Georgia Buyers Gain the Upper Hand: What This Surge in Listings Means for You

May 17

As of May 2025, Georgia is seeing a marked shift: a sharp increase in homes for sale is tipping negotiating power toward buyers. Here’s the scoop—and how to turn it into your advantage.

📊 Market Snapshot for Georgia (March 2025)

Active listings: 40,422 – up 42.2% year‑over‑year Homes.com
New listings (last 12 months): 19,788 – up 20% from a year ago Homes.com
Average days on market: 58 days, vs. 45 days a year earlier Homes.com
Median sales price (GA): $360,000, up 0.8% year‑over‑year Homes.com

In Metro Atlanta specifically, roughly 68% of homes sold below original list price in February—a jump of 8 points—and 62% of sales included seller concessions in Q1 2025 Axios.

🔑 What Buyers Can Do Now

Negotiate Beyond Price
- Ask for closing‑cost credits, rate buydowns or repair allowances. With sellers under pressure, these concessions are increasingly on the table Axios AP News.
Take Time to Inspect & Compare
- Homes average nearly two months on market. Use that breathing room to tour multiple properties, bring in inspectors or contractors, and refine your offers—don’t rush.
Target Move‑In‑Ready Homes
- Sellers of outdated properties may have a harder time. If you’re willing to do light updating, you can negotiate a more aggressive discount; if you want turnkey, focus on listings already priced for condition.

📈 What Sellers Need to Know

Price Realistically Upfront: Over‑priced listings risk sitting stale; data shows price reductions are common—and sellers often end up taking less than if they’d launched competitively Axios AP News.
Invest in Curb Appeal & Staging: Homes that show well still command attention. A modest investment in landscaping or fresh paint can pay dividends and reduce the need for later price cuts Investopedia.
Be Flexible on Terms: Even if your list price is firm, offering to cover closing costs or providing a rate buydown can differentiate your home in a crowded market.

🌟 Neighborhood Hotspots to Watch

BeltLine‑Adjacent Areas (Eastside, Westside): Continued popularity means these pockets still see faster sales and less discounting.
Suburbs with New Corporate Growth (Dunwoody, Brookhaven): Job announcements and relocations (e.g., AIG in Brookhaven) help support steadier demand even as inventory rises Homes.comHomes.com.
Emerging Markets North of Atlanta (Jasper, Cumming): Smaller markets are reflecting the statewide surge in listings—buyers can find value here, especially on well-prepared homes.

💼 How a Local REALTOR® Helps

Data‑Driven Pricing: Leveraging up‑to‑the‑minute MLS and Redfin data to set the right list price or craft competitive offers.
Negotiation Strategy: Packaging price, terms and timing to get the best deal, whether you’re buying or selling.
Market Timing: Advising on the optimal moment to list or make an offer based on inventory cycles and upcoming seasonal shifts.

Bottom Line: Georgia’s market has evolved from relentless seller dominance to a more balanced—and in many cases buyer‑friendly—environment. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect home or preparing to list, understanding these trends and tailoring your strategy will be key.

Jeff Tubo