Better Homeowners
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What More Homes with Price Cuts Means for You - 2/11/2026

If you've been wondering what's going on with the real estate market lately, you're not alone. After several years of intense competition and bidding wars, the tide is shifting and today's buyers are seeing more negotiating power than they've had in a while.

According to data from the real estate analytics firm Cotality, around 56% of homes nationwide sold below their asking price as of late 2025. This trend marks a notable change from the red-hot market we've become accustomed to. What's driving the shift? Several factors are at play:

  • Inventory is rising. More homes are staying on the market longer, giving buyers more choices. At the same time, some sellers are choosing to pull their listings, up 48% compared to last year, often because their pricing expectations aren't being met.
  • Buyers have more leverage. With less competition, buyers are successfully negotiating on price and requesting concessions like help with closing costs or mortgage rate buydowns.
  • Affordability is still a challenge. Even with more flexibility in negotiations, high interest rates and increased insurance costs are still hurdles for many would-be buyers.
  • The market isn't the same everywhere. Some areas, particularly parts of Texas and Florida, are seeing much higher inventory levels than others, making it even more important to understand local trends.

While it might feel like the market is cooling, that doesn't mean it's stopped. In fact, almost half of homes are still selling at or above list price but here's the key: they're priced right from the start.

If you're thinking of selling, the first two weeks on the market are critical. Homes that are accurately priced in line with current conditions tend to attract more attention and stronger offers, often right out of the gate. Pricing it right helps you make the best possible impression and potentially avoid price cuts down the line.

There are specific market areas that are not experiencing these conditions but it requires a local market expert to identify them.

If you're curious about your local market or considering a move, I'd be happy to share insights and walk you through your options. Whether buying or selling, timing and strategy make all the difference. Download our Sellers Guide.

Mary Anne Windes CCIM, CRB, CRS, GRI, RRS, e-PRO Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. www.Destin-Real-Estate.com (850) 803-2211 BK583540 Mary Anne Windes, age 64, is a lifelong FWB/Destin resident. She grew up in Fort Walton Beach riding, training, and showing horses while she attended school. She earned an AA degree in Business Administration at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College and obtained her BA in Accounting from the University of West Florida with the help of a tennis scholarship. She has been married for 40 years to Capt. Kelly Windes. They have two grown children, ages 37 and 36, and four grandchildren. Mary Anne's early career in accounting started in auditing and setting up new businesses. She has put those strengths to work for her family setting up and managing 16 separate businesses including 10 various types of commercial boats, three real estate companies, a marina, and a few retail ventures, plus she's helped with several political campaigns. An active community leader, she was a two-time Chairman of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority appointed for two terms by Governor Jeb Bush, President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Chairman of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing to receive the first F35 jets at Eglin AFB, Chairman of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Chairman of the Miss Destin Pageant for 4 years, and Chairman, leader, or member of various other community boards, committees, and special projects. She has been a weekly usher at her church for over twenty years and co-teaches the Crown Financial Ministry series. Her primary vocation is real estate where she handles both commercial and residential transactions for friends and referrals. She is the broker and owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin, an independent boutique real estate company located on the Destin Harbor for 30 years and Real Estate Professionals of NW FLA, Inc. She holds various distinguished designations in real estate that signify excellence, education, and experience. She was acknowledged for her achievements four times by receiving the coveted Realtor of the Year award conveyed by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors for Destin in 1997, overall in 2010, for Destin in 2010, and for Commercial in 2022 as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Women's Council of Realtors. She loves spending time with family and friends, a challenge, any type of furry pets, exercising, and Russell Stover's chocolate. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter