🧭Navigating Home Decisions in an Uncertain Market

by Monica Stefanescu

Link to article in Romanian coming soon

Across the U.S., we’re seeing headlines about layoffs, rising costs of living, and economic uncertainty in many industries. For homeowners and buyers alike, this turbulence raises a big question:

Is now the right time to make a move?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding what’s happening—and how it affects your plans—can help you feel more confident, no matter what the market does next.

⚡The Current Economic Snapshot

Here are a few trends shaping real estate today:

✅ Job Market Volatility:

Major employers in tech, retail, and manufacturing have announced layoffs, impacting families’ financial security and confidence.

✅ Rising Interest Rates:

Mortgage rates have climbed over the past 18 months, which affects monthly payments and reduces overall buying power.

✅ Inflation Pressures:

Higher everyday costs—groceries, utilities, insurance—are squeezing budgets and making big decisions feel more overwhelming.

✅ Home Equity at Record Levels:

According to the Federal Reserve, U.S. homeowners have over $34 trillion in equity—the third-largest amount of home equity on record. This means many homeowners are sitting on significant wealth tied up in their property.


👀Why Many Are Staying Put

Even with so much equity, many homeowners are choosing not to sell. Why?

With mortgage rates still hovering in the high 6% range, moving often means giving up an ultra-low mortgage rate of 3–4%—or even less.

As one recent Yahoo Finance article put it:

“With mortgage rates lingering in the high 6% range, homeowners are not going to let go of their primary mortgage anytime soon. Why let go of your 5%, 4%, or even 3% mortgage?”

This is one reason inventory has improved in Florida, but not dramatically—many people are staying put and leveraging their equity in other ways.

HELOCs: Tapping Into Equity Without Moving

For homeowners who want to access funds without selling, Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) have become a popular alternative.

According to Zillow, as of June 28, 2025, the average rate on a 10-year HELOC dropped to 6.50%, while VA-backed HELOCs averaged 6.15%.

✅ Why are some people choosing a HELOC?

Of course, HELOCs aren’t right for everyone—rates are higher than during the pandemic, and borrowing against your home has risks. But for many homeowners, it feels safer than jumping into a higher-rate purchase mortgage.


How This Impacts Buyers

If you’re thinking about purchasing, you’re not alone in feeling cautious. Here’s what many buyers are navigating:

🏠 More Choices, But Still Competition:

Inventory has improved in many Florida markets, giving buyers more breathing room compared to the frenzy of 2021–2022. However, well-priced homes still receive strong interest.

🏠 Tighter Lending Standards:

Some loan programs are harder to qualify for, especially for self-employed buyers or those with recent job changes.

💡 Tip: Consider getting fully pre-approved—not just pre-qualified—so you have clarity about exactly what you can afford.

🏠 Higher Monthly Payments:

Rising rates mean the same home could now cost significantly more per month than it did two years ago.

How This Impacts Sellers

If you own your home, you may also be weighing whether to sell now or wait. Here are a few things to consider:

🔑 More Choices for Buyers:

With more listings on the market, pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Overpriced homes can sit longer.

🔑 Equity Opportunities:

Even with higher rates, if you’ve owned your home for several years, you may have substantial equity to leverage—whether by selling or by tapping into a HELOC.

🔑 Changing Expectations:

Today’s buyers are more selective. Professional staging, photography, and marketing are critical to stand out.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

In times like these, working with an agent who understands both local trends and national economic dynamics is more important than ever.

✅ You deserve clear, honest information—not hype.

✅ You deserve someone who will help you weigh the pros and cons based on your situation, not someone else’s agenda.

Whether you’re planning to move this year or simply curious what your options might look like, I’m here as a resource.


Let’s Connect

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or exploring ways to tap into your equity, I’d be honored to help.