Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

Believe it or not, there are clear signs that buyer activity is picking up. Let’s take a look at what’s happening behind the scenes—and why the housing market may not be as quiet as it seems.

Buyers Are Searching—And the Data Shows It

One of the best ways to measure what people are thinking is to look at online search behavior. And according to Google Trends, searches for phrases like “home for sale” have been steadily rising this year.

The graph below highlights two common homebuyer search terms over the past two years. The higher the line, the more popular the search. A score of 100 shows the peak level of interest:

📈 Both phrases have been trending up this year and reached a recent high in mid-July. That’s a clear sign curiosity—and serious buyer interest—is growing.

Why It Matters

Even with higher mortgage rates and home prices, buyers haven’t checked out of the market. Instead:

  • They’re still watching listings closely

  • They’re still searching consistently

  • Many are just waiting for the right home

That home could be yours—but only if it’s available.

No Frenzy, But Strong Demand

This isn’t the same as the pandemic-era surge. But here’s the key:

  • You don’t need 10 offers to sell your home.

  • You just need the right motivated buyer.

And the data shows those buyers are out there right now.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been holding off on selling until “buyers return,” it may already be happening. Online search trends prove interest is climbing—so don’t miss your chance to get in front of today’s buyers.

Finding ways to make your credit score better could help you get a lower mortgage rate. When you’re ready to get the process started, let’s connect.

Jeremy Kilbourne

Jeremy is Arch Mortgage North’s Lead Loan Officer. Bringing experience, compassion and creativity to the mortgage lending process, Jeremy loves helping clients achieve their home ownership goals.

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