3 Reasons To Buy a Home This Summer
3 Reasons To Buy a Home This Summer — Especially in Chattanooga and North Georgia
Are you thinking about buying a home, but not sure if now’s the right time? You’re not alone—many buyers are on the fence, waiting to see what the market will do next. But here’s what savvy homebuyers are starting to realize:
This summer might actually be one of the best opportunities to buy in years—especially right here in the Greater Chattanooga and North Georgia area. Here’s why:
1. You Have More Negotiating Power
After years of sellers dominating the market, conditions are shifting—and buyers are starting to regain leverage.
In Chattanooga, TN, inventory rose from 1,934 active listings in January to over 2,200 in May 2025, a 33% increase. That means more sellers are listing, and buyers are gaining room to negotiate . In Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe, GA (Catoosa County), homes are now staying on the market longer—averaging 45 to 53 days—giving buyers more time and negotiating room.
Buyers today may be able to negotiate:
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Repairs and closing cost credits
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Price reductions, especially on homes that have been sitting
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Flexible closing dates
As Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors put it, “With housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers... are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”
And just to clarify—there’s no oversupply or market crash coming. Inventory is improving, but still below pre-pandemic norms.
s:
Take a look at what happened back in 2021 through roughly 2023. In that time period, there were far more buyers (the blue line) looking to buy than homes for sale (the green line). That’s what drove the intense competition, bidding wars, and the exponential price growth the market saw back then.
Now, the market has shifted, and buyers are regaining their negotiating power as a result. With more sellers than buyers, sellers may be more willing to pay for repairs, cover some of your closing costs, or lower their asking price. The return of this kind of normal balance is a sign of a much healthier, more sustainable market. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:
“ . . . with housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers in nearly every region of the country are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”
And just in case you're worried there are too many homes on the market, here's what you should know. Overall inventory is still lower than normal, so you don’t have to worry about a nationwide oversupply or a crash.
2. You Have More Choices
Across the Chattanooga region—including Hixson, East Brainerd, Ooltewah, and Lookout Valley—inventory is steadily climbing. Realtor.com reports that more homes were listed this May than in the past two years. This rise in listings is giving buyers more variety in price, style, and location.
In Catoosa County, the market is cooling slightly. Listings with price reductions are up, and sellers are adjusting to more realistic expectations. That opens the door for buyers to find better value.
So whether you’re looking for a downtown condo with mountain views or a family home in North Georgia with a large yard and great schools, this is the time to start your search. Below is a nationwide activity chart provided by Redfin.
And more homes for sale means more choices. There’s a good chance your perfect match just hit the market – or it will soon. So, it’s a great time to explore what’s out there. As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“With more fresh inventory hitting the market, buyers have better opportunities to find a home that fits their needs."
3. You May See More Flexibility on Price
With more homes for sale, they’re not selling at the same frenzied pace they were just a few years ago.
With homes staying on the market longer, sellers are beginning to adjust. Nationally, 19.1% of homes had a price cut in May—and that trend is even more pronounced locally.
In Chattanooga’s Missionary Ridge area, the price-per-square-foot dropped from around $200 to $160 in some cases, and average days on market have stretched from under 30 to nearly 90.
In North Georgia, 38% of homes sold last month closed below asking price. These changes signal a more balanced market—not a crash, but a shift that benefits serious buyers who are ready to act.
Remember, not all sellers are slashing prices—those who listed too high are correcting, while well-priced homes are still moving. The key is knowing how to spot the opportunities—and that’s where expert local guidance comes in.
That’s the fifth straight month where more sellers have reduced their price. And, as of May, the volume of price cuts is back at normal levels. This is yet another sign of the return to a more balanced market.
While you shouldn’t expect a big discount, you may find sellers are a bit more flexible right now. As a recent article from The Street says:
“Although sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market over the past few years, houses are now staying on the market for longer, shifting negotiating power back to homebuyers.”
Just remember, most sellers still aren’t adjusting their prices – just the ones who overpriced to start with. So, this isn’t a sign of a crash; it’s a sign of some sellers having outdated expectations in a shifting market.
Why Work with Lawrence Team Homes?
With over 23 years in the local market and more than $1 billion in closed sales, Lawrence Team Homes is one of the most trusted names in Chattanooga and North Georgia real estate. We consistently rank among the Top 7 teams in the Chattanooga MLS, and our local agents—Doug, Michael, Sherry, and team—are known for personalized service and expert negotiation.
We specialize in both city and suburban living:
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Chattanooga: Signal Mountain, Ooltewah, Missionary Ridge, Red Bank, and East Brainerd
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North Georgia: Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe, Catoosa County, and Walker County
Our market insight and proven track record ensure that whether you're buying your first home or your forever home, you're in the best hands.
This summer offers a powerful combination for buyers: more listings, less competition, and sellers willing to negotiate. Add in local expertise from Lawrence Team Homes, and you have everything you need to make your next move a smart one.
What would finding the right home this summer mean for your next chapter?
