Real Estate Advice: Why It's Time for Buyers to Make a Move

By Mark Callender

Hello, my name is Mark Callender and I am a licensed real estate agent with RE/MAX Results. Because I have been helping families buy and sell their homes for more than 18 years, I am now helping their children to buy their first homes and their parents to downsize. No matter the direction you’re moving, my goal is to make the process as calm and enjoyable as it can be.

If you’re contemplating whether now is the right time to enter the real estate market, this heartfelt message is for you. While much advice revolves around what buyers should or shouldn’t do, the urgency of today’s real estate landscape cannot be overstated.

Recent data from our three-day market watch on the MLS has revealed an alarming statistic—over 900 price reductions by sellers. These reductions indicate a challenging situation: a lack of buyers in the market. The reason behind this scarcity of buyers lies in the anticipation of lower interest rates. However, it’s essential to understand that while interest rates may decrease, the drop is likely to be gradual, not swift.

Experts in the field predict that by the end of this year, interest rates will climb to the high 6% to 7% range. By mid-2024, they’re expected to stabilize in the mid-6% range, eventually settling around 6% by the close of 2024. Gone are the days of the artificially low 2.5% or 3% rates that have been prevalent for years.

<div class="pullquote">“Our heartfelt advice to potential buyers is this: Don’t wait.”</div>

The dilemma here is that a shortage of buyers is causing stagnation in the market. Those who postpone their buying decisions until early 2024 will face stiff competition from fellow buyers, driving up home prices. We witnessed a similar scenario in 2020 and 2021, with buyers offering tens of thousands above list prices and providing guarantees to cover the difference if a property didn’t appraise for the purchase amount.

Our heartfelt advice to potential buyers is this: Don’t wait. Seize the opportunity to purchase a home in the current market, and negotiate concessions on closing costs or interest rates with motivated sellers. They’re ready to make deals. If you have any questions or need guidance, reach out to us at (612) 961-9448 or the contact information provided in the video. Your dream home might be waiting, but it’s essential to act now to secure it.