Boy, Do I Miss the Days of Urgency…

I get it—you’re not buying a pair of shoes.

Buying a home is a massive decision—one that used to come with a certain adrenaline rush, especially over the past five years. Remember that? Buyers were scrambling to beat each other to the door, writing offers over asking, sometimes sight unseen. Homes were getting multiple offers within days, and sellers felt like rockstars.

But those days? They’re gone—for now.

With interest rates up, financial markets feeling shaky (401ks, stocks—you name it), and it doesn’t matter which side of the fence you’re on if you know what I mean, people are more cautious than ever. Even those who want to make a move are feeling… stuck. And honestly, I don’t blame them.

So, what happens now?

Do we all just sit and wait? Do homes start collecting dust on the market while everyone grips their cash a little tighter? Are we seeing the beginning of a real, honest-to-goodness buyer’s market?

Because here’s the reality: urgency has left the building.

And buyers? They’ve got time now—time to be picky. Time to scrutinize every last detail of a home. Time to say things like:

• “The bathrooms need to be completely redone.”
• “I don’t love these floors—they’d have to go.”
• “The windows look old. I’d want all new ones.”
• “There might be traffic noise… I’m just not sure, but it feels like it could be an issue.”

These are examples of things I’m hearing on a weekly basis right now—feedback I never used to get, even in similar homes. Two years ago, those same buyers would’ve gladly ripped out floors or added windows. Why? Because renovation costs felt lower, mortgage payments were cheaper, and inventory was so tight that people were willing to compromise.

Today, buyers feel like they can afford to wait. And sellers? They’re feeling the shift hard.

They’re asking:

• Where are all the showings?
• Why are people nitpicking my home?
• Why don’t I have multiple offers?
• Why hasn’t it sold over asking in two days like it would have in 2021?

It’s disheartening—and I get it. Sellers have been conditioned over the last several years to expect instant results and top-dollar offers. Now, the market feels slower, more uncertain, and emotionally confusing.

But this? This may be our new normal—at least for a while.

To put it in perspective:

Let’s take a $1.4M home.

In 2021, with interest rates around 3.5% with a 20% down payment, your monthly payment (all-in) would’ve been significantly lower at around $7,000 – $7,500/mo. 

Today? With current rates, that same home can run close to $9,500/month—a major leap. And for many buyers, that changes everything.

Now, let’s take a $4M home for maybe some other perspective. 

In 2021 with 20% down, at a 3.5% interest rate, the monthly payment was $19,036. 

Today with a 6.5% interest rate that same house and down payment is costing you about $25,000/mo. 

We can go over rates in another post … check back later! But this gives you a good idea! 

Most of the folks who had urgency have already moved. What we’re left with now are those who didn’t have that fire before, and still don’t. And that’s OK.

So where does that leave us?

It leaves us with a reset—a return to thoughtful buying, realistic selling, and a market that requires patience, strategy, and real conversations. 

There are still buyers out there … don’t be completely discouraged! But be patient, realistic and understand this market shift. Then you will be in a better place! 

And that’s where I come in.

Whether you’re a seller trying to navigate this shift or a buyer wondering when to jump, I’m here to help you sort through the noise with honesty, perspective, and a plan tailored for this market—not the one we used to have. 

If you’re ready to talk through where you stand and what makes sense for your goals, let’s connect. No pressure. Just real talk.

*Mortgage Rates & Information Provided By: Tomer Yeyni | Option One Lending