Mortgage rates are finally moving in the right direction — and buyers are starting to act. If you hesitated to list earlier this year or your listing expired without the result you wanted, this shift might be the window you’ve been waiting for.

Recent data show buyer activity picked up once mortgage rates hit a new low for 2025. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports mortgage loan applications were up 23% compared with the first week of September last year. That’s a meaningful jump, and it coincided with the 30-year fixed rate briefly falling to 6.13%, the lowest level since October 2024.

Why does that matter? Even small moves in mortgage rates change affordability, and today’s buyers are paying close attention. When rates improve, some buyers who were on the sidelines re-evaluate what they can afford — and that translates into more showings, offers, and activity.

Buyers are much more rate-sensitive now than they were during the market surge a few years back. A lower rate improves monthly payment calculations and can make a house that felt out of reach suddenly feasible. That’s why a decline to the current levels has produced a noticeable uptick in buyer demand — and why sellers who time it right can benefit.

If you’re considering a move, here’s the practical opportunity:

1. List while buyer activity is rising. When demand is increasing and inventory hasn’t yet caught up, your listing can attract more qualified buyers.

2. Move before more sellers return. If rates keep easing, more homeowners may decide to list. Acting now can help you take advantage of the earlier wave of buyers.

3. Don’t wait for a dramatic surge. This isn’t necessarily a return to the frenzy of previous years, but it is a chance to sell into improving demand.

There’s always a trade-off: wait and you may face more buyer demand — but you’ll also likely face more sellers. For many homeowners, the safer play is to list when buyer activity is already trending upward.

A few practical steps increase your odds of success:

1. Get a market read. Have an agent evaluate recent local sales so you know where your home sits competitively.

2. Sharpen your presentation. Small repairs, decluttering and professional photos can make a big difference during a period of rising buyer choice.

3. Price for today’s market. Buyers will compare what’s selling now, not what sold during the boom. Price strategically to capture attention in the first two weeks.

4. Be ready to move quickly. If you need to buy again, coordinate timing and financing in advance so you can act when the right offer arrives.

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Bottom line

Buyers are watching rates and returning to the market. If you’ve been waiting to sell, this period of improving affordability may be your best chance in 2025 to reach active, motivated buyers before inventory rises.

📍 Want a local read on demand in your neighborhood and a tailored pricing plan? One of our agents can run the numbers and help you decide whether now is the right moment to list. Let’s connect and map out the next steps.