Two Questions Every Serious Homebuyer Needs to Answer Before Year-End

Whether you’re hoping to buy a home before the end of 2025 or are planning ahead for 2026, now is the time to take a hard look at your next move. Market conditions across Greater Boston and the South Shore continue to shift—inventory levels are climbing in some towns, rates remain volatile, and motivated sellers are increasingly open to negotiation.

Before making any big decisions, every serious buyer should ask themselves two simple questions.

1. What’s It Costing Me to Wait?

Many buyers hesitate because they’re waiting for prices to drop—or rates to fall. But in some cases, the cost of waiting outweighs the benefit. For example, a small increase in mortgage rates or a jump in home values can significantly impact monthly payments.

In towns like Hingham, Cohasset, and Hanover, even a 0.25% rate change can shift affordability by hundreds of dollars per month. Understanding your buying power today versus six months from now is key to making a confident decision.

2. What’s Stopping Me from Making an Offer?

Sometimes, hesitation comes down to fear of overpaying or uncertainty about timing. But the truth is: opportunities are out there for prepared buyers.

You can negotiate a great deal in this market—with the right strategy, timing, and representation. Our team has helped clients across the South Shore, Boston, and Cape Cod secure favorable terms through creative offers, inspection flexibility, and relationship-driven negotiations.

The buyers who win right now are the ones willing to look past headlines and focus on strategy. 

The Bottom Line

It might make sense to wait. It might not. The only way to know for sure is to evaluate your personal situation.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, let’s talk through your options before the year ends. With fewer than 90 days left in 2025, this is a great time to prepare, position yourself for the right opportunity, and move confidently into 2026.