What Lower Interest Rates Really Mean for Homebuyers

By Jill Friend

We’ve all seen the headlines about interest rates, and if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you may be wondering: Is it better to wait for rates to drop, or is now still a good time to buy?

Here’s the thing — lower rates are generally great news for buyers. A decrease of even 1% can lower your monthly payment by hundreds of dollars, which means you can afford more house for the same budget.

But there’s another side to the story (as always): when rates go down, more buyers jump back into the market. That extra competition can push home prices higher. So while you

might save on interest, you could also end up paying more for the house itself.

The reality is that no one can perfectly predict the housing market. Trying to “time it just right” is a lot like trying to time the stock market—it rarely works out the way we hope. The

best time to buy is when you find a home that fits your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Locally, we’re still seeing steady demand for well-priced homes, especially those that are

move-in ready. So whether rates tick down a bit more or not, the key is being prepared and

informed.

The Importance of Getting Pre-Approved Before Shopping for a Home

By Mark Tooley

When you imagine buying a home, you probably picture yourself touring houses, checking out neighborhoods, and dreaming about how you’ll decorate. But before you start house hunting there is an essential first step that sets you up for success — the pre-approval.

A pre-approval is when a lender reviews your financial situation to determine how much they are willing to lend you. They’ll check your income, credit history, employment, savings, and debt. Once approved, you’ll receive a letter stating the loan type and amount you qualify

for.

Many buyers start looking at homes only to find out that the one they fell in love with is out of reach financially. Getting pre-approved early saves you from disappointment and gives

you a realistic budget. It also strengthens your position when making an offer — sellers are far more likely to move forward with a buyer who already has financing in place.

Getting pre-approved isn’t just a formality; it’s one of the smartest moves you can make before starting your search. It builds confidence, strengthens offers, and makes the process

smoother from start to finish. If you’re ready to begin but don’t know where to start, reach out — our team works closely with trusted local lenders who would be happy to help.

Market Perspective & Team Update

By Paul Faddis

As we enter the final stretch of 2025, the real estate market continues to evolve alongside broader economic trends. Over the past month, mortgage rates have begun to ease after a

long stretch of volatility. Combined with signs of cooling in the job market, this has fueled expectations that the Federal Reserve may lower rates later this year — a move that could

improve affordability, at least temporarily.

While that’s encouraging news for buyers, as Jill noted, lower borrowing costs also tend to reignite competition. When financing becomes cheaper, more buyers re-enter the market, which can quickly drive home prices upward again. At the time of this newsletter, there are only 36 homes currently listed for sale in Randolph County. If history is any indicator, once rates begin to drop, demand will likely surge and prices could rise just as quickly.

Mark’s advice about securing a pre-approval is especially relevant in this type of market. Buyers who are prepared and ready to act will be in the best position to compete when that

next wave of demand hits.

For sellers, pricing remains critical. Even as rates improve, today’s buyers are informed, patient, and selective. Homes that are priced accurately and presented well continue to sell

— often within days — while those that overshoot the market are sitting longer.

Beyond the residential side, we’re seeing similar momentum building in commercial and business brokerage activity. Lower borrowing costs tend to attract both investors and business owners looking to expand or transition. Our team continues to assist clients across residential, commercial, and business transactions — helping them evaluate opportunities

with a focus on long-term value and sound strategy.

As always, our goal is to provide expert guidance across every facet of real estate. Whether you’re buying your first home, expanding your investment portfolio, or exploring a business transition, our team is here to help you make informed, confident decisions.