Sellers Taking Homes Off Market At Highest Rate In Years: Here's Why

Homeowners Pull Listings at Highest Rate in a Decade

Homeowners are withdrawing their properties from the market at the fastest pace in nearly ten years, new market data shows. The trend points to shifting dynamics in the U.S. housing sector as many sellers decide to hold off in hopes of better conditions.

Rising Mortgage Rates and Market Fatigue

According to Redfin, approximately 16.6% of U.S. homes for sale were taken off the market in the past four weeks ending November 3, the highest share since 2015. This surge comes as mortgage rates remain elevated, discouraging both buyers and sellers from moving forward with transactions.

“Many homeowners are hesitant to sell because it would mean giving up their low fixed-rate mortgage for one that’s more than double,” said a Redfin housing economist.

Some sellers also feel fatigued by the current housing slowdown, choosing to rent out their properties or delay new listings instead of accepting lower offers.

Regional Differences Across Markets

Markets such as Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Las Vegas, Nevada, have seen particularly high pullback rates. In these areas, home prices declined from pandemic highs, and demand cooled sharply due to affordability issues.

By contrast, more affordable regions, including parts of the Midwest and South, continue to see relatively stable selling activity. Buyers there remain more active as prices and mortgage payments stay within reach.

Outlook for the Housing Market

Industry experts note that the slowdown in listings reduces the already tight housing inventory, which could stabilize prices temporarily despite reduced overall demand.

“The housing market may stay sluggish through early next year, but we expect improvements if rates decline even modestly,” analysts added.

The situation reflects a broader uncertainty in the real estate sector as homeowners balance financial caution with long-term plans amid high borrowing costs and uneven market demand.

Author summary: U.S. homeowners are removing listings from the market faster than in years, mainly due to high mortgage rates, affordability issues, and regional price drops.

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Daily Voice on MSN Daily Voice on MSN — 2025-11-27

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