These cities just became more buyer-friendly

Mia Taylor

Published December 4, 2018|1 min read

Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our

and how we make money.

It’s been a seller’s market for the past couple of years, making buying a home challenging. But that may be coming to an end.

Zillow said this winter may be the time to shop in some of the country’s most expensive markets. Despite rising mortgage costs, homeowners looking to sell are starting to slash their asking prices as the market cools off.

Zillow looked at price cuts over the past year, mortgage affordability and rent appreciation across the country to find the best home markets this season. Affordability rate was determined by the portion of the monthly median household income that goes toward a mortgage payment, assuming 20% down and a 30-year fixed mortgage.

If you are looking for your first home or a change in location, check out the 10 top cities to house shop this winter, ranked by affordability.

10. Sacramento, California

Listings offering a price cut: 5.3% Median home value: $400,600 Affordability rate: 28.8%

9. Seattle

Listings offering a price cut: 11.6% Median home value: $486,600 Affordability rate: 28.6%

8. Portland, Oregon

Listings offering a price cut: 4.6% Median home value: $263,300 Affordability rate: 26.1%

7. Boston

Listings offering a price cut: 3.9% Median home value: $458,000 Affordability rate: 25.8%

6. Las Vegas

Listings offering a price cut: 9.8% Median home value: $273,800 Affordability rate: 22.5%

5. Orlando, Florida

Listings offering a price cut: 6.8% Median home value: $231,000 Affordability rate: 20.2%

4. Minneapolis

Listings offering a price cut: 1.9% Median home value: $263,300 Affordability rate: 16.7%

3. Dallas

Listings offering a price cut: 2.5% Median home value: $233,200 Affordability rate: 16.7%

2. Charlotte, North Carolina

Listings offering a price cut: 4.2% Median home value: $199,400 Affordability rate: 15.1%

1. Columbus, Ohio

Listings offering a price cut: 4% Median home value: $184,200 Affordability rate: 14.1%

Looking to buy a home? This guide has everything you need to get you started.

Image: monkeybusinessimages

Free in your inbox each Friday.

Mia Taylor

Blog author Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist with two decades of reporting experience. News organizations she has worked for as a staff member or contributor include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Westways Magazine, Vacation Agent Magazine, the San Diego Union-Tribune and The Boston Globe. She has an M.A. in Journalism and Media Studies and was a member of a team of reporters who received a Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2011.