Zillow’s new ratings reveal whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s housing market in over 250 metros

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Zillow economists use an economic model known as the Zillow Market Heat Index to gauge the competitiveness of housing markets across the country.

This model looks at key indicators—including home price changes, inventory levels, and days on market—to generate a score showing whether a market favors sellers or buyers.

Higher scores point to hotter, seller-friendly metro housing markets. Lower scores signal cooler markets where buyers hold more negotiating power.

According to Zillow: • Score of 70 or above = strong sellers market • Score from 55 to 69 = sellers market • Score from 44 to 55 = neutral market • Score from 28 to 44 = buyers market • Score of 27 or bel