The housing market is currently in a state of uncertainty, and it’s creating significant challenges for potential homebuyers.
Real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, best known for her role on Shark Tank, has been vocal about the difficulties that new buyers are encountering.
The biggest issue, according to Corcoran, is the shortage of homes and the unpredictable market conditions.
The Challenge of Uncertainty in the Market
Corcoran, 76, explained that the real problem in the market today is the lack of housing.
“Everybody wants a house, and there’s just not enough housing,” she shared during an interview with Fox Business.
This lack of available homes, paired with ongoing uncertainty, is causing many to hesitate.
“Uncertainty makes people pause, which is a problem,” Corcoran added, noting that when people are uncertain, they often hold off on making big decisions, such as buying a home.
The Impact of Uncertainty on the Economy
Corcoran believes the uncertainty is affecting more than just homebuyers.
Suppliers are becoming more cautious, hoarding materials like lumber out of fear of potential tariffs.
This hesitation and reluctance to move forward in the face of uncertainty is trickling down through the housing market and beyond.
“A lot is going wrong, but the biggest tenant that’s going wrong is, people are uncertain,” she explained.
Homeowners Holding Onto Their Properties
Another significant factor affecting the housing market is that many homeowners are choosing to hold onto their properties longer.
With mortgage interest rates at historical lows—around four percent—homeowners are reluctant to sell. “What the real problem is, is an interest rate that’s holding people back,” Corcoran noted.
When more than two-thirds of Americans are locked into these low rates, it makes sense that they wouldn’t want to move.
With the average 30-year mortgage rate now at 6.67 percent, the prospect of paying more in interest is discouraging many from making a change.
Rising Home Prices and Slower Growth
While housing prices continue to rise, the rate of growth is slowing down.
Home prices have gone up 4.2 percent compared to the same time last year, but this is the slowest growth rate since December 2021.
While the market is cooling slightly, Corcoran suggests that buyers should still consider jumping in.
“Go for it,” she urged potential homebuyers. She believes that despite the challenges, there are still opportunities to be had.
Spring Break: A Good Time to Buy
If you’re thinking of buying, Corcoran has a recommendation: consider purchasing during spring break.
“Houses are undersold in that week,” she shared.
With many people distracted by vacation plans, homes that might otherwise be overlooked could present an opportunity.
She also suggests that buyers consider purchasing a fixer-upper, as financing for such properties is readily available.
When is the Best Time to Sell Your Home?
For those looking to sell, the best time to maximize profits is fast approaching.
According to new data from Realtor.com, the ideal window for sellers in 2025 will be between April 13 and April 19.
During this week, sellers could see a significant increase in their home’s value—about $4,800 more than the average week.
Compared to the beginning of the year, sellers may also make $27,000 more due to the seasonal uptick in market activity.
Seasonal Trends: A Guide for Sellers
Danielle Hale, the chief economist at Realtor.com, shared that spring is typically a strong time for listing a home.
“Very predictably, homes listed in the spring tend to be priced higher and sell faster than the average week throughout the year,” she said.
While factors like tariffs and inflation may continue to affect buyer and seller confidence, capitalizing on the seasonal trends can help sellers navigate a challenging market.