U.S. "for sale" home delistings are on the rise in 2025, as frustrated homeowners take their homes off the market, primarily due to toxic economic conditions.
Approximately 85,000 Americans delisted their homes in September 2025, according to Redfin. That’s up 28 percent from the same period in 2024 and among the highest levels overall in the past eight years.
Homeowners are reacting to multiple housing market challenges, including the fact that 7 in 10 homes have been on the market longer than 60 days and the rising risk of selling a home for a loss, Redfin reported.
“Some prospective sellers are opting not to list at all, and others are taking their home off the market if it’s not getting the price they want,” said Aditi Jain, a Boston-based Redfin real estate agent, in a statement. "Sellers aren’t motivated because, frankly, it’s no longer a great time to sell; today’s listings are getting one or two offers at best, compared to 10 a few years ago.”
Sometimes delisting a home makes sense, and sometimes it doesn’t, and home sellers should know the difference.
“I wouldn’t recommend delisting a home within the first 30-45 days on the market,” Carrie McCormick, a real estate agent at Christie’s International Real Estate, told NTD. “This is when you are getting the most showings and momentum. Removing it from the market will send the wrong signal.”
On the other hand, taking a "for sale" home off the market makes sense in certain cases. “If there’s negative feedback. If a home needs to be painted or staged, due to lack of showings or negative feedback, remove the home from the market and then do the necessary work,” McCormick noted.
Owners who delist have to time their home's relisting to maximize sales opportunities. It doesn’t have to be a guessing game; however, if you relist the homes for these reasons.
When the market turns, the home looks better.
Homeowners who delist should return to the market when something real has shifted, such as pricing demands or home improvements in place. “If we relaunch with updated photos, a cleaner story, and a strategy that fits where buyers are today, buyers look at the home like a brand-new listing,” McCormick said. “That’s when you get the best second shot, not because time passed, but because we’re coming back stronger and more aligned with what buyers want now.”
Before the heavy spring buying season.
When the calendar hits right before prime home-selling time (typically in late January or early February), the home should be on the market. “You don't want to take your home off the market just when the spring buying season is about to get into full swing,” Greg Field, a home energy management expert at Tempe, Arizona-based Solar Home Realtors, told NTD. “Our spring season in Arizona starts early, sometimes tied to the Super Bowl. Taking your home off the market in mid-January might cause you to miss the initial round of serious spring buyers.”
When your local market is popping.
If you're still getting 2 to 3 showings a week, don't delist in the first place. “Foot traffic is a precursor to your getting an offer,” Field said. “Delisting can kill that momentum."
When a minor interest rate drop occurs.
If a piece of news breaks about a rate decrease of 0.5 percent, have your "for sale" sign displayed. “That’s exactly when undecided buyers will come back to your Zillow listing,” Field said.
Keeping a ‘For Sale’ Home Off the Market Right Now
The calendar and the economy seem to be working against home sellers right now, who can’t be blamed for delisting the property.
“We’re in the holiday dead zone until mid-January,” Fields noted. “Nobody wants to keep their house 'show-ready' for Thanksgiving or Christmas unless they're absolutely desperate,” he said. “Delisting now puts a halt to your days on market" clock because nobody's paying attention anyway.”
The views and opinions expressed are those of the interviewees. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. NTD does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. NTD holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.