Should You Wait for Interest Rates to Drop? The Truth No One Is Telling You

December 15, 20253 min read

Should You Wait for Interest Rates to Drop? The Truth No One Is Telling You

Hi, I’m John Meier with Westplex Real Estate, and if you’ve been wondering whether you should wait for interest rates to drop before buying a home…
You’re not alone.
This is the question almost every buyer asks me.

And here’s the honest truth that most people won’t tell you:

👉 Waiting for rates to drop usually costs buyers more than buying now.

Let me explain why in simple, real-world terms.

1. Rates Might Not Drop as Much as You Think

A lot of buyers are waiting for rates to go back to 3% or 4%.
But those days were the most unusual, temporary market in history.

Rates might dip a little…
But experts agree they won’t crash back down to pandemic levels.

If you're waiting for something that may never return, you’re not waiting
You’re pausing your life.

2. When Rates Do Drop, Competition Explodes

Let’s say rates fall even a little from the high 6s to the low 6s, or from the low 7s into the 6s.

Here’s what happens immediately:

  • Thousands of buyers re-enter the market

  • More offers

  • Faster bidding wars

  • Prices go up

So yes, you might get a lower rate…
But you’ll likely pay more for the house.

In the end, the monthly payment often ends up about the same or sometimes higher.

3. Buying Now Can Actually Save You Money

When you buy now:

  • There’s less competition

  • Sellers are more flexible

  • You may get seller concessions

  • You might negotiate repairs or closing costs

These things disappear when the market heats up again.

Plus and this is key
👉 You can always refinance later.

You can’t go back in time and re-buy the house at a cheaper price.

4. The Real Question Isn’t About Rates It’s About YOU

Most people think interest rates determine whether they should buy.
But the real questions are:

  • Is your job stable?

  • Do you have a comfortable monthly budget?

  • Do you need more space?

  • Are you tired of renting?

  • Are you paying someone else’s mortgage?

  • Are you planning for the next 5–10 years?

If the home fits your life and your budget
that’s your green light.

Not a headline.
Not a rate prediction.
Not a guess.

The Bottom Line

Here’s the truth:

👉 Waiting on interest rates is gambling.
👉 Buying based on your life and budget is strategy.

If rates drop, you refinance.
If prices rise, you’ll be glad you bought when you did.

The smartest move in real estate is the move that works for your life today not what the market might do tomorrow.

Let’s Build a Smart Plan Together

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to make the right decision, I’m here to help you make a confident, informed move.

📞 Call me at (636) 242-5365
✉️ Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: johnmeiersells.com

I’ll walk you through the numbers, the timing, and the strategy so you make the best move for you.

Make it a great day!
John Meier
Westplex Real Estate

John Meier is a trusted real estate professional serving Warrenton, Wright City, and the greater Warren County area. With a deep understanding of local market trends and a commitment to helping clients achieve their homeownership goals, John provides expert guidance and honest advice for buyers and sellers alike.

John Meier

John Meier is a trusted real estate professional serving Warrenton, Wright City, and the greater Warren County area. With a deep understanding of local market trends and a commitment to helping clients achieve their homeownership goals, John provides expert guidance and honest advice for buyers and sellers alike.

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