Buy Now or Wait?

Here are few reasons why now is a good time despite higher interest rates!

October 8, 2026

Thinking about holding off on buying a home until rates come down? Aside from good reasons to continue renting like you just moved to the Austin area, you might be moving away, time to improve credit, etc., there are many good reasons why this fall and winter have great opportunities. Before you decide to sit on the sidelines, get the full picture from someone who has worked this market for years. Then decide what's best for you!

Top Reasons to Buy Now

1. The fall and winter have the best home prices of the year, and pricing has come down from the heights of the pandemic. See the graphic below as proof.

2. All those sellers who didn't sell during the summer are more likely to negotiate and lower prices. That's leverage for you! 59% of active sellers have lowered their sales price with an average of 7.8%. Ask me about a certain price range, zip code or MLS area for more narrowed stats.

3. There are a few ways to get a lower interest rate to save you money and avoid the indefinite waiting for interest rates to improve. Temporary interest rate buydowns or permanent buydowns can save you hundreds of dollars per month for the first 1-3 years. Get the seller to pay for it; refinance when rates improve. If rates never improve, you've saved money for the first year or two and your interest rate will return to the rate you originally qualfied at and locked at house contract. Let me run the numbers for you. Also, builders are offering great lower interest rates. See my YouTube video for a breakdown of how it works. Moreover, when rates are great more buyers step in but this increases competition.

4. Fewer buyers and thus less competition. Many people don't like to move during the winter, especially during the holidays. If you're ok with that, then take advantage.

5. Builders continue to offer GREAT incentives like interest rate permanent or temporary buydowns, money toward closing costs, appliance packages, preferred lender incentives, and/or money toward lower sales prices. Some have "flex cash" to use how you want.

6. Builders like to get rid of inventory in communities almost sold out and/or by the end of year. This gives you savings. Let me show you what is possible and normal. Almost always my commission is paid for by the builder/seller so there is no reason to go it alone. Sometimes builders like for you to go it alone so that you don't get as many incentives, they save on costs, have to do less and they get less questions. 

7. Down payment and closing cost assistance programs are abundant. They can offer 2-5% of the loan amount as money for closing costs, some a 0% deferred second loans and/or forgivable after 3 years, for repeat buyers or first-time buyers, available for home with special features or special groups of people. Take one of my down payment classes and click here to see which programs for which you may qualify.

8. At the time of this writing, Kyle, Spicewood and Lago Vista are buyer's markets

9. We have a healthy level of inventory. This means you can be picky.

10. Moderate days on market means you can take some time to look around and decide.

11. Building codes changed and we're starting to see more townhomes and condos that offer cheaper pricing.

Every person's situation is unique. Let's have a complimentary buyer consultation to discuss things and find the right fit for you, even if it's renting longer. We’ll discuss what you want in a home, buying process, strategies for lower interest rates, strategies for lower closing costs, down payment and closing cost assistance programs, lenders, answer questions, etc. No pressure we can just start the conversation if you like and make a plan to get you ready to buy when the time is right.