If you’ve been holding out for a 2025 housing market rebound, two of the biggest names in real estate—Ryan Serhant and Barbara Corcoran—are here to tell you that while the market isn’t crashing, it is changing.
Buying or selling a home today looks very different than it did just a few years ago. But that doesn’t mean opportunities don’t exist—it just means you need to know what to look for.
Let’s break down their expert takes on what’s really happening in the 2025 housing market and how you can still make smart moves no matter where you stand.
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It’s Not a Housing Crisis—It’s an Affordability Crisis
Ryan Serhant, CEO of SERHANT., challenges the idea that the U.S. is in a full-fledged housing crisis. In a recent interview with Fox Business, he pointed to affordability as the real issue.
🗣 “I don’t think there actually is necessarily a housing crisis the way you see and you read about it. I think there’s an affordability crisis.” — Ryan Serhant
What does that mean? Simply put, home prices aren’t crashing. But for many buyers, affording a home has never been tougher.
While some areas have more homes hitting the market, much of that inventory isn’t entry-level or budget-friendly. In fact, a starter home now costs over $1 million in 237 American cities—a shocking reality for first-time buyers.
At the same time, renters are also feeling the strain, with rental prices consuming a significant portion of household incomes.
🗣 “Over half of all renters are spending more than 30%, sometimes more than 40 or 50% of their paycheck just on their rent.” — Ryan Serhant
That’s money going toward housing costs, not savings or future homeownership. So, while people want to buy, affordability remains the biggest hurdle.
Why Sellers Are Holding Out
So, why aren’t home prices coming down? The short answer: Most sellers don’t have to sell.
In another interview, Barbara Corcoran spoke about how, even if mortgage rates dip slightly, she doesn’t think it’ll be enough to trigger a wave of new listings.
🗣 “No one wants to move, and [there are] fewer houses to choose from at higher rates. So it’s difficult for homebuyers.” — Barbara Corcoran
Think about it—if you locked in a 3% mortgage rate in 2020, would you rush to trade that in for 7%? Most homeowners are sticking with what they have, which means fewer homes on the market.
And even when homes do hit the market, many sellers are reluctant to lower their prices.
🗣 “I don’t think it’s in the nature of sellers to be realistic, honestly. Their house is always worth more… I don’t think prices will shake out at all. I think they’ll hold out hoping interest rates will go down again.” — Barbara Corcoran
This has led to homes sitting on the market for longer. According to a Redfin report, 54.5% of listings at the end of 2024 had been on the market for over 60 days.
While this may seem like a slowdown compared to the fast-paced market of recent years, it actually signals a shift toward a more balanced market—one where buyers have more time to make decisions instead of rushing into competitive bidding wars.
The Bottom Line: How to Make Smart Moves in This 2025 Housing Market
So, what does all of this mean for you?
The market isn’t stuck—it’s just changing. Here’s how to navigate it:
For Buyers:
✅ Affordability is a challenge, but there are fewer bidding wars.
✅ Homes are sitting on the market longer, meaning you can negotiate better deals.
✅ Be strategic—shop around for mortgage options, consider fixer-uppers, and look at emerging markets where prices are lower.
For Sellers:
✅ Prices aren’t crashing, but buyers are more selective.
✅ If you need to sell, a competitive price and move-in-ready home will attract the most interest.
✅ Be prepared to negotiate—buyers aren’t willing to overpay anymore.
For Renters:
✅ With more people staying put, rents remain high—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.
✅ If homeownership is your goal, now is the time to build a financial game plan. Start improving your credit, saving for a down payment, and researching first-time homebuyer programs.
No matter the market, there’s always a way to make smart moves. The key is staying informed, being strategic, and working with professionals who understand today’s real estate landscape.
Real estate has always been about personal goals and timing—the right opportunities exist if you know where to look.
What’s Your Next Move?
Are you thinking about buying, selling, or renting in 2025? The market may look different, but opportunity still exists. Drop a comment —what’s your biggest real estate challenge right now?
📩 If you found this helpful, share it with someone who’s navigating the market!
FAQs
1. Will home prices go down in 2025?
Not likely. Experts predict prices will remain stable due to low inventory and high demand. However, certain markets may see slight corrections.
2. Should I wait for mortgage rates to drop before buying?
Waiting could mean missing out on the right home. Instead, focus on finding a home that fits your budget and consider refinancing later if rates drop.
3. Is now a good time to sell?
If you need to move, yes, but pricing competitively is key. Homes that are priced right and in great condition are still selling.
4. Why aren’t sellers lowering their prices?
Many sellers are holding onto low mortgage rates and don’t need to sell. They’d rather wait than accept lower offers.
5. How can renters prepare to buy a home?
Start by improving your credit, saving for a down payment, and researching first-time homebuyer programs to maximize your buying power.
