Blog Post Date July 28, 2025
By Don Almeida- Mortgage Expert and President of Happy Home Mortgage
Homeowners across the U.S. are experiencing record-breaking equity gains, even as home sales slow in many markets. That may sound surprising—but it’s great news for buyers, too. High equity means homeownership continues to be a powerful wealth-building tool, and that opportunity is still very much alive for first-time buyers. Buying a home today puts you on the path to long-term gains, just like those benefiting now.
While prices remain elevated in some areas, the housing market is finally shifting toward balance. Sellers no longer have the full upper hand. More homes are sitting longer on the market, and bidding wars have eased. That means buyers are gaining negotiating power—not just on price, but on seller-paid closing costs, inspections, and even interest rate buydowns. These are the kinds of wins that were hard to come by just a year or two ago.
Another reason buyers should stay alert? Mortgage rates. While current rates hover near 6.475%, experts say that a drop to 5.99% could spark a massive wave of new demand—and rising prices along with it. Waiting might not pay off. By buying now, you can lock in before the next competitive surge and potentially refinance later if rates fall. Meanwhile, you’re already building equity from day one.
Inventory is also improving. Across the country, listings are up, giving buyers more options and time to make thoughtful decisions. More inventory also means pricing pressure is softening in many neighborhoods—making this an ideal window for buyers to enter the market without the stress of intense competition.
It’s also worth noting the long-term financial upside of homeownership. Unlike renting, owning a home builds wealth automatically through equity growth and value appreciation. Many current owners are sitting on tens or even hundreds of thousands in gains—just for having bought and held their homes over time. That’s a future today’s buyers can step into now.
In short, this market offers something we haven’t seen in a while: opportunity. Opportunity to negotiate, to pick the right home, and to build wealth over time. For buyers willing to act now, it’s a chance to get ahead of the next wave. The smart move? Compare your options, talk to a mortgage pro, and see what today’s market can offer you.
đź“š Sources:
- National Association of Realtors Magazine: “Homeowners Enjoy Record Equity Gains Even Amid Slowing Sales”
- The Mortgage Reports: “Good News for Buyers: It’s No Longer a Seller’s Market”
- Realtor.com: “Homeowners Sitting on $34.7 Trillion in Equity”
- NAR Magazine: “What Mortgage Rate Will Get More Buyers Moving?”
- Redfin Data Center: Market trends and shifting buyer leverage
- NY Post: “Here’s the Mortgage Rate That Will Push Americans to Buy”
