Why home sellers hate the new normal

Why Home Sellers Hate the New Normal?

Single-Family Home Market Update

What a difference a year makes. This time, last year, home sellers were the masters of the universe.  Effectively, dictating price, terms, and conditions to a mob of anxious homebuyers. Today, sellers are grateful to receive just one offer.  Welcome to the new normal.

The new normal | Market Data Greater Boston

The New Normal

Unless you have been living under a rock these past six months, you probably noticed there has been a major shift in the housing market. Sellers no longer enjoy a negotiating advantage over “would be” homebuyers.  The reason — high inflation and rising interest rates has made housing less affordable.  This, of course, has led to a significant decrease in the pool of eligible homebuyers. 

For homebuyers, this may be your opportunity to achieve a great deal.

For home sellers, this means the days of receiving multiple offers at or above your asking (list) price are gone.

So, if you are thinking about selling your home – be prepared to negotiate because homebuyers are demanding more and offering less.

Help! I Want to Sell My Home

First, don’t get discouraged.  Few, if any of us, can time the market.  Secondly,  home prices, albeit under pressure, are still at an all-time high.  You just might have to work a little harder than before. Third, be patient and read Team Coyle’s latest article for some tips on How to Sell Your Home for the Best Result?.   

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About TEAM COYLE

Team Coyle,  a professional group of real estate agents at Compass, has more than ten years of experience helping individuals and families buy and sell real estate in the Greater Boston Region of Massachusetts (primarily MetroWest).

Matt & Ying Coyle, Team Coyle — Compass agents in Wellesley

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Wellesley, MA 02482

Methodology

TownRatings™ is a proprietary model developed by Team Coyle to provide homebuyers and sellers with a relative rating (assessment) of a town’s key characteristics, benchmarked against other Greater Boston towns. Ratings are based on publicly available data and Team Coyle’s on-the-ground expertise and are intended as a general guide only. Please consult a licensed real estate professional before making any real estate decisions. Ratings are current as of October 4, 2025.

RATING CATEGORIES

  • Quality of Schools: Based on Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 2024 data, emphasizing Grade 10 MCAS English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency rates and 4-year high school graduation rates. Together, these measures provide a snapshot of academic achievement and long-term outcomes.
    Scale: Above Average · Average · Below Average
  • Commute to Boston: Assesses commuting ease using travel time, distance, and in-town transit access. For towns with MBTA rail or subway service, commute times are measured to the line’s natural Boston endpoint (e.g., North Station, South Station, or Back Bay). For towns without in-town service, commute times are measured by car to Back Bay as the default reference point.
    Scale: Easy · Moderate · Challenging
  • Shopping & Dining: Reflects the density and variety of retail and restaurant options within a town or in adjacent hubs.
    Scale: Excellent · Good · Limited
  • Lifestyle: A general description a town's overall character (e.g., Upscale, Rural, Historic, Suburban, Urban/Vibrant).
  • Est. Annual Tax per $1M: The town’s residential property tax rate applied to $1,000,000 of value (as of the report date) for easy comparison.

HOW RATINGS ARE DERIVED

Ratings are determined using a blend of publicly reported data (e.g., DESE reports, MBTA schedules, municipal tax rates, business directories), mapping and transportation tools, and qualitative insights from Team Coyle agents active in these markets.

LIMITATIONS & DISCLAIMERS

  • Informational only; subject to change without notice.
  • No duty to update: Team Coyle and its agents are not obligated to refresh or revise ratings.
  • No warranties: Information is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind.
  • No liability: Team Coyle, its agents, and Compass are not liable for any losses, damages, or costs arising from use or reliance.
  • Not advice: not legal, tax, financial, educational, or transportation advice. Consult a licensed real estate professional/agent and other appropriate professionals.
  • Verify independently: Commute times vary (route/time/weather) — check MBTA schedules and test commutes. School offerings and performance change — confirm with districts and the MA Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education. Amenities evolve — verify locally.
  • Third-party content not endorsed; accuracy not guaranteed. Trademarks belong to their owners.
  • Broker disclosure: Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
  • Fair housing: Nothing here should be used to encourage or discourage housing decisions based on protected characteristics.