This Interactive Housing Market Map Shows Where Sellers—and Buyers—Have the Most Power Right Now
Chart from ResiClub
If you’ve tried to buy or sell a home lately, you probably already know: the housing market feels very different depending on where you are. In some cities, homes are flying off the market with multiple offers over asking price. In others, buyers are taking their time and negotiating discounts. So how do you know whether your local market is hot, neutral, or favoring buyers?
Zillow has rolled out an interactive housing market map that uses its proprietary Market Heat Index to answer just that. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a homeowner thinking of selling, or just keeping an eye on real estate trends, this tool offers a clear snapshot of where buyers or sellers have the upper hand in today’s real estate market.
Let’s break down how this index works—and what it means for homebuyers and sellers across the country.
What is Zillow’s Market Heat Index and how does it work?
Zillow’s Market Heat Index is a metro-level scoring system that measures the relative strength of the housing market. It looks at key real estate data points including:
Changes in home prices
Available housing inventory
Median days on market
These factors combine into a single score between 0 and 100 that indicates whether a given area is trending toward a seller’s market, buyer’s market, or somewhere in between.
Here’s how Zillow breaks down the scores:
70 and above: Strong seller’s market
55 to 69: Seller’s market
44 to 55: Neutral market
28 to 44: Buyer’s market
27 and below: Strong buyer’s market
This long-range scoring method gives consumers a helpful tool to determine how competitive their local housing market is—and what kind of leverage they may have.
Where are sellers dominating in today’s housing market?
If you’re searching for real estate markets where home sellers have the most leverage, look for metro areas with Market Heat Index scores above 70. These markets typically have:
Low housing inventory
High buyer demand
Rising home prices
Homes selling in days, not weeks
In April 2025, cities like Miami, FL, San Jose, CA, and Dallas, TX all scored above 70, signaling a hot seller’s market. In these areas, homeowners are receiving multiple offers, often over asking price, and listings are going under contract within days.
This trend benefits homeowners who are considering listing their properties soon. With a strong Market Heat Index, they’re more likely to receive top dollar and favorable contract terms.
If you're in a hot market, use our home valuation tool to see what your home could sell for today.
What makes a market favorable to buyers?
On the flip side, cities with a Market Heat Index score under 44 are tilting toward buyers. These metro areas generally feature:
Higher inventory levels
Slower sales cycles
Price cuts and increased negotiation power
Buyers currently hold the upper hand in places like St. Louis, MO, Buffalo, NY, and Cleveland, OH. These colder housing markets offer better affordability and more selection, making them ideal for first-time buyers or those seeking a deal in today’s high-interest-rate environment.
Understanding whether you're shopping in a buyer’s or seller’s market is essential when preparing your offer strategy or evaluating your buying timeline.
You can explore affordability in different areas with our neighborhood guides.
How does Edmond, OK fit into the national housing landscape?
You might be wondering: how competitive is the housing market in Edmond, OK right now?
According to recent Zillow data, Edmond falls into the “neutral market” category with a Market Heat Index score in the mid-50s. That means it’s a balanced market, where neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage.
This can be good news for both sides:
Buyers may find that homes are staying on the market just long enough to negotiate a fair deal.
Sellers may still benefit from reasonable demand and stable pricing without feeling pressured to cut prices.
Edmond’s balance reflects broader Oklahoma City metro trends, where affordability remains a strength compared to coastal cities. As local economic development grows, so does interest in Edmond’s family-friendly neighborhoods and strong school systems.
For a deeper dive into Edmond’s real estate stats, head over to our local market insights page.
Why does the Market Heat Index matter for your real estate decisions?
Whether you're selling your home or hunting for a new one, knowing where your market falls on Zillow’s Heat Index can shape your entire strategy. It impacts:
Pricing your home correctly
Knowing how quickly you need to act
Understanding your negotiating power
Timing your sale or purchase based on local trends
For instance, in a strong seller’s market, it might make sense to list your home now, before inventory increases. In a buyer’s market, it could be wise to take your time, shop around, and negotiate harder.
Your best next step is understanding how your specific city or neighborhood is performing—because even within a single metro, conditions can vary from block to block.
Is your local housing market as competitive as you think?
Zillow’s Market Heat Index gives buyers and sellers a valuable lens through which to understand their local market power. But this national snapshot is just the beginning.
The bigger question is: how do these trends match what you’re seeing in your own neighborhood?
At Justiz League Real Estate, we’re always watching the market closely—because understanding where the power lies can make all the difference when you’re navigating your next move.
How will you use this information to time your next step in real estate?
