MORE BUYERS ARE BACK IN THE CENTRAL NEW YORK HOUSING MARKET
Market Watch Monday | September 14, 2026
Buyer activity is picking up again in Central New York—and the market is already starting to feel a little more competitive.
I don’t necessarily expect us to return to the chaos of seven to ten offers on every desirable house. However, some homes are receiving multiple offers, and buyers may need to offer approximately 5–10% above list price to compete for certain properties.
That doesn’t mean every house will sell over asking price. It does mean buyers need to pay close attention to the activity surrounding the particular home they want—not just broad statements about the market.
🎥 WATCH: MARKET WATCH MONDAY In this week’s Market Watch Monday, I explain why increasing buyer activity is creating more multiple-offer situations—and why being the only current offer doesn’t necessarily give a buyer all the negotiating power.
BUYER ACTIVITY IS PICKING UP
We are seeing more buyers actively looking at homes this week.
When more buyers enter the market, the chance of competition naturally increases. A property that might have received only one offer a few weeks ago could now attract two, three or more interested buyers.
We may not be seeing the enormous bidding wars that defined the most intense years of the market, but competition has not disappeared. On some of the most appealing and well-positioned homes, buyers are once again finding that they need to make a very strong offer.
ARE CENTRAL NEW YORK HOMES SELLING ABOVE ASKING PRICE?
Some are.
On competitive properties, buyers may need to offer approximately 5–10% above list price. But that should never be treated as a formula that applies to every home.
The amount a buyer should offer depends on factors such as:
Comparable recent sales
The home’s condition and location
How accurately it is priced
Showing activity
The number and strength of competing offers
Financing and appraisal considerations
The buyer’s own comfort level
A home receiving several offers may require a very different strategy from one that has been available for weeks without much activity.
BEING THE ONLY OFFER DOESN’T MEAN IT’S A BUYER’S MARKET
If you are fortunate enough to be the only buyer making an offer, don’t automatically assume the seller has no leverage.
Central New York is still very much a seller’s market. The seller may not have another offer in hand at that exact moment, but more buyers are looking—and another offer could arrive if the home remains available for a few more days.
This is where buyers sometimes make a costly mistake. They discover they are the only offer and submit a price or terms that give the seller little reason to accept immediately.
The seller may decide that leaving the home on the market feels less risky than accepting that offer. If another buyer appears, the original buyer can suddenly find themselves in the bidding war they were hoping to avoid.
MAKE THE SELLER WANT TO ACCEPT YOUR OFFER
A strong offer isn’t only about price. It should make the seller feel confident about moving forward with you.
Depending on the home and the buyer’s circumstances, the overall offer may include:
A price supported by the market
Solid financing or proof of funds
Clear and reasonable contingencies
Thoughtful inspection terms
Timing that works for the seller
Flexibility where it matters
A transaction that appears likely to reach closing
That doesn’t mean buyers should waive important protections or agree to terms they don’t understand. It means they should work with their real estate agent and attorney to create the strongest offer they are comfortable making.
DON’T LET AN ONLY-OFFER OPPORTUNITY SLIP AWAY
Being the only offer can be a valuable opportunity. You may avoid the pressure of competing against several buyers, and you may have more control over your decision.
But an only-offer situation may be temporary.
If you have found the right house, ask yourself whether your offer gives the seller a good reason to choose you now—or whether it encourages them to keep waiting.
You don’t necessarily need to offer dramatically above asking price when no one else is competing. You do need to present an offer the seller can feel comfortable accepting.
WHAT SHOULD CENTRAL NEW YORK SELLERS KNOW?
Increasing buyer activity is encouraging news for sellers, but preparation and pricing still matter.
Not every home is receiving multiple offers. Buyers have more choices than they did during the most extreme seller’s market, and they are paying close attention to condition, presentation and value.
A home that is prepared well and priced strategically has a better chance of attracting immediate interest. Sellers should evaluate the complete offer—not only the purchase price—including financing, contingencies, timing and the likelihood that the transaction will close successfully.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Central New York still a seller’s market?
Yes, based on the conditions we are currently seeing, Central New York remains a seller’s market. However, the balance between buyers and sellers can vary by neighborhood, school district, price range and property.
Are all CNY homes receiving multiple offers?
No. Some homes are receiving multiple offers, while others may receive one offer or take longer to sell. Pricing, condition, location and perceived value all influence buyer activity.
Do buyers need to offer 5–10% over asking price?
Some competitive homes may require offers in that range, but there is no percentage that applies to every property. Buyers should base their strategy on comparable sales, current competition and how much they are comfortable risking.
What should I do if I’m the only buyer making an offer?
Don’t assume the seller will accept any price or terms. Submit an offer that gives the seller confidence and a reason to choose you before another buyer enters the picture.
THE BOTTOM LINE
More buyers are looking, and some Central New York homes are becoming more competitive again.
If you are the only offer on a home you love, take advantage of that opportunity—but don’t take it for granted. Make the seller happy with the price and terms, and give them a reason to accept your offer instead of waiting to see what another buyer might bring.
If you can be the offer that gets accepted before a bidding war begins, do it.
That’s your Market Watch Monday!
About Stephanie Scriven
Stephanie Scriven is a NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker and Broker/Owner of Home With Us Realty Group, serving buyers and sellers throughout Syracuse and Central New York.
With a background in market research, Stephanie combines local housing data with firsthand observations from active real estate transactions to help CNY buyers and sellers understand what's actually happening in the market.
Through her weekly Market Watch Monday updates and Real Talk with Stephanie series, she shares practical information about Central New York real estate, pricing, buyer behavior and the home-buying and selling process.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Central New York?
Stephanie Scriven
NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker
Home With Us Realty Group
315-569-8931
StephanieScriven.com
