Is Central New York Becoming a Buyer’s Market?
Is Central New York Becoming a Buyer's Market?
Market Watch Monday | August 17, 2026
The Central New York real estate market continues to be… odd.
Some homes are still receiving bidding wars. Others are getting two or three offers. And some aren't receiving any offers at all.
With more inventory and less competition than we've experienced over the past several years, buyers have more opportunities—but that doesn't necessarily mean we've entered a buyer's market.
🎥 Watch This Week's Market Watch Monday
In this week's Market Watch Monday, I explain why buyers should take advantage of today's opportunities without assuming sellers are willing to accept just any offer.
Buyers Have More Choices—But Sellers Still Have Expectations
Buyers throughout Syracuse and Central New York finally have something they haven't had in quite some time: options.
There are more homes to choose from, buyers can take a little more time to make decisions, and we're seeing more opportunities to negotiate than we did during the height of the extremely competitive seller's market.
But having more negotiating power doesn't automatically mean sellers are willing to accept significantly lower offers.
Some sellers entered the market expecting the bidding wars and aggressive offers we've seen over the past several years. When that doesn't happen, they can be disappointed with the price or terms they're offered.
Don't Confuse Opportunity With a Reason to Lowball
My advice to buyers right now is simple:
Take advantage of the opportunity this market is giving you—but don't take advantage of the seller.
If a home has been sitting on the market or hasn't received much activity, there may absolutely be an opportunity to negotiate.
But if you really want the house, make sure your offer reflects that.
One interesting thing I'm seeing in this market is buyers taking longer to decide whether they want to make an offer. Sometimes, another buyer decides they want the home after the seller has already accepted an offer.
In New York, accepted purchase offers typically proceed through attorney review. During this period, circumstances can change before attorney approval is complete.
That's another reason buyers shouldn't automatically assume they're the only interested party simply because a home didn't sell immediately.
What Does This Mean for Central New York Buyers?
This can be a great time to buy.
You may have:
More homes to choose from
More time to make a decision
More opportunities for inspections
Greater ability to negotiate certain terms
Less competition on some properties
But we're still seeing multiple offers and bidding wars on the right homes.
If you find a house you love, write an offer you would be comfortable losing the house over.
Price matters—but so do your financing, contingencies, inspection terms, timing and the overall strength of your offer.
What Does This Mean for Sellers?
Preparation and pricing matter more than ever.
Today's buyers have choices. If your home doesn't feel like a good value compared with the competition, buyers may simply move on to another property.
At the same time, homes that are prepared well and priced strategically can still generate significant attention—and sometimes bidding wars.
The goal isn't necessarily to be the highest-priced home on the market.
The goal is to be the home buyers perceive as the best value.
So, Is Central New York a Buyer's Market?
Not necessarily.
We're in a changing market where buyers have gained some leverage, but sellers can still have a significant advantage when a home is desirable, properly prepared and strategically priced.
And that's exactly why I'm watching the market so closely.
Conditions can vary significantly by neighborhood, school district, price point and even from one week to the next.
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.
Through her weekly Market Watch Monday series, Stephanie shares firsthand observations, market trends and practical advice to help Central New York buyers and sellers understand what's actually happening in the local housing market.
Thinking about buying or selling in Central New York?
Stephanie Scriven
Home With Us Realty Group
315-569-8931
StephanieScriven.com
