It’s Not All About the Buyer: Why Interest Rates Matter for Home Sellers
Are you thinking about selling your home in the near future? If so, understanding how interest rates can affect the housing market is crucial. From influencing buyer behavior to impacting your bottom line, knowing the ins and outs of interest rates is essential for any savvy seller or someone who wants to find a home in Moore County.
What are Interest Rates?
Interest rates refer to the percentage charged by lenders for borrowing money. These can either be fixed or adjustable and are influenced by various economic factors such as inflation, demand for credit, and monetary policies set by central banks. The Federal Reserve sets the benchmark interest rate in the United States, which affects other types of loans offered by financial institutions.
Why do Interest Rates Matter for Home Sellers?
It’s obvious how interest rates affect buyers. But the effects aren’t limited to just buyers. It’s important for home sellers to understand how interest rates work as well, as anything that directly impacts buyer behavior impacts the home seller. When there is an increase in interest rates, some buyers may be hesitant to purchase a property or find a home in Moore County, creating a disturbance in the force between supply and demand (yes, we know…Star Wars…may the force be with you!)
Conversely, when there is a decrease in interest rates, buyers find it more affordable to borrow money which leads to increased demand for homes.
But here’s the thing. Interest rates go up and down and sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for it. There are a lot of buyers out there who either have a need to buy (job relocation anyone?) and there are others who hedge their bets. Will rates go up again or will they continue to fall? Do you take advantage of today’s interest rate or do you wait it out facing the possibility of another rise? That is the essential question my friends. Forecasting interest rates is about as foolproof as forecasting the hurricane cone of uncertainty.
Factors for Home Sellers to Consider When Setting a Selling Price in a Changing Interest Rate Environment
It should come as no surprise that price is one of the most important factors for both buyers and sellers. In an ever-changing market, it can be difficult to competitively and correctly price a home. Particularly if you don’t know what you’re doing. Let us pause here for a moment to talk about how important it is to work with a professional real estate agent who has the knowledge, experience, and tools needed to price your home and guide you on the road to success. **Clears Throat**
Anyway, another key factor sellers need to consider is the local real estate market. As we’ve said, interest rates are just one piece of the puzzle. The Triangle Area of North Carolina is one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. This is due in large part to the strong job market, vibrant culture and desirable location.
Inventory has long been a driving factor in the seller’s market we have been experiencing in the area over the course of the last several years. Demand is outpacing supply, which is helping drive up the prices and experts forecast this to continue into 2024.
So in the end, interest rates should not be a major factor in whether or not you’re ready to jump into the local Triangle Area real estate market as a seller. If you’re considering selling or just have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to find a home in Moore County. We’re always here to help.