“I’ll just wait until rates come down.”
You’re not the only one asking. A lot of first-time buyers are stuck in the same place:
“Interest rates are high. What if prices fall? Should I wait?”
I get it. Timing the housing market feels a lot like trying to time the stock market—it’s part strategy, part stress, and mostly guesswork. But here’s what Raleigh buyers need to know right now.
📉 Rates Are Higher… But Not Forever
In early 2025, interest rates are hovering around 6.8%—higher than what we got used to in 2020–2021, but still below historical averages. According to Redfin’s latest data, buyer activity is already picking up again, despite the rates.
Why? Because smart buyers are realizing:
- Waiting for rates to drop may backfire if prices spike or inventory dries up
- You can refinance later—but you can’t go back and buy at last year’s prices
- Rent isn’t getting cheaper (we covered that here)
🏡 Prices in Raleigh Are Stabilizing
According to Triangle MLS and local real estate trackers, home prices in Raleigh are leveling off. The days of wild bidding wars are mostly behind us—but prices aren’t exactly falling either.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Sellers are adjusting to buyer hesitancy by offering closing credits or price flexibility
- New inventory is limited, especially under $400K
- Competition is milder, making this a more strategic time to buy without overbidding
This window of relative balance may not last long.
🛑 Waiting Carries Its Own Risk
Many buyers say:
“I’ll just wait until rates come down.”
But here’s what that might look like:
- If rates fall, demand will surge again
- That drives up home prices and competition
- The house you want may cost $30K more… and still come with a similar payment
The real risk? Losing buying power while you wait for a “perfect” market that doesn’t exist.
👉 And if you’re still renting, that delay could be costing you even more. Read: Raleigh Renters—Are You Overpaying in 2025?
🧠 It’s Not About the Market—It’s About Your Readiness
The better question than “Is now a good time?” is:
“Am I financially ready to buy?”
If you’ve got:
✅ Stable income
✅ Some savings (even a small amount)
✅ A plan to stay in the home for 3+ years
Then now might be the right time for you—regardless of headlines.
💡 Get a Personalized Buying Strategy (Not Just Advice)
You don’t need to gamble on market timing.
You need a clear, customized plan.
🎯 I help first-time buyers:
- Explore loan options with flexibility to refi later
- Understand Raleigh’s hyper-local market trends
- Navigate down payment programs and smart offer strategies
📘 Ready to Plan Instead of Panic?
Download my free Homebuyer’s Guide for 2025 — it breaks down everything first-time buyers need to know in plain English.
👉 Click here to grab your copy
No pressure. Just answers.
Michael Wolff helps first-time homebuyers navigate the Raleigh-Durham real estate market with clarity, strategy, and confidence. He believes you don’t need to be an expert to become a homeowner — you just need the right guide.
