REDFIN is WRONG About the Housing Market

REDFIN is WRONG About the Housing Market: What Smart Buyers Should Really Know

If you’ve read Redfin’s latest headlines, you might be convinced that the housing market is on the brink of collapse.

500,000 more sellers than buyers.
$698 billion in listings.

Sounds scary, right? Not so fast.

As always, headlines sell fear. But when you break down the data and look at what’s happening in YOUR local market, the story changes entirely.

In this post, we’ll unpack Redfin’s viral data drop, reveal the truth behind their numbers, and arm you with the real insights every buyer needs right now.

The Headlines: Redfin's Claims

There are 500,000 more sellers than buyers.
Home sellers are sitting on $698 billion worth of listings.
44% of listings are sitting on the market for over 60 days.

Their conclusion? A dramatic shift toward a buyer’s market. But the problem isn’t the data. It’s the context.

The Methodology Problem

Redfin pulled buyer traffic from its website visitors and compared it against listing data that doesn’t match actual MLS figures.

Their estimate of active listings was off by almost 900,000.
Buyer estimates were based on browsing behavior, not actual pre-approvals or mortgage applications.

In other words, Redfin manufactured a headline-friendly metric with no historical baseline, just clickbait conclusions.

Market Reality Check: Is It Really a Buyer’s Market?

Here’s what’s actually happening:

High mortgage rates have caused buyer demand to dip.
Inventory has increased modestly—but not beyond 2019 levels in most areas.
Seasonality matters: summer slows down naturally.

The $698 Billion Listing Myth

Sounds massive, but it’s just simple math:

Home prices have appreciated steadily.
If inventory remains constant and prices go up, total value of listings goes up.

No red flags here.

44% of Listings Sit for 60+ Days. Is That Bad?

Maybe. But what about the 56% that sell within 60 days?

Properties sitting longer are often:

Overpriced
Poorly marketed
In less desirable areas
In need of repair

Why Real Estate Is Still Local

Two states—Florida and Texas—make up nearly 30% of unsold inventory.

National stats are interesting, but local expertise is essential.

What Buyers Should Actually Do Right Now

Under $1.2M in Orange County? Still highly competitive.
Higher-priced listings? More negotiable, but still moving.
Fixers and less desirable areas? More time on market.
Turnkey, good-location homes? Still getting multiple offers.

Buyer Advice: How to Win in This Market

Don’t fall in love with the first property.
Work with an expert agent who knows the local trends.
Make a strong first offer.
Get pre-approved by a strategic mortgage advisor.
Understand your competition.
Stay flexible.

The Truth About Timing the Market

A lot of buyers say: "I’ll wait for prices to drop."

Let’s get real.

Prices might drop 2–3% in some areas.
But rates could stay elevated or go higher.

Final Takeaway: Headlines vs. Reality

Redfin isn’t totally wrong. But they’re misleading.

So here’s your move:

Buy right. Borrow smart. Build wealth.

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Ready to start your homebuying journey with expert guidance? Click below to get started:

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