It’s Not You, It’s the Rates: Why Homes Are Taking a Bit Longer to Sell Right Now

If your home’s been sitting on the market a little longer than you'd hoped, you’re probably asking: “Is something wrong with my house?”

Let me go ahead and answer that for you:

Nope. It’s not you. It’s the interest rates.

We’re living in a market where a lot of today’s buyers are staring at numbers they’ve never seen before.

A Whole New World (of Interest Rates)

For the last several years, buyers were spoiled. We were living in the golden era of 2% and 3% interest rates. People were buying houses faster than you could put a “For Sale” sign in the yard. In some cases, buyers weren’t even blinking before making an offer. They just dove in.

Now? Not so much.

Rates have crept into the 6s and 7s... and sometimes 8s, and for some folks, that feels like climbing Mount Everest with a backpack full of doubt.

The truth is, most shoppers today have never experienced borrowing money at these rates. They’re not saying no to your home... they’re just taking a little longer to say yes to anything.

What This Means for Sellers in Northeast Alabama

You may notice fewer showings than you expected. Offers might take longer to roll in. And when they do, they could come in with a little more negotiation attached.

Does this mean you won’t sell? Absolutely not.

It just means the market is a little more cautious than it was two years ago. Buyers are running the numbers twice (and maybe calling their dad to explain how mortgages work). They're making sure every dollar spent really counts. And because financing costs more, they’re being picky.

That’s not a rejection of your home—it’s just economic reality.

So What Can You Do?

You don’t have to lower your price right away or throw in a riding lawn mower to sweeten the deal (unless you really want to). But it does mean having the right pricing strategy from the start matters more than ever. So does presentation, flexibility, and—let’s be honest—a Realtor who knows how to adapt and market effectively in a shifting market.

This isn’t 2021. Houses aren’t flying off the shelves in 24 hours with 12 offers. And that’s okay.

We're just in a market where patience and preparation pay off.

Don’t Panic—Be Strategic

If your home is clean, well-presented, and priced right for today’s buyers, it will sell. It might just take a little more time and a little more finesse.

That’s where I come in. I’ll help you navigate the new normal, attract serious buyers, and make sure your listing stands out—rates and all.

Thinking about selling? I’d love to show you what’s happening in your specific neighborhood and how we can work together to get your home sold—on your timeline, with real results.

Contact me