📉 Why Waiting Could Cost You More in Today’s Market, Whether You’re Buying or Selling

You’re watching the housing market like a hawk. Rates dip a little, then climb. Prices are holding, maybe even creeping up. And you're thinking, “Maybe I’ll just wait a bit longer before I buy or sell.”

NEWSFLASH: If you're waiting for the "perfect" time, you could be missing your window of opportunity.

Let’s break down what’s happening in today’s market, what it means for buyers AND sellers, and why now might be the best time to make your move.

⏳ The Truth About Timing the Market

Everyone wants the upper hand, whether you're buying low or selling high. But the reality is, you can’t time the market perfectly. It moves too fast and too unpredictably.

While you wait, things change:

• Interest rates adjust

• Inventory shifts

• Buyer demand fluctuates

• Construction and material costs rise

The “perfect” moment might already be behind you.

💸 Mortgage Rates Today, A Ticking Clock

As of April 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is sitting around 6.64%. It’s a little lower than it was a few months ago, which has encouraged more buyers to re-enter the market.

But here's the catch, that rate may not last.

Recent tariffs on imported construction materials could increase inflation, which might push the Federal Reserve to hike rates again. Some forecasts suggest rates could hit 7.5% or more in the coming months.

This means:

• Buyers may lose purchasing power

• Sellers could see fewer qualified offers as affordability shrinks

📍 Bay Area Snapshot, What’s Happening Locally?

Here’s what the numbers are saying across key counties:

🏡 Contra Costa County

• Median Price: $785,000 (+1.9% YoY)

• Homes are moving fast with rising competition

• More buyers are jumping back in while rates are lower

🏡 Solano County

• Median Price: $585,000 (+1.7% YoY)

• Still affordable, but gaining traction as nearby areas get more expensive

• Sellers can benefit from increasing demand without overwhelming competition

🏡 Alameda County

• Median Price: $1,117,500 (+1.8% YoY)

• Homes sell in just 14 days on average, making it super competitive

• Inventory rose 21.3% in March, creating more movement and urgency

🏡 San Joaquin County

• Median Price: $525,000 (flat YoY)

• Homes spending longer on market, around 40 days

• Good opportunity for both buyers and sellers in a more balanced environment

🧮 For Buyers, The Cost of Waiting

Let’s say you’re eyeing a $600,000 home at 6.64% interest. Your monthly payment would be about $3,852.

If you wait, and the home price increases 5% to $630,000, and rates hit 7.5%, your new monthly payment would be around $4,525.

That’s $8,076 more per year, or $242,280 more over 30 years.

💰 For Sellers, The Opportunity Is Now

Here’s why now is a great time to list your home:

• Rates dipped slightly, and buyers are jumping back in before they rise again

• Inventory is growing, but still not enough to meet demand

• You’ll get more eyes on your property now than if rates climb and affordability drops

• Prices are holding strong, and in some areas, still rising

Waiting to sell could mean:

• Fewer qualified buyers

• Longer days on market

• More price reductions down the line

⚠️ Bottom Line, Whether You're Buying or Selling, the Market is Moving Without You

• Mortgage rates are in flux, and likely to increase

• Home prices in key counties are climbing

• Tariffs and inflation could impact costs even more

• Buyer activity is returning, and sellers still have the advantage

✅ Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or both, I can help you understand the market, time your move wisely, and walk away with the best deal possible.

📲 Let’s talk.
Schedule a free consultation today and let’s build a custom plan for your next move, before the market shifts again.