Barbara Corcoran Says Uncertain Markets Are the Best Time to Buy a Home–Here’s Why
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 not alone.
But according to Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul who turned $1,000 into a multimillion-dollar business, this kind of market is exactly when savvy buyers make their move.
In a recent interview with Realtor.com®, Corcoran laid it out clearly: when uncertainty creeps in, most people hit pause. But for those ready to act, that’s when the best opportunities show up.
““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!” ”
In other words, while other buyers wait for “perfect,” smart buyers make moves.
So what exactly does that look like in actual reality? Here are three key signs that, according to Corcoran, mean it might be time to stop waiting and start shopping.
1. You Can Buy Below Market Value
Everyone loves a good deal. But when it comes to real estate, the best deals often appear when others aren’t looking. That’s because it’s your best chance to buy a home below market value.
As Corcoran puts it:
“Anything bought below market will prove a good investment, and you’ll make money on it when you sell it later.”
Right now, that opportunity is growing in some markets. According to Realtor.com's April 2025 Housing Report:
Inventory is up 30.6% year over year—the highest level since the pandemic.
Pending sales are down 3.2%, which means more listings are sitting unsold.
More sellers are dropping prices or becoming open to negotiation.
Translation? There are more homes to choose from, and many sellers are getting more flexible. That means buyers have more power to negotiate, whether it’s on price, repairs, or closing terms.
This isn’t about “timing the bottom” of the market. It’s about recognizing when the market tips in your favor, and being ready to take action when it does.
2. Sellers Are Coming Back to the Table
In hot markets, sellers often have their pick of buyers and can afford to play hardball. But now that dynamic is starting to shift.
“I’m happy to report that sellers who turned me away four months ago are calling me back,” Corcoran said.
When homes sit on the market longer than expected, sellers start to rethink their approach. That might mean they’re more willing to revisit previous offers or even accept terms they once dismissed.
For you as a buyer, this creates a real advantage. You might find:
Sellers willing to cover closing costs
More flexibility on repairs or move-in dates
Opportunities to negotiate credits or price reductions
When sellers are ready to listen, buyers can take their time, ask for what they need, and craft offers that work for their budget and lifestyle.
Corcoran’s advice? Don’t wait for a second invitation. If you find a home you love, be proactive. Reach out, make a reasonable offer, and see what comes back.
3. The Market Feels “Spooky”
You know that gut feeling when everything feels a little…off? Higher rates, political tension, and economic headlines make it easy to talk yourself out of buying when the vibe feels uncertain.
But according to Corcoran, those are exactly the moments she 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 analysis paralysis, waiting for the “perfect” rate, the “perfect” listing, or the “perfect” time. But in many cases, that wait turns into missed opportunities.
If you find a home you love, Corcoran says to trust your instincts, especially if you plan to keep it for more than a few years.
“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 long-term goals, and your lifestyle, then it might be the right move.
Decade after decade, home values tend to rise significantly. Over the past five years, Nashville home values have surged by approximately 84%, according to NeighborhoodScout, with the median price rising from $301,400 in 2019 to around $500,000 by 2024 (Axios).
Even if you feel like you’re “overpaying” in the short term, if you’re planning to stay in that home for a decade or more, equity growth can more than make up for it.
I’ll leave you with this: If you’re waiting for interest rates to drop or prices to fall, you could miss the window that buyers like Corcoran capitalize on. The best time to buy isn’t always when everything looks perfect. It’s often when others are sitting still.
Uncertainty doesn’t mean “don’t buy.” It means look closer. Opportunity could be hiding in plain sight.
Home Projects with the Highest Joy & ROI in 2025
If you've been debating whether to remodel your home or just live with the weird, we’ve got something for you to think about: the right updates can both boost your home's resale value and make you fall in love with your space all over again.
According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS®, Americans spent an estimated $603 billion in 2024 on home remodeling.
And those renos aren’t just for fun. With 46% of buyers today less willing to compromise on condition, your home's value could be riding on a few key upgrades.
But before you start knocking down walls or gutting your kitchen, here are the projects that give you the most bang for your buck and the biggest emotional payoff.
Highest Cost Recovery Projects in 2025
Let’s start with the financials. These remodeling projects deliver the best return on investment if you're planning to sell:
New Steel Front Door: 100% cost recovery
Closet Renovation: 83%
New Fiberglass Front Door: 80%
New Vinyl Windows: 74%
New Wood Windows: 71%
Basement Conversion to Living Area: 71%
Attic Conversion to Living Area: 71%
Complete Kitchen Renovation: 60%
Minor Kitchen Upgrade: 60%
Add New Bathroom: 56%
New Primary Suite: 54%
Bathroom Renovation: 50%
Even smaller updates, like painting a room or replacing worn-out fixtures, can make a big difference.
The Projects That Bring the Most Joy
Beyond dollars, there’s real value in how you feel living in your home. That’s where the Joy Score comes in—a 1 to 10 rating based on how happy homeowners were with their completed projects.
Here are the renovations that topped the charts for joy:
Added Primary Bedroom Suite: Joy Score: 10/10
Kitchen Upgrade: 10/10
New Roofing: 10/10
Bathroom Renovation: 9.8/10
Complete Kitchen Renovation: 9.7/10
Paint 1 Interior Room: 9.3/10
New Wood Flooring: 9.1/10
Basement Conversion to Living Area: 8.8/10
Paint Exterior Siding: 8.8/10
New Front Door: 7.5/10
New Siding: 7.3/10
Garage Door: 7/10
And the emotional impact doesn’t stop there:
64% of homeowners said they had a greater desire to be at home after remodeling
46% reported increased enjoyment in their home
55% felt a major sense of accomplishment when the project was finished
If cost weren’t a factor, 92% said they’d take on even more remodeling projects
Remodel Now, Enjoy Now—Sell for More Later
If you're not planning to sell tomorrow, that doesn’t mean these projects aren’t worth it. In fact, most homeowners (27%) remodeled simply to upgrade worn-out surfaces, and only 18% said they were remodeling because they plan to sell in the next two years.
In other words, smart improvements can serve double duty: making your home more functional and enjoyable today while also boosting future resale value.
Triple Threat: These 3 Rooms Can Make or Break a Home Sale
When it comes to selling your home, not all rooms are created equal.
In fact, there are three spaces that buyers pay the most attention to. And if you get them right, you’re more likely to get top dollar for your property.
According to the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Staging, the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen are the make-or-break spaces when it comes to staging.
Here’s how to make each one shine.
Why Staging These Rooms Matters
The 2025 NAR report reveals some pretty clear statistics about which rooms truly impact buyers' perceptions and offer decisions:
Living Room: 91% of sellers' agents stage this room, and 71% of buyers' agents rank it as very or somewhat important to stage.
Primary Bedroom: 83% of agents ensure this room is staged, with 71% of buyers' agents citing it as important to the buying decision.
Kitchen: While slightly fewer agents actively stage this area, 51% of buyers' agents say it influences buyers' perceptions.
Let’s face it: TV is partially to blame here. Nearly half of buyers (48%) expect homes to look as perfectly staged as what they see on HGTV. And 58% of buyers were disappointed when homes didn't meet those expectations. This means that going the extra mile to stage these three rooms isn't just about making it look nice, it's about aligning with buyer fantasies that are often rooted in media-driven perfection.
So, at this point, you may be wondering, “What’s the payoff?”
According to the report, staged homes not only sell faster but they can sell at least for 1% to 5% more than non-staged properties. For a $500,000 home, that’s potentially $25,000 more.
That doesn’t mean you have to go all out and hire a professional. Here are some simple things you can do before listing your home.
1. The Living Room: The First Impression Room
The living room is often the first space buyers see when they walk through the door. It’s where they imagine gatherings with family and friends, cozy nights in, and holiday celebrations. Here’s how to do it right:
Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove family photos, personal items, and excessive decor. You want a blank slate for the buyer to picture themselves in the space. Depersonalize so they can see themselves there.
Create a Conversation Area: Arrange furniture in a way that promotes conversation. Avoid pushing everything against the walls; instead, create a cozy, welcoming feel.
Neutralize the Color Palette: While bold colors can be fun, neutral tones have a broader appeal. Think soft grays, whites, and beiges.
Highlight Natural Light: Open the curtains, remove heavy drapes, and make sure the windows are clean. Natural light makes spaces feel bigger and more inviting.
2. The Primary Bedroom: The Sanctuary
For buyers, the primary bedroom represents rest, relaxation, and a personal retreat. Staging this room effectively helps them feel emotionally connected to the home.
Go Minimal: A cluttered bedroom feels smaller. Stick to essential furniture: a bed, two nightstands, and maybe a dresser. Less is more.
Layer with Soft Textiles: Add plush bedding, throw pillows, and a soft area rug to create a sense of comfort and luxury.
Neutral, Calming Colors: Shades of white, gray, and soft blues help buyers envision a peaceful escape.
Clear the Closets: Storage space is key. A half-empty closet looks bigger and suggests ample space for their belongings. Tell the story of clean, clutter-free home with lots of storage.
3. The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is where buyers imagine cooking family dinners, hosting friends, and gathering during the holidays. It’s also one of the biggest decision-making areas when it comes to making an offer.
Clean and Declutter: Clear countertops of unnecessary items. We shouldn’t see your blender, toaster, and coffee maker. Less is more. Again, tell a story of a clutter-free home with lots of storage.
Add Simple Accents: A bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers can bring life and warmth to the space.
Fix the Lighting: Ensure all lights are working and consider adding under-cabinet lighting to brighten dark corners.
Your Triple Threat Action Plan
Ready to implement this strategic approach? Here's a simplified checklist to get started:
Assess Current State: Evaluate each of your three key rooms objectively, perhaps taking photos to view them with fresh eyes.
Declutter Dramatically: Remove at least 50% more items than you think necessary from each space.
Deep Clean Everything: Invest in professional cleaning if budget allows.
Style Intentionally: Add back only items that enhance the space and allow for buyers to visualize themselves in it.
Remember: 29% of sellers' agents reported that staging increased offers, and 49% reported that staging decreased time on market. Those numbers translate to real dollars in your pocket and less stress during the selling process.
By focusing your efforts on the rooms that statistically matter most to buyers, you're maximizing your return on investment and positioning your home to stand out in today's competitive market.
Stressed About the Economy? Here’s What it Means for Buyers
A shrinking economy. Rising mortgage rates. Flatlining prices.
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in 2025, it’s not shocking that you’d feel like a puddle. For many buyers, the instinct right now is to wait it out. To see what happens before making a big move.
And the headlines don’t help:
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis just reported a 0.3% drop in GDP in Q1 2025, following a strong 2.4% gain at the end of 2024. It’s the kind of data point that makes people pause.
But smart buyers aren’t freezing. They’re asking the right questions. They’re gathering the data. And they’re making a plan.
A Simple 3-Step Plan for Buyers in 2025
If you’re on the fence about buying, here’s a clear, no-pressure way to think about your next step.
Step 1: Get Clear on What’s Actually Worrying You
A lot of buyers right now are saying the same thing:
“I think I just want to wait and see what happens with the economy. I don’t want to make a mistake.”
We get it. Buying a home is a major decision, and when the economy feels uncertain, it’s natural to question what comes next.
But instead of freezing, try asking yourself: What specifically is making me nervous?
Is it interest rates? Prices? Job security? Timing?
Once you pinpoint the real concern, it becomes easier to talk through your options and make decisions based on facts, not fear.
Step 2: Understand What the Market Is Actually Doing
Right now, many buyers assume that prices will crash or rates will suddenly drop. But that’s not what the data is showing.
According to the April 2025 housing report from Realtor.com, we’re seeing some shifts that benefit buyers:
Inventory in Nashville is up 31% year-over-year, giving you more choices and less competition.
18% of listings nationwide had price reductions in April, the highest share for any April since at least 2016. That’s a sign sellers are adjusting to buyer expectations.
Homes are sitting a little longer in Nashville, with a median of 37 days on the market, nine more than a year ago. This means you have more time to make decisions.
The Nashville median list price is holding steady at $590,00, and price per square foot is up just 3.8%. Values are stable, but growth is slowing.
In other words, this isn’t a repeat of 2008. In fact, in four of the last six recessions, home prices went up. And that creates a real opening for buyers who are paying attention, asking the right questions, and prepared to move strategically.
Now, let’s zoom in.
In Nashville, we currently have 3,866 homes for sale. That’s up from 3,279 last year.
We have a little more than 5 months of inventory, and in March (April data isn’t yet in), 892 listings saw price reductions.
These local trends matter just as much, if not more, than what’s happening nationally. Because even in an uncertain economy, real estate is always local.
Step 3: Build a Plan
No matter what your timeline is, planning is key.
If you are looking to buy within the next 18 months, you have two clear options:
Option 1: Create a 6–12 month plan where you rent, save, and watch the market closely.
Option 2: Explore what’s available right now and see if there’s an opportunity to buy with less competition while others are still hesitating.
Neither option is wrong. But you should talk with a lender (and us!) ASAP because knowledge is power.
We’ll leave you with this—it can be easy to let uncertainty take over when things feel unpredictable. But often, the smartest moves are made when we stay grounded in facts, focused on our goals, and open to possibility.