Blog > Are Scary Headlines Freezing Your Move? Read This Before You Wait.

Are Scary Headlines Freezing Your Move? Read This Before You Wait.

by Josh Barnard

If you’re pausing your plans because the news feels loud and negative, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: waiting without a plan can cost you real money and momentum.

You deserve clarity. This quick guide gives you talking points, real numbers, and simple next steps so you can move forward with confidence.

What’s really happening (in plain English)

Affordability is the #1 concern. Everyone’s feeling it.
Payments have eased since spring. On an average-priced home, the monthly payment is ~$300 lower than in May.
Rates are bouncy, not broken. Many lenders can already quote in the low 6s, with special programs dipping into the 5s for qualified buyers.
More homes will sell next year. Industry forecasts point to ~10% more total sales vs. this year.
Sellers are blinking. About 1 in 5 homes has had a price reduction, and withdrawn listings are up ~57% year over year. That creates chances for prepared buyers and for sellers who relaunch the right way.

(Curious how this looks here at home? See the latest local snapshot in Market Update: What’s Moving in Our Area Right Now .)

The problem with waiting

“I’ll wait for the perfect rate” feels safe. But:

Small rate drops move big crowds. The difference between today and 5.99% often isn’t huge on payment… until thousands of buyers jump back in and push prices up.
Your life math matters more than rate math. If you need a bigger yard, a shorter commute, or another bedroom, waiting can steal time you never get back.
Inventory shifts fast. Withdrawn today often becomes a flood of relists after the holidays—competition snaps back.

Use this moment to get ready, not go silent.

For a deeper dive, read: Should You Wait or Buy Now? A Side-by-Side Payment Breakdown

A simple plan for buyers

Step 1: Define the target. What payment range works for you? What’s the one feature your next home must have that your current one doesn’t?

Step 2: Rate strategy, not rate guessing. Have your lender price your scenario today and at 5.99% so you can see the actual monthly gap. (It’s usually smaller than the headlines suggest.)

Step 3: Lock your advantage.

Get underwritten pre-approval (stronger than a pre-qual).
Ask about buydowns, rate float-downs, and zero-cost refinance options.
Set instant alerts for homes that quietly come back on market.

Want templates and questions to ask your lender? Grab them here: Buyer Toolkit: Scripts, Checklists & Questions

A simple plan for sellers

If your listing stalled this year, don’t relist the same way. Here’s how to relaunch strong:

Fix the “silent killers”: pricing band, photo count/quality, weak description, missing floor plan or 3D tour.
Refresh day matters: aim for peak digital traffic (ask me when that is in your price band).
Win the first 14 days: targeted ads + email to active buyers + agent-to-agent outreach.
Offer clarity: pre-inspection, repair credits, and clear showing rules to reduce friction.

See exactly how we do it: Expired & Withdrawn Listing Playbook

Start conversations, not confusion

The best decisions come from real conversations—not doomscrolling. Try these quick prompts with your spouse, partner, or trusted advisor:

“If rates hit 5.99%, do we move? If yes, what stops us from preparing now?”
“What’s the one non-negotiable our next home needs?”
“If we sold in 60 days, what would we wish we had started today?”

For more practical ideas, check: Polls & Posts That Spark Real Estate Decisions

Your edge between now and New Year’s

The biggest listing day of the year is January 1. Use the next few weeks to:

Get pre-approved and rate-tested.
Line up a pricing strategy and a relaunch plan.
Set alerts for expired/withdrawn homes that match your wish list.
Book showings on homes with recent price cuts.

I’ll do the heavy lifting—data, marketing, and negotiations—so you can focus on life.

Ready to move smarter, not later?

Call to action:
→ Book a 20-minute Game Plan Call and leave with a clear buy/sell timeline, a custom payment comparison (today vs. 5.99%), and a step-by-step checklist tailored to you.
Grab your spot by texting “GAME PLAN” to (253) 677-5765

You don’t have to outguess headlines—you just need a plan that fits your life. Let’s build it together.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Josh Barnard

+1(253) 677-5765