BuyersSellers February 6, 2026

Should I Sell Now or Wait Until Rates Drop?

If you own a home in Los Angeles or Ventura County, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at least once (or about once a week): Should I sell now—or wait until interest rates come down?

It’s a fair question. It’s also one of the most misunderstood ideas in real estate today. Let’s cut through the noise and get honest.


The Big Myth: “When Rates Drop, Everything Gets Better”

Here’s the hard truth: lower interest rates don’t automatically make selling easier—or more profitable.

Yes, lower rates can bring more buyers into the market. But they also do something else that rarely gets talked about:

👉 They bring more competition.

When rates drop:

  • More homeowners decide to sell
  • More listings hit the market at the same time
  • Buyers suddenly have more choices

That usually means longer negotiations, tighter pricing, and less control for sellers—not more.


What’s Actually Happening Right Now

In today’s market:

  • Buyers are cautious—but serious
  • Inventory is still relatively tight in many LA & Ventura County neighborhoods
  • Well-priced, well-prepared homes are selling

The sellers who are winning right now aren’t waiting on the Fed. They’re pricing correctly, preparing smartly, and negotiating from a position of clarity—not hope.


The Real Question You Should Be Asking

Instead of asking “Will rates drop?” (because no one knows for sure), ask:

“If I wait, what changes for me personally?”

Consider:

  • Are you carrying a mortgage, taxes, insurance, or maintenance costs?
  • Are you planning to buy another home—and could today’s pricing offset today’s rates?
  • Would selling now simplify your life, timeline, or finances?

Real estate decisions should be based on your numbers and your goals, not headlines.


Why Waiting Can Backfire

Many homeowners choose to wait—and then run into one of these scenarios:

  • More competing listings flood the market
  • Buyers become more aggressive with negotiations
  • The home ends up selling for less after months of carrying costs

Ironically, the attempt to “wait for a better market” often creates a weaker negotiating position, not a stronger one.


So… Should You Sell Now or Wait?

Here’s the honest answer:

✔️ If your home is priced right and prepped properly, selling now can absolutely make sense.
✔️ If your plan depends entirely on rates dropping, that’s not a strategy—it’s a gamble.

The smartest sellers aren’t timing the market perfectly. They’re making informed, local, numbers-based decisions.


Final Thought

The market doesn’t reward hesitation—it rewards clarity.

If you’re thinking about selling and want a straight answer based on your home, your neighborhood, and your goals, that conversation is worth having sooner rather than later.

No pressure. No hype. Just real guidance.

Because waiting for “someday” is usually the most expensive option of all.