As interest rates rise to slow the economy, the housing market is feeling the shift. Gone are the cheap loans and quick home sales. Today’s buyers have the luxury of being choosier and sellers must again offer their homes at a reasonable price in good condition. While this “feels” like a normal market condition, is it?

  The essence of a “normal” real estate market would be predictability and confidence, but we are not seeing this yet. True, the slowing economy and rising interest rates have moved us away from the frantic pace of the past few years, but experts question whether this means a traditional “buyers’ market.”

  Though we try to pretend the pandemic ever happened (at least I do😐), the truth is, the event changed the way we work and where we work. People around the world are moving. With remote working a normal occurrence, people can live anywhere they want. Cities are emptying out and some states are seeing an influx of new residents anxious to avoid high-tax states as well as high cost  of living and guess what my friends Texas is one of those cost friendly states, amongst other awesome things.

  With all these added elements, the real estate market may not return to the “normal”, more predictable patterns we’re accustomed to for years, maybe never. For consumers, the most important thing is to make the right decision for their families. There are opportunities in every market, even if it doesn’t feel “normal.” But again, the most important thing to do is to assess your family's needs and wants and do what is best for you and yours! This is what I tell all my buyers and sellers when they as if it's the best time to buy or sell because it's the truth.