The upside of a buyers market: how to move up without overpaying

The Upside of a Buyer’s Market: How to Move Up Without Overpaying


If January is about timing your sale, February is the perfect time to talk about the other side of the move: buying smart. Right now, many pockets of Durham are behaving more like a buyer’s market meaning there’s more choice, more negotiating room, and more opportunities to structure a deal that actually works in your favour.

Here’s the part most people forget: selling and buying in the same market is often a wash.

Yes, you might not sell at “peak pricing,” but you also aren’t forced to buy at peak pricing either. When the market cools, the discounts and negotiation you gain on the purchase can offset the softer sale price, especially if you’re moving into a higher price bracket.

Why this is a great time to move up the ladder (especially if you’ve owned 7+ years)

If you’ve been in your home for 7 years or more, chances are you’ve built meaningful equity. In a softer market, that equity can become leverage. You can:

• Make conditional offers (home inspection, financing, even sale-of-home conditions)
  
  
• Negotiate harder on price, closing dates, repairs, and inclusions
  
  
• Avoid bidding wars and take time to find the right fit
  
  
• Target homes that were out of reach during hotter years
  
  

The smart strategy: plan both sides of the move

A strong move-up plan usually looks like this:

1. Understand your numbers (net proceeds, down payment options, monthly comfort)
   
   
2. Get your home ready so you still show well and protect value
   
   
3. Buy with terms that protect you (conditions, longer closings, flexible possession)
   
   
4. Use timing intentionally so you aren’t rushed or forced into compromises

The trade-off you should know

A buyer’s market rewards patience and strategy. The trade-off is simple: more negotiation power comes with less “peak pricing” on the sale side. But if you’re upgrading, the real win is often on the purchase because you’re negotiating on the more expensive asset.

If you’re thinking about a move this year…

This can be one of the best environments to level up your home without stretching. The key is having a plan that matches your timeline and protects your position on both sides of the transaction.

If you want, I can put together a simple “move-up roadmap” for your situation: what you could sell for today, what you could realistically buy, and the best way to structure it so the move feels planned, not stressful.

Brandon Hebert
The Hebert Group
416.949.7529