highlight upgrades or unique features to justify your asking price.

What This Means for Q1 2025

The Stellar Market Report reveals a market in transition:

• High Inventory (74,882 active listings) and a balanced supply (4.50 months) point to a buyer-friendly shift.

• Moderate new listings (23,074) show sellers are still active, keeping the market dynamic.

• Fewer closed sales (15,385) and stable, lower prices ($440,000) suggest demand is steady but not overheated.

This balance offers opportunities for both sides—if you’re prepared.

Actionable Tips to Empower You

For Home Buyers

1. Leverage the Inventory: With 74,882 active listings, explore a variety of homes. Check days-on-market data to find motivated sellers open to negotiation.

2. Act on New Listings: The 23,074 new properties mean fresh options—get pre-approved for a mortgage to move fast.

3. Negotiate Smartly: Softer demand (15,385 closed sales) gives you leverage. Focus on homes lingering longer for potential discounts.

   
   

For Home Sellers

1. Price Right: With high inventory and a $440,000 average, align your price with local comps—overpricing could leave you sitting.

2. Stand Out: Invest in curb appeal, staging, or virtual tours to shine among 74,882 listings.

3. Be Flexible: A 7.8% drop in closed sales suggests longer selling times. Consider incentives like closing cost help to seal the deal.

   
   

   

   
   

Let’s Navigate This Together

The Q1 2025 market is a goldmine of possibilities—whether you’re buying your dream home or selling to move forward. As your Realtor, I’m here to turn these insights into action.

Jakub Adamowicz, RealtorData Source: Stellar MLS, MarketStats by ShowingTime, as of May 8, 2025