The Federal Reserve’s latest message was steady.
Growth is intact.
The labor market is cooling — not collapsing.
Inflation is easing — but not finished.
Translation? We’re in a holding pattern.
Rates aren’t being cut aggressively. They aren’t rising sharply either. Everything remains data-dependent.
And that’s exactly why buying strategy matters more than rate speculation.
Many buyers are waiting for rates to drop before jumping back into the market.
But when rates fall significantly, buyers return quickly.
More buyers = more competition.
More competition = higher home prices.
Negotiating power disappears.
As agents, we know leverage matters. And right now, there is still leverage.
Instead of waiting for a rate drop to trigger demand, smart buyers are negotiating in today’s environment.
Sellers are more open to:
✔️ Offering concessions
✔️ Contributing toward closing costs
✔️ Funding permanent interest rate buydowns
That means buyers can secure a lower rate for the life of the loan today — rather than hoping for one tomorrow.
This is not a “wait and see” market.
This is a strategy market.
One of the most powerful ways to win in this environment is preparation.
That’s why I partner with a Preferred Lender who offers a Buyer Ready program — a strategic pre-approval process designed to position buyers for success before they ever write an offer.
Buyer Ready helps clients:
✔️ Understand their true purchasing power
✔️ Create a permanent buydown strategy when appropriate
✔️ Structure offers with seller concessions in mind
✔️ Enter negotiations with confidence
When buyers are fully prepared, they compete smarter — not harder.
Trying to predict the Fed is not a strategy.
Positioning buyers to negotiate effectively is.
If you’re thinking about buying this year, don’t wait for headlines to move the market. Build a plan that works in today’s conditions.
Strategy wins.
Charles Pettingill is the Broker of Country Life Real Estate in Show Low, Arizona, with over 25 years of experience serving the White Mountains community. He works with first-time homebuyers, investors, and property owners, offering strong negotiation skills and deep knowledge of the Show Low real estate market.
Country Life Real Estate also provides professional property management services throughout Show Low and the White Mountains of Arizona, supporting clients through every stage of ownership.