Why Rising Inventory Makes This Spring a Smart Time to Buy in San Diego and Boston

The Market Is Shifting—Is This Your Moment?

If you've been waiting for the right time to buy in luxury markets like Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, Del Mar, Beacon Hill, or Back Bay, this spring could be your opportunity. With inventory levels rising and sellers becoming more open to negotiation, buyers now have more choices and leverage than they’ve had in years.

For those looking to secure a primary residence or an investment property, understanding these shifts can help you get the best deal in San Diego’s coastal communities or Boston’s historic neighborhoods. Let’s break it down.

1. More Homes on the Market = More Opportunity

One of the biggest challenges in recent years—especially in competitive luxury markets—has been low inventory. But the landscape is changing.

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale this February was higher than any of the past five Februarys. Inventory has jumped 27.5% in the past year alone, which is great news for buyers.

Why This Matters for You:

• More choices in prime locations – Whether you’re eyeing an oceanfront estate in La Jolla or a brownstone in the South End, increased inventory means you’re more likely to find a home that checks all your boxes.

• Less competition – With more homes available, the aggressive bidding wars we saw in 2021 and 2022 are cooling off, giving you a stronger position.

• More time to decide – Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, notes that this shift allows buyers more time to make decisions, a luxury that has been rare in the past few years.

While top-tier properties still move quickly in highly desirable neighborhoods, the days of buyers having to overpay just to secure a home are fading.

2. Sellers Are More Open to Negotiation

With more homes sitting on the market longer—especially those initially priced too high—sellers are adjusting their expectations.

Recent data from Realtor.com shows that price reductions have increased compared to the last few years. In luxury real estate, this creates opportunities to negotiate not just on price, but also on closing costs, contingencies, and even furnishings.

How You Can Benefit:

• More negotiating power – In markets like Del Mar or Beacon Hill, where sellers have traditionally had the upper hand, buyers now have more room to negotiate on price and terms.

• Better value for your investment – With price reductions happening more frequently, you may be able to secure a home at a price closer to its true market value rather than inflated post-pandemic highs.

• Potential seller concessions – Whether it’s covering closing costs, offering credits for repairs, or including luxury amenities (think high-end appliances or custom furniture), buyers can now ask for more and actually get it.

That being said, not every seller is slashing prices. Well-priced, turnkey properties in exclusive areas still command strong offers, so working with an experienced agent is key to navigating negotiations.

Bottom Line: Is Now the Right Time to Buy?

If you’ve been waiting for the market to shift in your favor, this spring could be your window of opportunity. With rising inventory and more flexible sellers, you have the advantage of choice and negotiation power—something buyers in San Diego and Boston haven’t had in years.

However, every neighborhood and price point behaves differently. A luxury home in Rancho Santa Fe won’t follow the same trends as a condo in Back Bay, which is why having a real estate expert who knows the nuances of your market is essential.

Ready to explore your options? Let’s connect today and strategize your next move.

Market insights inspired by KeepingCurrentMatters.com.

📩 Contact me today to start the conversation.

Melinda Sarkis
[email protected]
(617) 943-8333

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