A Skeptical Buyer’s Guide: How To Buy A Home in A Volatile Market 📈
- Dehvon Davies
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Buying a home right now might feel a lot like doing yoga on a paddleboard— feels a bit wobbly, but there's breathtaking potential waiting on the other side. The waves of uncertainty can come at us in many directions. Interest rates are up, prices are dropping in some places, and news headlines can be a bit dramatic. If you're naturally skeptical, your inner voice might be whispering, “Maybe I should just wait it out…”
But uncertainty doesn’t have to mean impossibility. In fact, this market—yes, this one actually holds opportunities 🔑 for smart buyers who are thoughtful, creative, and bold enough to think outside the box, while staying true to themselves.
Below are some ways to approach today’s real estate market with eyes wide open—and still walk away feeling good (or hopefully great) 😎 about your home purchase.
🧠 1. Let Your Brain and Heart Buy the House Together
What do I mean? You don’t need to ignore your gut—or your calculator. If you know me, you know I'm a huge proponent of trusting your gut and your intuition.
In a market like this, it’s more important than ever to buy something you love. Not just what’s trending, and not just what friends or family think you should get, but what you love. 🏡💕
You can ask yourself:
“Would I love living here even if it didn't appreciate for a few years?”
“Can I see myself growing in this space?”
“Does this home support my lifestyle?”
If the answer is yes—you’ve already got something money can’t buy: peace of mind ☮️ and a connection to your future home as your sanctuary.
💸 2. Interest Rates Are Temporary—Your Investment is Not
High interest rates can feel like a punch to the budget. But here's a mindset shift: You’re dating the rate. You’re marrying the house.
That means:
You can refinance later when rates go down (and they will eventually).
Some lenders will offer a rate buydown—we're gonna ask for it! 💵
New Home Builders are offering rates as low as 3% 😲 on new homes! (Totally serious. I just closed one in April. So, keep an open mind.)
If you're not planning to stay long, an adjustable-rate mortgage could be right for you.
If you stay within your monthly budget (even with current rates) when you refinance to a lower rate, you'll love the decreased mortgage. Remember the goal is to lock in homeownership, build equity, and get off the rent hamster wheel. That's something you deserve for all your hard work.
🧰 3. Don’t Sleep on the “Unpretty” Homes
The shiny, picture-perfect homes may be getting attention—and asking for top dollar, but you know what isn’t? That slightly funky fixer-upper 🛠 that smells like dust but has great bones. I love a house with great bones.
For those who are able to grit it out, there's big opportunity here.
With renovation loan programs like:
Fannie Mae HomeStyle
VA Renovation Loans
...you can even roll the cost of repairs into your mortgage and transform an imperfect house into your dream space—often for less than buying a move-in ready home. 🤓!!!
🔍 4. Find the Sweet Spot Between Patience and Bold Asks
If you’ve been watching the market from the sidelines, here’s your moment to do a little dance between observation and action.
Look for homes that have been sitting for 30 to 60 days—those sellers might be very open to negotiation. ⏳️(I once had a buyer watch a home for 4 months and pay $60k less than when he first saw the house. Amazing!)
Don’t be afraid to ask for seller concessions, closing costs 💰, or even furniture (yep—it happens! I did it myself.).
Don't max out your budget. Be conservative in your spending so you have power 💪🏼 to negotiate and pivot when necessary.
Remember: Sometimes the best deals come from asking for what you want!
🌟 5. Unlock Hidden Doors (Little Known Buyer Programs)
Let’s sprinkle in a little magic. ✨ There are programs out there designed to make homeownership possible, even in volatile markets.
Here are a few examples:
USDA Loans: 100% financing for rural and suburban homes, with income limits. 🚜
Good Neighbor Next Door Program: Teachers 👩🏫, law enforcement officers, fire fighters 👨🚒 and EMTs experience benefits as high as 50% off the home list price!
Down Payment Assistance: Grants and forgivable loans (not always just for first-timers).
Lease-to-Own Options: A soft entry into ownership. 🫱🏻🫲🏼
Assumable Mortgages: Take over a seller’s existing low-interest loan. Yes, really.
Not sure where to start? A good Realtor (🙋🏽♀️ hi!) can help you dig into these and see what fits your situation.
🤝 6. Partner With an Agent Who Thinks Strategically
This isn’t the time for a "yes" person. The skeptical buyer needs a Realtor with a calm, clear-eye who can guide them on what they need:
Real numbers and honesty, not just hype!
Spotting value when others see “meh” and of course, spotting "meh" when others see value. 😉
Staying innovative with offers, options, and negotiations are also huge. 💵💪🏼💰🫱🏻🫲🏼
Buying a home isn't just about winning the bid—it's about making a major decision that feels right for your life and your future.
🌈 Everyone Deserves to Own a Home
The market is shifting, but so is your life. You deserve a home that supports the next version of you. If you’re skeptical, that’s okay, because a reasonable amount of caution is smart! But don’t let fear keep you from exploring what’s possible. With the right plan and creativity, you can find a home that works for your heart, your wallet, and your future.
I’d be honored to help you get there. Send me a message and tell me all about your dream house. ✨️🏡✨️
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