After several years of intense seller-favoring market conditions, the landscape is starting to shift—quietly, but measurably. Across Massachusetts and much of the country, real estate markets are showing signs of normalization, and increased inventory is translating to more price reductions.
According to a recent Zillow report, Boston’s housing inventory rose 16.3% year-over-year, while over 20% of active listings have experienced price cuts. Meanwhile, price appreciation has slowed. Zillow’s Home Value Index for the Boston area ticked up just 1.6% year-over-year, a clear sign that price growth has plateaued.
This shift isn’t limited to urban cores. On Cape Cod and the surrounding coastal markets, we’re seeing similar signals.
“While buyer demand remains strong, particularly for well-located and turn-key properties, there’s more to choose from this season—and that’s putting downward pressure on certain segments,” said Tony Guthrie. “The homes that are priced right and presented well still sell quickly, but the margin for error has narrowed.”
What’s Causing the Shift?
Nationally, the number of homes for sale hit 1.3 million in May—the highest since July 2020. With more inventory and mortgage rates stabilizing below 2023 peaks, buyers are gaining ground. However, affordability remains a key challenge.
In Boston, for example, the average mortgage payment now sits at $4,758, compared to an average rent of $3,991. That gap is a reversal from six years ago, when it was typically more expensive to rent than to own.
“Affordability is a real concern, especially for move-up buyers,” said Alfred Schofield. “Many families who would have upgraded by now are pausing. They’re doing the math and realizing that renting or staying put might make more sense—unless the right opportunity arises.”
What This Means for Cape Cod Sellers
For sellers, the message is clear: positioning matters more than ever. With more listings on the market, simply entering the MLS is no longer enough. Strategic pricing, high-impact marketing, and accurate buyer targeting are crucial to standing out—and closing successfully.
At the Guthrie Schofield Group, we’ve continued to see strong results because we meet the market where it is, not where it used to be. Our team combines deep local expertise with national-caliber marketing, social content, and property presentation. In a market where a quarter of listings may see a price cut, strategy isn’t optional—it’s essential.
For Buyers: Opportunity With Caveats
While more inventory and price flexibility are welcome news for buyers, it’s still a competitive landscape—especially for properties in top-tier locations like Chatham, Orleans, and Osterville.
“There’s no question that the market is more balanced than it was 12 to 18 months ago,” said team member Wesley Krell. “But when something special hits the market, it still moves quickly. Buyers need to be educated, pre-approved, and ready to act when the right property appears.”
Final Thoughts
This is not a downturn—it’s a recalibration. With more inventory, slower price appreciation, and rising buyer discernment, we’re entering a market that rewards preparation, presentation, and precision.
Explore more at guthrieschofieldgroup.com or contact us for a private consultation.
