Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home? Let's Talk About It.

By Matthew Abrams | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, HUNT Real Estate ERA

It's a question I hear often, whether I'm meeting someone for coffee, walking through a property, or simply catching up with someone interested in learning more. 

And I understand why people ask.

Between home prices, mortgage rates, and everything we hear about the real estate market, it's easy to wonder whether you should buy/sell now, wait six months, or hold off until things settle down.

But here's something I've learned through my own experiences as a homeowner, real estate investor, and Realtor.

The right time to buy isn't necessarily when the market tells you it's right. It's when the opportunity makes sense for you.

I've spent more than 16 years working in construction management, over a decade investing in real estate, and the past several years helping people buy and sell homes from Glens Falls, Queensbury, Saratoga, Argyle, Granville and more. 

And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that no two real estate journeys are alike.

Some people are buying their very first home. Others are leaving behind a house where they've raised their family. Some are looking for more space, a little privacy, or simply a fresh start.

Then there are those looking to purchase their first investment property and start building something for their future.

Each situation is different, and that's exactly why I don't believe there's one answer to whether now is a good time to buy.

It Starts With Where You Are in Life

When someone asks me whether they should buy a house, I usually have a few questions of my own.

What's prompting the move?

Are you tired of renting? Has your family grown? Are you looking to downsize, relocate, or finally have a little more room to spread out?

More importantly, have you taken the time to understand your finances?

Do you have a budget? Have you considered what you're comfortable spending each month, not just what a lender might approve you for?

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. And while I believe homeownership is an achievable goal for many people, I also believe you need to be financially and mentally prepared for the responsibilities that come with it.

There's a difference between wanting to purchase a home and being ready to purchase one.

Sometimes those two things align perfectly. Other times, it takes a little planning.

And that's okay.

My goal isn't to convince someone they need to buy a house today. It's to help them understand what that decision looks like and whether it makes sense for their life.

What About Interest Rates? Should You Wait?

Let's talk about one of the biggest concerns buyers have: affordability.

There's no question that home prices have increased significantly over the years, and we've experienced periods when buyers were competing aggressively for properties.

Today, many buyers I speak with are taking a more calculated approach. They're cautious about overpaying and want to know they're making a sound financial decision.

I think that's a good thing.

Interest rates are certainly part of that conversation because they directly affect your monthly mortgage payment.

But I encourage people to look at the bigger picture.

Let's say you've found a home that fits your needs. It's in the community you want, has the space you're looking for, and offers the lifestyle you've been working toward.

Should a half-percentage-point change in interest rates automatically stop you from moving forward?

Not necessarily.

For example, on a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term, here's how different interest rates could affect your monthly principal and interest payment:

Interest Rate

6.5%: $1,896/mo

7.0%: $1,996/mo

7.5%: $2,098/mo

Illustrative principal and interest payments only. Property taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, and other ownership expenses are not included.

A difference of approximately $100 a month is certainly something to consider. For some buyers, that amount can make a meaningful difference in their budget.

But for others, it may be manageable when weighed against the opportunity to purchase a home that fits their needs.

Could interest rates come down in the future? Absolutely. Could they go up? That's possible too.

There may also be an opportunity to refinance down the road, although refinancing isn't guaranteed and comes with additional costs.

What I don't encourage is purchasing a home based on the assumption that rates will eventually fall.

You should be comfortable with the financial commitment you're making today.

That's why I encourage buyers to connect with a knowledgeable mortgage lender early in the process, understand their financing options, and get pre-approved before seriously searching.

Once you understand the numbers, you can make decisions with a lot more confidence.

A House Has a Price. A Home Has a Different Kind of Value.

Here's something I talk about frequently when walking through properties with buyers.

Let's say we're looking at a house listed for $350,000.

We review comparable sales, evaluate the local market, and determine that the asking price is reasonably supported.

But that doesn't necessarily mean the property is worth $350,000 to you.

As we're walking through the house, I want to understand what you're seeing.

Can you picture yourself living there?

Does the layout work for your family? Is there enough space? What would you change?

Maybe the kitchen is dated, the flooring isn't your style, or the paint colors aren't what you would choose.

Those things can often be changed.

What I'm paying attention to is the overall property, its condition, and whether the improvements you're considering make financial sense.

I'm a big believer in identifying opportunities to add value to a home, whether that's improving functionality, updating finishes, or addressing deferred maintenance.

But there's also something that doesn't necessarily show up in a comparable market analysis.

It's the feeling you get when you walk into a house and start imagining your life there.

Maybe it's the backyard where your kids will play. A porch where you'll enjoy your morning coffee. A workshop you've always wanted. Or simply having enough room for everyone to gather during the holidays.

Those things have personal value.

The goal isn't to overspend because you love a house. It's to find the balance between what the property is worth in the market and what it can bring to your life.

Sometimes the Right Home Takes 18 Months. Sometimes It Takes a Few Days.

One of the things I enjoy most about real estate is helping people navigate the different chapters of their lives.

I recently worked with clients whose journey took approximately a year and a half.

We originally met through an inquiry on a property at Summit Lake.

They loved the setting and were beginning to think seriously about their next chapter.

But there was a big decision standing in their way.

They had lived in their Glens Falls home for years, raised their family there, and built a lifetime of memories.

Selling that home wasn't something they took lightly.

Over the next 18 months, we toured more than 20 properties. We looked at newer construction, older homes with renovation potential, and even vacant land.

We submitted a few offers, but the contingency of selling their existing home made things challenging, particularly because their home wasn't yet listed.

There were some great showings, plenty of excitement, and moments of disappointment when things didn't work out.

As we approached the spring market, I encouraged them to consider listing their home so we could put ourselves in a stronger position when the right opportunity came along.

We talked through different scenarios, including temporary housing and storage if we needed additional time to find the right place.

It wasn't necessarily the easiest conversation, but we had a plan.

We listed their home in Glens Falls, and it sold in one day for over asking price.

Suddenly, everything became very real.

There was definitely a moment of panic. They had sold their home, and now we needed to find the next one.

But then something interesting happened.

There was a farmhouse in Argyle that had been on the market for more than 50 days.

It offered over 25 acres, beautiful views, privacy, character, and the potential for a barn or workshop space. There were even possibilities for future projects they had been dreaming about.

The property was also making a price adjustment, creating an opportunity that hadn't been quite as attractive before.

And it just clicked - after all those months of searching, we found a property that offered the lifestyle and possibilities they had been looking for.

I truly believe sometimes things work out the way they're meant to, even if the path getting there isn't always clear.

Of course, it wasn't simply luck. We had spent months understanding their needs, evaluating properties, adjusting our strategy, and preparing for the next opportunity.

That preparation helped us move forward when the timing finally came together.

Now compare that experience with another couple I helped earlier this spring.

They were renting in Glens Falls and were ready to purchase their first home.

They wanted a place to call their own, a yard for their dog, some privacy, and a home where they could eventually grow their family.

We met for coffee and talked about what they were hoping to accomplish.

We discussed affordability, the mortgage pre-approval process, and what different price points might offer.

Then we started looking, within a few days, we found a beautiful starter home in Moreau, in a neighborhood that offered exactly the kind of setting they were looking for.

It was a fantastic experience. Two completely different journeys. One took 18 months, the other took only a few days.

Neither timeline was right or wrong. Both purchases happened when the right opportunity aligned with the buyers' needs and circumstances.

And that's what matters.

So, Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home?

If you've made it this far, you probably realize my answer isn't a simple yes or no, and that's intentional.

I don't believe anyone should purchase a home simply because someone tells them it's a great time to buy.

I believe you should purchase when you've taken the time to understand your finances, your goals, and what you're looking to accomplish.

If you're renting and ready to explore homeownership, let's talk about what that could look like.

If you're thinking about selling the home where you've raised your family and starting a new chapter, let's develop a strategy.

If you've been considering a multifamily or investment property but aren't sure how to evaluate the numbers, I'm happy to share what I've learned through my own experiences.

And if you're simply not ready yet, that's perfectly fine too.

My approach to real estate has always been about building relationships and adding value.

I'm not here to pressure you into buying or selling.

I'm here to listen, share my experience, answer questions, and help you make an informed decision.

Sometimes that means pointing out an opportunity you might not have considered. Other times, it means pushing back, asking a few more questions, or helping you recognize that a particular property may not be the right fit.

I want the people I work with to feel comfortable picking up the phone, asking questions, and knowing they'll receive honest guidance.

Because at the end of the day, buying or selling real estate isn't just about the transaction.

It's about what comes next.

And whether that next chapter starts tomorrow, six months from now, or a year down the road, I'm always happy to sit down over coffee and help you figure out the right path forward.

The right time to buy is when the opportunity aligns with your life, your goals, and your financial readiness.



And when you're ready, I'm here to help you get to the finish line. So reach out and lets see how best I can help you on your journey.