Sellers Step Back: Home Delistings Surge as Equity-Rich Owners Wait for Better Offers

Neil Caron
Jul 23
2 min read

July 23, 2025 | Housing Market Trends | Presented by ReadySetLoan™

In today’s shifting housing landscape, more homeowners are choosing to hit pause rather than settle. According to new data from Realtor.com, home delistings jumped 35% in May compared to the same period in 2024. For every 100 new listings, 13 homes were pulled from the market — a sharp uptick from 10 delistings in 2023 and just six in 2022.

The message? Sellers aren’t feeling pressured — they’re feeling empowered.

Unlike in past real estate cycles when falling prices forced underwater homeowners to sell, many of today’s sellers are equity-rich and simply refusing to budge on price. If the market isn’t meeting their expectations, they’re choosing to sit tight rather than slash asking prices.

“Unlike past housing cycles where falling prices pressured underwater homeowners to sell, today’s homeowners benefit from record-high levels of home equity, so they have the flexibility to wait it out,” explained Jake Krimmel, Senior Economist at Realtor.com. “This allows many sellers to withdraw their homes from the market if their asking price isn’t met.”

🔍 Connecticut Market Snapshot

Here in Connecticut, we're seeing similar behavior. While our state isn’t leading the nation in delisting percentages, the sentiment is clear — New England homeowners know the value of patience. With strong property appreciation over the past five years and continued demand in towns like West Hartford, Glastonbury, South Windsor, and Stamford, sellers have little incentive to accept below-market offers.

For prospective Connecticut homebuyers, this means fewer “discount” listings, tighter inventory, and the importance of being both prepared and proactive.

🐷 RSL Perspective: The Power of Equity

At ReadySetLoan™, we’re not surprised by this trend. Today’s homeowners aren’t panicking — they’re protecting their equity. They’re reading the market, adjusting strategy, and stepping back when it doesn’t serve their goals. That’s a powerful shift, especially in high-demand areas across Connecticut where many homeowners have doubled their home values over the past decade.

If you're looking to buy in this environment, you need a savvy game plan. Pre-approval, a deep understanding of local comps, and expert guidance can mean the difference between success and endless house hunting.

🎤 Neil’s Take

“We’re seeing more Connecticut sellers take control of the narrative. If their home isn’t getting the offers they expected, they’re choosing not to play — and that’s a luxury equity affords. On the flip side, serious buyers need to act with confidence and speed. This is where strategy and timing come into play,”— Neil Caron, Area Sales Manager, CMG Mortgage

🏁 Ready, Set…Strategize.

Whether you're weighing the pros and cons of listing your home in today’s market or trying to make a competitive offer in a tight inventory zone, ReadySetLoan™ is your go-to resource.

We help Connecticut buyers and sellers navigate the nuances of equity, timing, and market dynamics — so you can move forward with confidence.

Start smart at ReadySetLoan.com.