Want to Buy or Sell?

Hesitation can be costly. While it’s tempting to wait for the “perfect” moment, timing isn’t always on your side.

• What rising interest rates mean for affordability
• Inventory, competition, and seasonal shifts to consider
• How to prep early to seize opportunity instead of reacting later

The Cost of Waiting

• Every 1% increase in interest rate = ~$100–150 more per month

• Less inventory means fewer options—and more competition

• A delayed sale can mean missed equity opportunities

Action Plan:

• Get a market analysis now (even if you’re 6 months out)

• Speak to a lender about rate lock options

• Begin decluttering and home prep early

Success favors the prepared—not just the patient.

What Rising Interest Rates Mean for Affordability

We often hear buyers say, “I’ll wait for prices to come down.” But here’s the reality: interest rates can impact on affordability but they can be refinanced.  The home's purchase price is for the life the loan.

Here’s what happens when rates rise:

• A 1% increase in mortgage rates can reduce buying power by 10% or more

• You may qualify for less—or see monthly payments jump by hundreds

• Over the life of a loan, even small rate increases can cost tens of thousands in added interest

Example:
A $400,000 home at 6% interest = ~$2,400/month (with 20% down payment)
That same home at 7% interest = ~$2,700/month (with 20% down payment)
That’s $300 more per month.

Now let's say that same $400,000 home ends up with multiple offers and under contract for $450,000. If the same interest rates are applied, that means: 

A $400,000 home is now $450,000 home at 6% interest = ~$2,760/month (with 20% down payment)
That same home at 7% interest = ~$3,000/month (with 20% down payment)

Tina's Tip: The interest rate can be refinanced but the the loan amount is for the life of the loan. More competition for the same home could mean a higher purchase price. 

Rates change daily.  Getting pre-approved helps you know your eligibility and match it with your affordability! This can help with deciding the best strategy before you start housing hunting and when it comes time to put in an offer. 

Ask yourself, what makes sense for my financial goals—waiting even a few months can mean paying more for the same home. Read on to learn more about how inventory affects opportunity. 

Inventory, Competition, and Seasonal Shifts to Consider

While interest rates affect affordability, inventory affects opportunity.

Here’s how it plays out:

• Low inventory = fewer choices + more competition

• High demand = bidding wars + waived contingencies

• Seasonal cycles = shifting leverage (Spring = more listings and more buyers; Fall = fewer listings, but less competition)

The mistake? Waiting too long, assuming more inventory = better deals. In reality:

• New inventory often comes with refreshed pricing

• More buyers enter the market at the same time

• Sellers who wait for “top of market” may overshoot and sit

Whether buying or selling, timing the cycle matters—but so does your personal prep. The best deals go to those ready to move confidently.

How to Prep Early to Seize Opportunity Instead of Reacting Later

Success in real estate doesn’t come from guessing the market. It comes from being prepared with a plan to act when the right opportunity shows up.

Here’s how I help clients stay ready:

Buyers:

• Get fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified

• Define lifestyle and financial non-negotiables

• Watch specific zip codes or neighborhoods to recognize value instantly

Sellers:

• Begin pre-listing prep early: declutter, touch-ups, minor upgrades

• Get a preliminary CMA (comparative market analysis) to understand your position

• Explore off-market or soft launch strategies if timing is flexible

Tina’s Tip:
Start prepping 30–90 days before your “ideal” move timeline. That way, you’re not just responding to the market—you’re leading it.

📲 Let’s talk about how to prepare smartly—so when the right moment comes, you’re ready to move confidently.