M
arket Momentum Shifts as Agents See Buyers Gain Leverage

    Despite economic concerns weighing on buyers and sellers, real estate agents are reporting high levels of optimism in the latest survey from Real Brokerage. Mortgage rates hovering just below 7% have slowed market momentum this year, but agents see signs that the housing recovery may be more resilient than expected.

    "Agents on the ground are witnessing a shift in power dynamics," said CEO Tamir Poleg. "Buyers are gaining leverage, and sellers are adapting to current conditions." The survey found that 69% of respondents feel more optimistic about their local market compared to the previous month, with almost half reporting stronger-than-expected spring sales.

    A recent John Burns Research and Consulting survey also suggests improving conditions. While 50% of agents reported weaker-than-normal sales, it's an improvement from last year when 57% noted weak home sales. Nationally, 40% of agents expect good sales over the next six months, a significant increase from last summer.

    Sellers' advantage waning: For the first time since Real launched its monthly survey, more agents said their market was better for buyers than sellers. With 35% describing their territory as a buyer's market and 32% reporting that sellers retained the advantage, balance is returning to the market.

    Affordability remains a top concern, but economic anxiety is rising: While affordability continues to be a major hurdle, it may be easing. Almost half the agents surveyed (48%) cited affordability as the single biggest issue for their buyers in March, down from 61% in January. Economic turmoil, however, has become a more pressing issue, with 21% of Real agents identifying broader economic uncertainty as the primary barrier for buyer clients.

    A quarter of agents said economic issues are having a significant impact on both buying and selling plans, while another 52% reported a moderate effect. As one agent noted, "Uncertainty regarding Trump's economic moves is scaring buyers into a wait-and-see stance."