Buying a home is one of life's biggest milestones, but for many prospective buyers, today's housing market can feel uncertain.
Higher mortgage rates have caused some people to pause their homeownership plans, while others are wondering whether now is the right time to buy. Those concerns are understandable.
At the same time, today's market may offer opportunities that weren't available just a few years ago. More negotiating power, seller concessions, and realistic pricing are helping some buyers move forward with confidence.
To learn more, we spoke with Realtor Stacy Moffat of GUIDE Real Estate about what she's seeing in the market today and what may be working for homebuyers.
Tell us a little about today’s market conditions.
It’s definitely a different market. Interest rates and affordability are still probably the biggest hurdles, and buyers are paying much more attention to their monthly payment than they were a few years ago. But there is a positive side to this market that I don’t think gets talked about enough.
What is the positive side of the current market?
Buyers have a little more breathing room right now. Not every home is getting multiple offers, and depending on the property, we may be able to negotiate on price, repairs, closing costs or seller credits that can help buy down the interest rate. Sellers are also having to be more realistic with their pricing.
What are some misconceptions first-time home buyers may have?
I think one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make is assuming they can’t afford to buy without ever actually sitting down with a lender. A lot of people still think they need 20% down, and that simply isn’t the case. I always encourage buyers to talk with a lender early, even if buying a home is six months or a year away. At least then they know where they stand and what they need to work toward. I also hear people say they’re waiting for rates to come down. The problem is, if rates do drop significantly, a lot of buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines may jump back in at the same time. That could mean more competition and potentially higher prices. If you find the right home and the payment is comfortable for you now, it may make more sense to buy when you’re ready rather than trying to guess what the market is going to do. And your first home doesn’t have to be your dream home. Sometimes it’s simply the home that gets you into the market and allows you to start building equity.
What’s one tip do you have for first-time home buyers?
For me, the biggest thing is education. Talk to a good lender, find out what you can realistically afford, and then look at your options. Don’t automatically count yourself out because of what you’re hearing in the news.
Anything else you’d like to share?
There are definitely challenges in this market, but there are opportunities too. You just have to know where to look for them.
Ready to Learn What's Possible?
As Stacy noted, one of the biggest mistakes prospective buyers make is assuming they can't afford a home without first speaking with a lender. Whether you're ready to buy now or simply exploring your options, a SAFE Home Loan Consultant can help you understand your budget, review available loan programs, and identify strategies that may improve affordability.
SAFE is currently offering up to 0.50% off your mortgage rate1 on eligible home purchase and refinance loans, helping make homeownership more affordable for qualifying applications received between October 1 and December 31, 2026.
Connect with a SAFE Home Loan Consultant to learn more about the promotion, explore your options, and determine what may be available for your situation.
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Connect with a SAFE Home Loan Consultant to learn more.
1 A 0.500% interest rate discount from currently available rates is available on eligible 30-year fixed-rate conforming conventional first mortgage purchase and refinance loans. A 0.250% interest rate discount from currently available rates is available on eligible conforming and jumbo adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) first mortgage purchase and refinance loans. To qualify, a loan application must be received between October 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, and the interest rate must be locked on or before January 15, 2027.This offer is not available for: FHA loans; jumbo fixed-rate loans; loans eligible for the; Platinum Builder Rate Promotion; loans receiving a Member Relationship Rate Discount; Loans utilizing an appraisal waiver; loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 95%; loans with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio greater than 45%; loans with a credit score below 680. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting requirements, and membership eligibility. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Rates, programs, and promotional offers are subject to change or termination without notice. Borrowers should carefully consider the features and risks of adjustable-rate mortgages before obtaining an ARM.
