What Buyers and Sellers Need To Know About Billings Real Estate in 2025
If you’ve been tuned into real estate at ALL lately, then I don’t have to be the one to tell you that 2025 is shaping up to be a different kind of year.
For months we were hearing buzz of all sorts of things…
“There’s going to be a crash.” “Rates will come down.” “Things will level out.”
And honestly, all of this chatter was just people guessing about what they thought would happen. The thing about real estate is that no one ever really knows.
As a Realtor, the best thing you can do is simply look at data and create an educated guess on how you think your specific area will be affected. And that’s exactly what I’ve done since being in this industry.
But I’ve gotta say… what’s happening in the real estate world this year so far (2025), in Billings, MT specifically, has been unexpected.
After a few years of limited inventory and fast-moving deals, the tide is shifting, especially here in Billings. Over 100 new single-family homes are hitting the market in a months time now, and we haven’t seen inventory levels like this since 2019.
But here’s the interesting part…
More homes hitting the market hasn’t automatically meant quicker sales. In fact, only about 58% of listings are getting absorbed.
Why? Buyers are becoming more selective.
So what does this mean if you're planning to buy or sell in Billings, MT this year? Let's break it down.
For Buyers in Billings: You’ve Got Options (But That Doesn’t Mean You Should Wait Forever)
With more homes on the market in Billings, 2025 is giving buyers something they haven’t had in a while – choices!
And as a Realtor in Billings, MT, I’ve gotta say, that feels REALLY exciting. I love being able to listen to my buyer’s preferences and be able to effectively match them with multiple potential homes that they’re interested in.
While buyers do have more choices right now, there’s still some “rules” you should follow when looking to buy in Billings:
1. You Have More Negotiating Power
Gone are the days where you needed to waive every contingency and offer above asking just to be considered. With more homes sitting on the market a bit longer, as a buyer, you can approach sellers with a more strategic mindset.
When buying a home in Billings, you may be able to negotiate on price, repairs, and even closing costs, especially on homes that have been listed for a few weeks.
2. Don’t Assume You Can Wait Too Long
Yes, inventory is up and that’s a great thing! But well-priced, move-in ready homes in great neighborhoods still move quickly.
As a buyer, if you see something that checks (most) of your boxes, don’t drag your feet. The key in this market is to be prepared, not rushed.
3. Get Pre-Approved Early
Even though competition has eased, being financially ready is still a huge advantage. A pre-approval signals to sellers that you’re serious and ready to move forward.
In fact, many sellers won’t take you seriously unless they know that you’re in a legitimate place to move forward! If you’ve yet to get pre-approved in Billings, click here to learn the first steps to take before you start house hunting.
4. Think Long-Term
Lastly, it’s important to understand that the real estate world is constantly changing and we truly don’t know what will happen throughout the rest of the year. What I predict is that interest rates will continue to fluctuate, but generally speaking the current market that we’re seeing will likely be our new normal for a while.
It’s for this reason that it’s so important to think about your current lifestyle, job stability, and future plans. Buying a home in 2025 is less about chasing hot trends and more about finding a home that fits your life for the next 5–10 years.
For Sellers in Billings: It’s Time to Get Strategic
Okay sellers, now let’s get into what this means for you!
I say this with all the Realtor love in my heart, but this is NOT 2021 anymore. If you list your home way overpriced and expect 10 offers and a bidding war, you’ll likely be disappointed.
That’s not to say you can’t sell successfully in 2025, it just means you need to approach things differently!
Here’s what I’m helping my sellers in Billings with:
1. Price It Right from Day One
With more homes for buyers to choose from, pricing your home too high could mean it gets overlooked quickly. The first 7–10 days on the market are still crucial and if you're not seeing showings or interest in that window, it's often a pricing problem.
This is why it’s best to work with a trusted, local agent that can review recent comps in your neighborhood so you can set a price that’s realistic for the current market.
2. Prioritize Curb Appeal and Pre-Listing Prep
Here’s the hard truth: buyers in 2025 are pickier.
Many have been waiting on the sidelines for months or even years now and feel empowered to wait for the right home, which means you can’t skip the prep work.
It can be the difference in your home being a shining star for buyers during showings or a house that just seems “meh.” This prep phase involves decluttering, deep cleaning, staging, and enhancing curb appeal in a way that will truly make your home stand out.
Here’s 4 ways that I encourage my clients to prep their home for market so that they can truly win!
3. Be Open to Incentives
In the past, sellers were used to receiving multiple offers over asking price, waived inspections, and buyers bending over backwards just to get their foot in the door. But today’s market looks different.
As a seller in today’s market, offering buyer incentives like a home warranty, closing cost assistance, or even helping buy down their interest rate can help your home stand out. These small gestures can make a big difference, especially in a market where buyers feel they hold more of the cards.
4. Be Flexible on Timing
Lastly, with many buyers selling in another state before they purchase in Montana (or vice versa), as a seller it’s important to be ready to accommodate timelines.
Some buyers may ask for rent-back agreements, longer close dates, or creative negotiations might be part of the conversation. Being aware that these things might come up can help ease some of the shock as a seller and instead give you a chance to discuss these things with your Realtor and create a plan to strategically navigate them so that you can experience a win/win situation.
(P.S. If you're buying and selling in a different state, here’s a breakdown of how to navigate that process!)
Ready To Start The Home Buying or Selling Process in Billings, MT?
The fact that more home inventory is available in Billings, MT is great for overall market health. It creates more opportunities for both sides to find the right fit instead of feeling pressured to make fast, high-stakes decisions.
Overall, for buyers, it means you can breathe a little easier while house hunting and for sellers, it means your home has to stand out – not just by price, but by presentation and positioning.
And for everyone, it means that working with a real estate professional who knows the ins and outs of Billings is more important than ever.
If you're ready to talk strategy for your specific situation, I’d love to help!
Let’s make your 2025 real estate goals happen on your terms. 🎉
