If you’ve been keeping an eye on the real estate market lately, you’ve probably noticed a few things: interest rates are still high, home prices continue to climb, and economic headlines are anything but calming.
If you’re feeling hesitant about buying a home right now, you're not alone—and you’re not wrong to pause and think things through.
But here’s the thing: some of the smartest real estate investors know that hesitation in the market often creates the best opportunities.
Barbara Corcoran, a self-made real estate mogul and Shark Tank veteran, said it best:
“When the market is uncertain, buyers hesitate... that makes uncertain markets the best time to buy!”
Let’s talk about what that actually means for you as a buyer—especially here in the Triangle housing market, where local trends are shifting quickly.
1. Buying Below Market Value is More Possible Than You Think
Every savvy homebuyer loves the idea of getting a great deal—but real opportunities to buy below market value often appear when most people are sitting on the sidelines. And that’s exactly where we are right now.
According to Realtor.com’s April 2025 Housing Report:
Housing inventory is up 30.6% year-over-year, the highest it’s been since before the pandemic.
Pending home sales are down 3.2%, meaning more listings are sitting without offers.
More sellers are dropping prices or becoming open to negotiation.
What does that mean for you? Simply put: buyers have more leverage. You may not find a “fire sale,” but you can find homes priced below true market value—especially if you're prepared, pre-approved, and working with an agent who knows how to negotiate.
2. Sellers Are Getting More Flexible
Just a few months ago, many sellers were holding out for top dollar. Today? That’s starting to shift.
I’m seeing more price reductions, increased willingness to negotiate, and sellers coming back to buyers they previously passed on. When listings sit longer, sellers tend to get more realistic—and that’s great news if you’re looking to buy.
Buyers today are more likely to:
Get closing costs covered
Request repairs or credits
Negotiate flexible timelines or better terms
If you’ve been in the market recently and got turned down or priced out, it might be worth circling back. Things are changing fast.
3. When the Market Feels “Off,” That’s Often the Time to Lean In
I get it—this market feels weird. The rates are high. The headlines are noisy. And the timing never seems perfect.
But here’s what the pros know: if it feels a little spooky, that’s usually a sign that the best deals are out there—because most buyers are too nervous to act.
Corcoran put it like this:
“In the spooky economic and political market we’re experiencing, there are great deals to be had—you just have to get off your butt and make an offer!”
I’m not here to talk anyone into buying a home they’re not ready for. But if you’ve got the financial foundation, the right motivation, and a long-term mindset—don’t let fear or headlines stop you from building wealth through real estate.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Perfect—Act When Others Don’t
If you’re waiting for interest rates to drop or the market to “crash,” you could miss the window that seasoned buyers know to watch for.
Here in the Triangle, I work with clients every week who are tired of waiting. They’re making smart, strategic purchases—not because the market is easy, but because the timing is right for them.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s no perfect time to buy. But there is a right time to act—and that time often comes when everyone else is standing still.
Let's connect and talk through your goals. Regardless of where you're looking in the Triangle, having the right guide can make all the difference.
Thanks for reading!
Brandon Yopp