Aug 27, 2025
When the real estate market isn’t “hot,” I hear the same question over and over:
“Robert, how’s the market?”
Ironically, when the market is at its extremes — either crashing or skyrocketing — people ask far less. The highest level of uncertainty actually happens in a balanced or normalized market.
1. Where Are We Right Now?
I’m not a fortune teller, but here’s what I can say with confidence: a 2008-style crash is not on the horizon.
In 2022, we saw a market correction when mortgage rates jumped from 3% to 7%.
Today, rates are hovering around 6–7%, with stock market volatility affecting buyer confidence.
Buyers are still active — but far more cautious and selective.
Bottom line: The market is stable, but buyers are choosier than ever.
2. Positioning Your Home – Premium, Discount, or Clearance?
How your home is positioned in today’s market is critical. Think of it in three categories:
Premium (Brand New Luxury)
Perfectly presented, newly updated, and located in a prime area.
Attracts strong demand, often multiple offers, and sells at top dollar.
Discount (Great Value)
A quality home with a few drawbacks (such as a smaller yard or slightly dated finishes).
Sells after negotiation; the final price depends heavily on buyer perception.
Clearance (Budget Fixer)
Needs major updates or is located in a less desirable area.
Moves only when priced very aggressively.
3. The Importance of Objective Evaluation
Buyers view your home with a critical, not emotional, eye.
A good agent’s role is to provide an honest — sometimes uncomfortable — assessment.
Your role is to trust your expert so your home lands in the right category and achieves maximum value.
“It’s better to face tough feedback now than to sit on the market for months with no offers.”
4. Shifting the Advantage to the Seller
If your home isn’t priced or presented correctly, the advantage shifts to the buyer.
With the right strategy and marketing, sellers can still create competition that leads to multiple offers, even in a normalized market.
Exceptions exist: unique or ultra-luxury properties may naturally take longer to sell.
5. Responsibility and the Path to Success
Ignoring your agent’s recommendations reduces your chances of success.
An experienced agent builds a strategy designed to deliver results.
Trust your expert — but also expect data-driven proof to back up decisions.
Closing Note
Your home is your greatest asset. It deserves a strategic, results-driven approach.
We can’t control mortgage rates or global events. But we can control how your property is positioned, priced, and marketed to achieve the best possible outcome.
