Why Barbara Corcoran Says Now Is the Best Time to Buy

Mortgage rates are still high. Prices keep climbing. And the Fed isn’t exactly handing out discounts. If you’re feeling hesitant about buying a home right now, you’re definitely not alone.

But according to Barbara Corcoran—real estate mogul and one of the sharpest minds in the game—this kind of market is exactly when savvy buyers make their move.

In a recent interview with Realtor.com®, Corcoran put it plainly: when uncertainty creeps in, most people hit pause. But for those ready to act, that’s when the best opportunities tend to appear.

“When things are uncertain, buyers hesitate before committing to a new home—they might be worried about the stock market, politics, or interest rates, but when they worry, they hesitate to move. That makes uncertain markets the best time to buy!” —Barbara Corcoran

In other words: while most people are sitting on the sidelines, smart buyers are stepping up.

So what does that actually look like in real life? Here are the three key signs Corcoran watches for—and why they might be telling you it’s time to stop waiting and start looking.

1. You Can Buy Below Market Value

Everyone loves a deal. But in real estate, the best deals usually show up when others aren’t paying attention. That’s your chance to buy a home below market value.

Corcoran puts it like this:

“Anything bought below market will prove a good investment, and you’ll make money on it when you sell it later.”

And right now, there might be an opening. According to Realtor.com’s April 2025 Housing Report:

• ⬆️ Inventory is up 30.6% year over year—the highest since the pandemic
• ⬇️ Pending sales are down 3.2%, meaning more listings are sitting unsold
• More sellers are dropping prices or opening the door to negotiation

Translation: buyers have more options and more leverage. That might mean a better price, repair credits, flexible terms… or all of the above.

This isn’t about timing the market perfectly. It’s about spotting when the odds shift in your favor—and being ready to move when they do.

2. Sellers Are Coming Back to the Table

In a red-hot market, sellers call the shots. But when homes sit longer than expected? That dynamic starts to change.

“I’m happy to report that sellers who turned me away four months ago are calling me back,” Corcoran said.

That change of heart can be a major advantage for buyers. You might find sellers who are now open to:

• Covering closing costs
• Being flexible on move-in dates or repairs
• Accepting terms they would’ve dismissed just a few months ago

When sellers start listening, buyers gain power. You don’t have to rush. You can craft offers that work for you.

Corcoran’s take? Don’t wait for a second invite. If you find a home that checks your boxes, reach out. Make a thoughtful offer. See what happens.

3. The Market Feels “Spooky”

You know that weird feeling when the headlines get heavy and everything feels a little off? High rates. Political noise. Economic tension. That “should I wait this out?” energy?

That’s exactly when Corcoran leans in.

“When the market is uncertain, as it is now, I realize that’s a signal that I should be out there buying property, and that’s exactly what I do.

“In the spooky economic and political market we’re experiencing, there are great deals to be had—you just have to get off your butt and make an offer!”

It’s easy to get stuck in overthinking mode—waiting for the perfect rate, the perfect house, the perfect time. But that wait can cost you.

Corcoran adds:

“I’ve overpaid for almost every piece of property I’ve bought. If I like it, I buy it, and I don’t live to regret it!

“The way I figure it, is if I fall in love with a property and what it has to offer, I assume there are three other people who want to outbid me, so I close the deal and move as fast as I can.”

If the home fits your needs, your lifestyle, and your longer-term plans, it might just be the right move.

And the truth is, time tends to reward homeowners. In San Diego County, for example, median sold prices have grown significantly over the past two decades:

• April 2005: $495,000
• April 2010: $330,000
• April 2015: $460,000
• April 2020: $605,000
• April 2025: $915,000

So yeah, you might feel like you’re paying more upfront—but if you’re planning to hold onto that home for 5, 10, or 15 years, there’s a good chance it pays off.

🧠Final Thought

📰f you’re waiting for the headlines to clear or interest rates to fall, just know: the window that smart buyers like Corcoran are watching? It might already be cracked open.

The best time to buy isn’t always when things look easy. It’s when others are frozen.

Uncertainty doesn’t mean “don’t buy.”

It means: look closer. 🔍👀

Thinking about making a move? Let’s connect. I’ll help you navigate this market with confidence, clarity, and zero pressure.

✨ Opportunity could be hiding in plain sight.