Mortgage rates are still up, home prices keep rising, and let’s be honest—the Fed isn’t offering any favors. If you’re feeling unsure about buying right now, you’re definitely not the only one. But real estate icon Barbara Corcoran, who built a multimillion-dollar business from just $1,000, sees things differently.
In a recent chat with Realtor.com®, she pointed out something smart: when the market feels uncertain, most people pull back. But that’s often when the best deals are hiding—waiting for the buyers who are bold enough to jump in.
“When things are uncertain, buyers hesitate before committing to a new home—they might be worried about the stock market, politics, or interest rates, but when they worry, they hesitate to move. That makes uncertain markets the best time to buy!” —Barbara Corcoran
In other words, while most buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “perfect” moment, the savvy ones are out there making moves. So what does that actually look like in real life? According to Corcoran, there are three clear signs that it might be time to stop waiting—and start house hunting.
1. You Can Buy Below Market Value
Who doesn’t love a good deal? In real estate, though, the best ones tend to pop up when fewer people are paying attention. That’s when you have a real shot at snagging a home for less than it’s actually worth.
Or, as Barbara Corcoran says it:
“Anything bought below market will prove a good investment, and you’ll make money on it when you sell it later.”
Right now, opportunities are starting to open up in certain markets. Just look at Realtor.com’s April 2025 Housing Report:
- Inventory is up 30.6% compared to last year—the highest it’s been since the pandemic.
- Pending sales are down 3.2%, which means more homes are sitting unsold.
- More sellers are cutting prices or showing they’re open to negotiating.
What does that mean for buyers? Simply put: more options, and more room to negotiate—whether it’s the price, repairs, or closing terms.
This isn’t about trying to time the exact bottom of the market. It’s about spotting when the balance shifts in your favor—and being ready to make your move when it does.
2. Sellers Are Coming Back to the Table
When a home sits on the market longer than expected, sellers often start to rethink things. Suddenly, they’re more open to offers they might’ve passed on before—or terms they wouldn’t have considered just weeks ago.
That shift can work in your favor as a buyer. You might come across:
- Sellers willing to cover some or all of your closing costs
- More flexibility on repairs or move-in timing
- A chance to negotiate credits or a lower price
When sellers are more open to compromise, buyers have space to slow down, ask for what they need, and structure a deal that truly works for their budget and lifestyle.
Corcoran’s take? Don’t wait around for a second chance. If you find a home you love, take the first step. Put in a thoughtful offer—you never know what might come of it
3. An Uncertain Market Feels “Spooky”
You know that feeling when something just feels a little… off? With high interest rates, political noise, and nonstop economic headlines, it’s easy to second-guess buying a home when things feel uncertain.
But according to Barbara Corcoran, those are the exact moments she leans in—not backs away.
“When the market is uncertain, as it is now, I realize that’s a signal that I should be out there buying property, and that’s exactly what I do. n the spooky economic and political market we’re experiencing, there are great deals to be had—you just have to get off your butt and make an offer!”
It’s so easy to get caught in analysis paralysis—waiting for the “perfect” interest rate, the “perfect” home, or just the “right” moment. But more often than not, that waiting game leads to missed chances.
If you find a place you really love, Corcoran says to trust your gut—especially if you’re planning to stay put for a while.
“I’ve overpaid for almost every piece of property I’ve bought. If I like it, I buy it, and I don’t live to regret it!, The way I figure it, is if I fall in love with a property and what it has to offer, I assume there are three other people who want to outbid me, so I close the deal and move as fast as I can.”
If a home checks the boxes for your needs, your long-term goals, and the way you want to live—it might just be the right move.
Over time, home values have a consistent track record of appreciating. For instance, in San Diego, the average home value increased by 7.1% over the past year, reaching approximately $1,013,944 .
Even if it feels like you’re “overpaying” in the short term, if you plan to stay in that home for a decade or more, the growth in equity can more than make up for it.
I’ll leave you with this: if you’re holding out for lower rates or waiting for prices to dip, you might miss the window that smart buyers—like Corcoran—know how to spot. The best time to buy isn’t always when things feel perfect. It’s often when everyone else is hesitating.
Uncertainty doesn’t mean stop. It means pay attention. Because sometimes, the right opportunity is hiding in plain sight.