MMM-The ‘best’ time to buy real estate isn’t the same for everyone.

Confidence is missing, and that’s why the market feels flat.

The job market’s soft, affordability’s still stretched, and buyers don’t want to see prices drop after they buy. So activity slows. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to blindly “buy the fear.”

Low confidence isn’t a green light, it’s a signal to slow down and think strategically.

Here’s what that means depending on where you stand:

For buyers:

Don’t fall for the idea that just because others are scared, it’s your turn to jump in. Understand why confidence is missing and look for what could actually trigger a rebound in the area you want to buy. If you don’t know why confidence is missing - read last weeks newsletter. That’s where the real opportunity lies.

For investors:

Dig deeper than “prices are down.”
To be an investor, you need a thesis, an opinion - a reason that supports long-term growth or decline in that market or asset type. Without one, you’re not investing - you’re just observing.

For refinancing:

Ask yourself: what’s the game plan?
Are you freeing up cash, lowering payments, or re-leveraging for growth? Refinancing only makes sense when it aligns with a clear strategy.

The takeaway

Confidence is low, but it’s low for a reason.
This isn’t the time to react, it’s the time to plan.