Buyers vs. Sellers: Who’s Gaining Power in Redding?

Spring brings more homes—and more competition. Here’s how smart sellers and buyers win

Author

Kory & Veronica Normandeau
April 30, 2025

In this week’s update, we dig into Zillow’s recent “hot market” ranking for Redding—and reveal what the local numbers are really saying.Inventory is rising, buyers are becoming more selective, and sellers must be strategic to win.Discover where the market stands now, why pricing matters more than ever, and what this means for your next move this spring.

Table of Contents

🔥 Zillow Says “Hot Market” — But Is It?

Zillow recently labeled Redding as a strong seller’s market with a score of 70, based on national housing data. At a glance, it sounds like homes are selling overnight. But local market activity shows a more nuanced picture

Understanding these trends helps buyers and sellers navigate the market with realistic expectations. Rising inventory means more choices for buyers, while slower sales may require sellers to be more strategic. With prices holding steady, the market remains competitive, but shifting conditions could impact negotiations and timing.

📊 Local Inventory Is Rising — Quietly Shifting Power

The number of active listings in Redding has jumped to 491 homes, up sharply from 344 homes a year ago. This marks the highest inventory level we've seen entering a spring market since pre-2020.

More inventory naturally gives buyers more options — and that increases negotiation power. Homes that are priced right, staged properly, and marketed well are still selling fast. But homes that miss the mark are lingering longer, seeing price drops and higher days on market.

We're no longer in the 2021-2022 frenzy — and buyers know it.

💸 Price It Right, or Pay the Price

The most telling stat right now? 37% of active listings have reduced their price.

  • Median days on market: 35

  • Average days on market: 91

This growing gap between median and average DOM tells us one thing: some homes are selling fast, but many are not.The difference is pricing.

Sellers who price at market — not above it — are attracting strong interest, sometimes even multiple offers. But those who list based on where the market “was” in 2022 are finding themselves dropping price and chasing interest later.

Smart pricing isn’t about giving up margin — it’s about positioning to win.

🌷 Spring Selling Season Will Test the Market

April marks the start of the traditional spring selling season, and this year, it arrives with tension. More homes are hitting the market. Buyers are active — but calculated. And sellers are still trying to find their footing in a market that’s not as forgiving as it once was.

Next week, I’ll break down Q1 results and April performance to give you a clear view of how we’re trending into summer. Early signs suggest momentum, but not a runaway market. Buyers are engaged — but selective. That means strategy matters more than ever.

As of April 29, the national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.81% — slightly down from earlier this month, but still hovering at the higher end of what we’ve seen over the past two years.

While this number often makes headlines, it’s important to understand that it’s not one-size-fits-all. Your actual rate depends on multiple factors: credit score, down payment, loan type, points, and your lender's pricing structure.

Here's what matters locally:

  • Rates are not necessarily a dealbreaker, but they do impact buying power.

  • Rate buydowns, lender credits, and adjustable options are all tools smart buyers are exploring.

  • We’re also seeing sellers offer credits to help offset financing costs — a trend that’s become more common as inventory grows.

The key is working with a local lender who can show you creative ways to optimize your monthly payment, not just shop for the lowest headline rate. In a competitive market, strategy matters as much as math.

💬 Why This Matters for You

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, understanding the real dynamics behind the headlines gives you a major edge.
National headlines will say “seller’s market.”
But local experience says: “it depends.”

  • Sellers: The advantage is still yours — if you lead with a pricing and prep strategy, not assumptions.

  • Buyers: You have negotiating power and time — just not on the best homes. Move smart, not slow.

  • Investors: More inventory means better choices, but the window to act ahead of broader shifts is right now.

When you work with someone who reads the data, watches the streets, and knows how to guide in any cycle — you win.

📞 Thinking of buying or selling? Let’s discuss your strategy in today’s evolving market. Reach out to start the conversation!