Low supply still helps, but your leverage depends on condition and price discipline.
If you are trying to figure out whether you still have leverage as a homeowner, the answer is yes, but only if your home is presented and priced well. In Sterling Heights, MI, limited supply is still working in a seller's favor, yet the market is not forgiving sloppy execution.
Recent supply stood at 1.35 months, and the market was positioned on the seller's side. At the same time, recent offers were averaging 98.2% of asking, and a typical sold home took 27 days. In Sterling Heights, MI, that combination tells me leverage exists, but it is measured leverage, not unlimited pricing freedom.
That distinction matters for homeowners planning a transition into a simpler home. Active listings ended the month at 157, down 12.3%, but their typical asking price was $339,900 and their typical market time was 29 days. My view is that low competition helps you get noticed, yet buyers are still judging value carefully enough that your starting position matters.
Use the low-supply backdrop to your advantage, but do not overplay it. Set a price that can earn strong attention inside the first two weeks, and make sure the home's condition supports it. Finish the easy updates first. Remove clutter that makes rooms feel smaller. Review offers with a priority on certainty and timing as well as price.
