Housing market shift: This interactive map shows where sellers—or buyers—have more power

Zillow's Market Heat Index shows that some regional housing markets are shifting in favor of buyers due to strained housing affordability. A score of 70 or above indicates a strong seller's market, while a score of 27 or below indicates a strong buyer's market. The hottest markets, where sellers have more power, include Rochester, NY, and San Jose, CA, with tight inventory and elevated home price growth. The coldest markets, where buyers have more power, include Beaumont, TX, and Naples, FL, with increased inventory and weaker home price growth. Housing markets in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern California have been stronger and tighter this year, while many Sun Belt areas have been softer and weaker. The Northeast and Midwest have lower levels of homebuilding, making resale homes the primary option, whereas the Sun Belt and Mountain West have experienced greater home price growth during the pandemic, leading to stretched fundamentals beyond local incomes.