Is a Shift Coming to the Rochester Housing Market?

If you’ve been paying attention to the market lately, you might be wondering… is something starting to change?

We’ve been getting that question a lot.

And the honest answer is… not quite yet.

Right now, the Rochester and Finger Lakes market still feels like a tale of two markets.

On one side, inventory remains low.
Year to date, there have been about 155 fewer single-family homes listed across Monroe and Ontario County compared to last year. That’s roughly 30% fewer homes hitting the market.

That kind of drop has a ripple effect. Fewer homes means fewer options for buyers… and naturally, fewer closings overall.

So from a big picture standpoint, we are still very much in a seller’s market.

But here’s where things get a little more nuanced.

Not every home is getting multiple offers. Not every listing is flying off the market in a weekend.

We’re starting to see some homes sit a bit longer. Some aren’t getting the same traction. And in those moments, there is real opportunity for buyers to step in, ask questions, and make thoughtful decisions.

That’s why we keep calling it a tale of two markets.

Some homes are still competitive. Others are creating space for negotiation.

So… is this the start of a shift?

Maybe.

But if it is, it’s not dramatic. It’s not a sudden flip. It’s slow. It’s subtle. And it’s very dependent on the home itself, the pricing strategy, and how it’s presented to the market.

For sellers, this means strategy matters more than ever.
For buyers, it means there may be more opportunity than it feels like at first glance.

If you’re thinking about making a move this year, the best thing you can do right now is understand where you fit within this market and build a plan around that.

That’s where we come in.

No pressure, just clarity.
Have a Friend on your side.