Weekly Rate Snapshot
Lately, I’ve been hearing the same three questions from almost every buyer I talk to — and they’re showing up all over search trends too.
Smart agents and loan officers are leaning into these conversations, because the answers can build trust, create urgency, and help clients make confident moves in a confusing market.
1️⃣ “Should I wait for rates to drop?”
This one comes up daily — and for good reason. Everyone wants to time it perfectly.
Here’s what I tell buyers:
30-year fixed rates are hovering around 6.3% right now.
If rates slide into the mid-5s, demand will explode — and so will prices.
Today, prices are fairly stable (about 1.5% annual appreciation), and there’s room to negotiate.
The takeaway:
Waiting for a lower rate could actually cost more once prices adjust. Buying now means less competition and the ability to negotiate better terms.
Pro tip:
You can often negotiate a seller credit and buy down the rate into the 5s today — getting tomorrow’s rate without waiting or refinancing.
2️⃣ “Is the market going to crash?”
This is where fear and headlines collide. But when you look past the noise, the numbers tell a calmer story.
Here’s the real picture:
Inventory is around 4.5 months of supply — a balanced market.
Homes are taking about 77 days to sell.
Most listings are closing around 98% of list price — not fire-sale territory.
The truth:
This isn’t 2008. Prices have leveled, buyers finally have leverage, and foreclosures are still near record lows. Without a wave of distressed sales, there’s no crash coming — just a normalization.
Perspective:
Over decades, home values have consistently recovered and grown through every interest rate cycle. Show the long-term chart, and the story speaks for itself.
3️⃣ “How much house can I actually afford?”
This one’s huge — and most buyers are guessing wrong.
Here’s what they should know:
It’s all about the monthly payment, not just the price tag.
A $450K home right now runs roughly $3,200/month.
The average first-time buyer puts under 10% down, and programs go as low as 3%.
If someone’s paying $2,500–$3,000/month in rent, they’re often already within reach.
The aha moment:
When we actually run the numbers, most people realize they’re much closer to buying than they thought.
The Bottom Line
These questions aren’t obstacles — they’re open doors. Every one of them is a chance to show real expertise and give buyers clarity.
We’re in a rare window right now where:
Rates are still manageable,
Sellers are flexible, and
Buyers can actually negotiate.
If someone’s sitting on the sidelines, now’s the time to help them see what’s really possible.