Why the Next 60 Days Could Be a Window for Smart Home Moves
Spring and summer traditionally are the busy months for home sales in the U.S.
Longer days and warmer weather make it easier to get out and shop, and family schedules with children off from school make it easier to move and get resettled in a new home.
Are you ready to take advantage of the summer vibe and explore your homebuying options? Apply now to get started!
What makes late summer a strategic time for homebuyers?
Home sellers tend to want to get their properties sold by late summer so they can move to a new location and get settled before school resumes and the weather begins to chill again. It’s also a time when more homes are on the market, which could create competition and bring down purchase prices.
What’s different about the 2025 housing market?
A National Association of Realtors (NAR) report from June showed purchase contracts signed for homes for sale increased in every region of the nation from the previous month.
"Consistent job gains and rising wages are modestly helping the housing market," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said.
With mortgage interest rates mostly stable but dropping slightly this year and more homes for sale and being sold, the housing market could loosen up for buyers as we push into the second half of summer.
Why waiting could be risky
Conventional wisdom suggests mortgage interest rates will continue to head downward, which could help get more buyers into the housing market.
However, factors like overall economic conditions, President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, continued conflict in the Middle East and general consumer confidence could keep mortgage interest rates where they are or even push them higher. If that happens, it could slow sales and make it tougher for buyers to get into the housing market.
If you’re considering waiting out the market until mortgage interest rates drop, you could miss an opportunity to land that dream home while rates are relatively affordable.
What are experts predicting for the 2025 housing market?
Most experts and mortgage-watchers expect home purchase prices to slow their growth over the next few months.
That doesn’t mean they expect prices to come down significantly. But even a slowdown in the increase of prices could allow more buyers to enter the market as they sense increased affordability or want to get ahead of continuing price adjustments.
According to data from Freddie Mac, average mortgage interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend for the fifth straight week in the largest single drop in a week since March.
Slowing of purchase prices and a drop in mortgage rates are two key signs of a market on the rise that experts watch when predicting where the market is headed. Given the relatively positive news on those indicators, we could see home inventories and sales open up soon.
For buyers: How to take advantage of the window
For potential homebuyers eager to enter the market during the summer buying season, preparedness is key to being ready to make that purchase. You’ll want to be sure you’ve improved your credit score* and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, factors that could significantly affect the rate you qualify for.
You also will want to apply for mortgage pre-approval, which shows sellers and real estate agents that you’re serious and gives you an idea of how much of a mortgage you’re likely to be approved for.
If you are a buyer willing to look in markets nationwide, there are affordable options in many major markets that you might not have considered.
Are you ready to start the homebuying process? Start by applying for a mortgage pre-approval and begin your journey toward your dream home with Guaranteed Rate Affinity!
*Guaranteed Rate Affinity does not provide credit counseling or credit repair services.
Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.
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