If you’ve been holding your breath waiting for the “perfect time” to buy a home, we get it. Between headlines declaring the real estate market is frozen and constant chatter about interest rates, it’s easy to feel like now just isn’t the moment. But here’s the truth that seasoned buyers and smart investors know: the best time to buy is when others aren’t.
Let’s unpack what that really means—and why right now, in the summer of 2025, could actually be a golden opportunity for homebuyers.
Interest Rates Are High—But So Is Inventory (And That’s a Good Thing)
At the end of July 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate sits at 6.76%. That’s certainly higher than the ultra-low rates we saw in 2020 and 2021, but it’s also a number that’s been relatively steady for months. While some buyers are sitting on the sidelines hoping for a significant rate drop, the buyers who are out there have a distinct advantage: they’re shopping in a less competitive market with more homes to choose from.
When interest rates are high, buyer demand naturally cools. That doesn’t mean no one is buying—it just means there are fewer people actively competing for homes. And that lack of competition can be a serious win.
- Fewer bidding wars
- More time to consider your options
- A greater chance that your offer will be accepted below asking price—or with favorable terms
- Sellers who are more willing to negotiate on things like repairs, closing costs, and move-in timelines
If you wait until rates drop (which they eventually will), the playing field changes. Demand will spike, buyers will flood the market, and we’ll be back to multiple-offer scenarios, rising prices, and homes flying off the market in days—sometimes hours. Waiting might save you a point or two on your mortgage rate, but it could cost you thousands more in purchase price.
Multiple Buyers Waiting to See a Home
Why Are People Still Buying Homes in 2025?
Don’t let the headlines fool you. The market isn’t “dead.” It’s just different than it was during the pandemic real estate boom—and that’s not a bad thing. People are still buying and selling homes every single day, and not just for fun. They're doing it for life. In fact, in just the past 30 days, we’ve seen buyers make moves for reasons like:
- Upsizing for a growing family. New babies mean more bedrooms, more space, and sometimes a back yard.
- Downsizing for simplicity. Empty-nesters are trading larger homes for low-maintenance townhouses or condos.
- Reducing maintenance costs and physical stress. A smaller footprint often means less to clean, fewer repairs, and lower utility bills.
- Being closer to family. This is arguably the biggest reason we’re seeing in 2025. Whether it’s aging parents who need help or a support system for new children, families are choosing to live near one another more than ever before.
- Settling a divorce. Life transitions don’t stop just because rates are high. Sometimes, buying or selling is a necessity, not a choice.
- Escaping congestion. More buyers are prioritizing peaceful neighborhoods and slower-paced communities.
- Better school districts. Parents are making the move now to get settled before the new academic year starts.
- Military deployment or job relocation. Orders and offers don’t wait for the market to improve.
- Cashing out on a second home. Many are selling vacation properties to reallocate their money elsewhere.
- Inheriting a property after a loved one’s passing. This bittersweet transition often leads a home sale.
Real estate is always moving because life keeps moving.
Parents Playing with Toddler in Back Yard
What Waiting Could Cost You
Let’s play out a common scenario. Suppose you’re hoping mortgage rates will dip from 6.76% to, say, 5.5%. Sounds appealing, right?
But here’s the catch: if rates fall, home prices are likely to rise—fast. The influx of buyers will ignite competition. Bidding wars will drive up prices. You may have to settle for less house or stretch your budget to secure a winning offer.
And that lower interest rate? It might not make up for the price hike.
| Scenario | Rate | Home Price | Monthly Principal & Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy Now | 6.76% | $400,000 | ~$2,595 |
| Buy Later | 5.5% | $440,000 | ~$2,499 |
In this case, even though the interest rate is lower, the monthly payment is only slightly reduced—and you paid $40,000 more for the home. Plus, you may have had to waive contingencies, cover a gap in appraisal, or agree to a faster closing timeline.
The point? Waiting doesn’t always save you money. In fact, it could cost you more in the long run.
You Can Refinance Later—But You Can’t Undo Overpaying
One of the most common phrases we hear in today’s market is:
“Date the rate, marry the house.”
That means you can always refinance your mortgage later if and when rates drop—but the home you fall in love with may not be available again. And if prices climb, you’ll never get that home at today’s price point again.
It’s easier to lock in a great home now and work with a lender who can help you refinance down the road. Many lenders even offer no-cost or reduced-fee refinancing options for clients who purchase now and refi within a certain window.
Enjoying a New Home
Why Now Is a Strategic Time to Buy
If you’re serious about buying, here’s what makes summer 2025 a strategic time to make your move:
- Higher Inventory: More homes are on the market, giving you better selection
- Motivated Sellers: Many sellers are listing out of necessity and are open to negotiation
- Less Buyer Competition: With fewer active buyers, you're less likely to be caught in a bidding war
- Smoother Transactions: Fewer competing offers means more time to inspect, review, and make thoughtful decisions
- Growing Market Confidence: As more people realize the market hasn’t crashed, confidence is slowly returning. Get ahead of the curve
You’ll also be ahead of the crowd when the rate drops come—and they will. While no one can predict exactly when, the general consensus among economists is that we may see gradual rate reductions in late 2025 or into 2026 as inflation stabilizes. When that happens, the current buyer’s market could shift dramatically.
How to Navigate the Current Market Like a Pro
If you're intrigued by the idea of buying when others aren't, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Talk to a Local Agent Who Understands Today’s Market
Every market is different. Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Jacksonville, and surrounding North Carolina communities are seeing steady activity. A local agent can help you find homes that fit your budget and your goals. - Get Pre-Approved Early
Knowing your numbers gives you a leg up and helps you act quickly when the right home hits the market. Plus, it shows sellers you're a serious buyer. - Be Strategic with Your Offers
With less competition, you can often include contingencies, negotiate repairs, or request seller credits to offset closing costs. - Work with a Lender Who Offers Refinancing Options
Ask about programs that make it easier or cheaper to refinance once rates drop. - Stay Focused on Your Long-Term Goals
The right time to buy is personal. Don’t make your decisions based solely on market buzz. If the home fits your needs and budget, that’s what matters most.
Buyers Enjoying Their Front Porch
Bottom Line: Don’t Wait for the Crowd
The housing market in 2025 isn’t frozen—it’s just recalibrating. Life goes on, and so do life changes. The best time to buy a home is often when everyone else is waiting, because that’s when you can make confident, calculated decisions without being rushed or overpaying.
You don’t need to time the market perfectly. You need to find the right home at a price and payment that works for you. And right now, with inventory up, competition down, and rates holding steady, that opportunity is wide open.
So if you’ve been thinking about buying, let’s talk. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just ready for a new chapter, we’re here to help you navigate the market with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward homeownership—on your terms.
