25 Experts Offer Homebuying Advice for 2025
How Should Homebuyers Navigate 2025?
Each new year, millions of renters resolve to finally become homeowners.
The turn of the calendar seems to offer new hope of finding a home, setting down roots, and building wealth.
But how to turn dreams into reality is often unclear, especially when it comes to homebuying.
That's why we tapped the expertise of 25 front-runners in the housing market — mortgage professionals, investors, real estate agents, and more — to help new homebuyers navigate unique challenges in this market.
Without further ado, here's your roadmap for 2025 homebuying.
1. Phil Ganz: Stash Cash
Phil Ganz is the president of Next Wave Mortgage and creator of the site Make Florida Your Home
With inflation impacting budgets, it’s more important than ever for buyers to focus on their monthly mortgage payment and ensure they have cash reserves after closing. Many first-time buyers overlook how much their savings are impacted after paying costs required to close on the home. Taking advantage of down payment assistance programs or negotiating for seller credits can help preserve savings, so you’re financially comfortable after the big purchase.
2. Alexandra Gupta: Keep Up On the Local Market
Alexandra Gupta is an NYC real estate agent at AG Property Advisors
As a homebuyer in 2025, it’s crucial to understand that rising interest rates may continue to impact monthly payments, so it’s important to lock in a favorable mortgage rate early. Focus on long-term affordability by considering not just the price of the home, but also ongoing costs like taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Additionally, stay informed about the local housing market trends and inventory levels, as supply constraints could keep competition high in certain areas. Finally, don’t forget to budget for potential future renovations, as many homes may require updates in order to meet modern standards.
3. Dan Smokoska: Focus on What You Can Control
Dan Smokoska is the Director of Sales and Growth at HousingWire
My biggest tip for buying a home in 2025? Stop worrying about the things you can’t control like rates and home prices. Instead, focus on what you can control: your credit score, down payment savings, and debt-to-income ratio. Remember, the market’s going to do what the market’s going to do, but building good financial habits and positioning yourself to buy will pay off regardless of rates or prices.
4. Colin Robertson: Negotiate Real Estate Commissions
Colin Robertson is the founder of one of the first mortgage websites, The Truth About Mortgage
Real estate agent commissions are negotiable but very few actually haggle over these fees. If you’re a prospective home buyer, be sure to put in the time to negotiate your agent’s fee.
They may tell you they’re not a “discount agent” or something to that effect, but given everything else is negotiated, why not the commission? For example, if they charge 2.5%, ask them to lower it to 2%. On a $400k home purchase it’s $2,000 in savings.
5. Craig Berry: Prepare Now, Even If Your Buying Timeline Is Far Off
Craig Berry is a loan originator and content creator on TikTok, Instagram, as well as on traditional media
Trying to time the housing market for a 2025 purchase can be risky, as market conditions are hard to predict. If mortgage rates drop, which may not happen until late 2025, it could bring more buyers into the market and drive prices up, leading to bidding wars. Even with lower rates, affordability might only improve slightly.
If you've found an affordable home that meets your needs, it may make sense to accept a higher rate now with the option to refinance later. But buying a home is a personal choice so waiting until later in 2025 may be best for you. In the meantime, work on improving your credit and finances and getting pre-approved. By using this time to prepare for your purchase, you can be ready when the right home comes along.
6. Philippa Main: Inventory Could Increase, Opening Opportunity for Buyers
Philippa Main has done over $100 million in real estate since 2017 and runs the site Your Main Agent
Home buying in 2025 is going to look quite different. Now that buyers have seen mortgage interest rates aren’t coming down as much or as fast as they hoped, and that we are past the major election cycle, buyers who have been waiting are likely to get off the fence.
While competition from other buyers could heat up, there is also an influx of inventory in a lot of areas. Sellers who have been trying to time the market and sell at the highest point have realized that it's now the right time. They are starting to put their homes on the market. Buyers can take advantage of this trend by having more room to negotiate on price, repairs, and other contract terms. But buyers should also mentally prepare that it might cost more to buy than it does to rent. They should think of it as a long-term instead of a short-term investment.
7. Adam Levitt: Look Beyond Turn-Key Homes
Adam Levitt is a National Renovation Sales Coach at Cross County Mortgage, LLC
What if there was a way potential buyers and current homeowners could finance repairs and upgrades into their mortgage? Many are unaware of the solution a renovation loan can be, for with properties that are outdated, in distressed condition, or in need major repairs. Because the loan settles first, and then the project begins, it’s also a great option for sellers who can’t or won’t make any repairs to the property.
8. Tim Lucas: The Old Days Are Gone. Move Forward With a New Plan
Tim Lucas is the editor of MortgageResearch.com and dabbles on TikTok and Reddit
The days of buying a single-family home with a yard and picket fence are over. Today's homebuyers must be way more creative to win in today's market. Buyers are faced with affordability challenges that haven't existed since at least 2006 and maybe even back to the early 1980s. Buyers must leverage every available tool.
Renovation loans allow a buyer to renovate an entire house with very little cash outlay, even for purely cosmetic reasons, without ever picking up a hammer.
Down payment assistance is also sorely underutilized. Many buyers qualify for some kind of assistance — sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars — through city, county, state, or federal agencies.
Other buyers will be comfortable renting out part of their house or even buying a duplex or triplex and renting out units they don't live in. The possibilities are endless, but too many homebuyers have too narrow a view of what homebuying can be.
Get creative in '25 and become a proud homeowner — your own way.
9. Odest Riley: Keep Your House Payment In Check
Odest Riley is the CEO of WLM Realty in Inglewood, Calif.
The #1 piece of advice I would give a buyer in 2025 is don't focus on the price of the home or the interest rate, focus on how much you can afford to pay monthly and still enjoy your life. Make sure your agent and your loan officer know your budget and qualify you for a house within that range. Who cares how low your interest rate is if you can't afford to eat?
10. Madison Sutton: Look For a Stepping Stone, Not a Dream Home
Madison Sutton is a licensed real estate agent with SERHANT in New York City and has a significant following on TikTok and Instagram
For homebuyers entering the 2025 market, I encourage thinking about the property as a stepping stone rather than seeking their dream. Seek potential, not perfection. Consider mixed-use properties or properties with untapped potential. These opportunities often offer better long-term value and can provide multiple income streams while you build equity.
11. Allan DeGuzman: Establish Relationships With Real Estate Experts
Allan DeGuzman is the founder and CEO of Home Purchasing Pros, a cash home-buying investment company based in New Jersey
In 2025, homebuyers need to be ready to think a little creatively and act quickly, so my best advice is to build a relationship with a local real estate expert early on — someone who knows where the value lies in a shifting market and can alert you to properties before they hit the general listings. Also, consider properties with potential rather than perfection. In today’s competitive market, a home that needs a little work can be a powerful opportunity. As a cash buyer myself, I’ve learned that having a flexible strategy often leads to the best deals and the biggest long-term rewards.
12. Cody Bjugan: Consider Buying Despite Challenging Affordability
Cody Bjugan is a top land development mentor, real estate developer and educator.
Not only do we have a housing shortage issue across America but we also have an affordability issue. If you look at the average household income versus the average house price, it's too big of a gap.
But homebuyers may not want to wait around for prices to drop in 2025. If rates go lower, homebuyers will jump into the market, increasing housing demand and pushing up home prices even further.
13. Ryan Barone: Start Reporting Rent Payments To Credit Bureaus
Ryan Barone is CEO and co-founder of RentRedi, a property management software firm
If you are currently renting, make sure you are reporting your on-time rent payments to the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax). It's surprising that this isn't done automatically, although a new law in California will require it. If your landlord doesn't offer this service, you can sign up for one on your own. Reporting 12 months of on-time rent payments can improve credit scores by up to 26 points, says TransUnion, with 60% of renters even seeing improvements after the first month according to RentRedi data. Higher credit scores may give prospective home buyers access to lower interest rates for home mortgages and other types of loans, as well as waive or reduce deposits to open utility or cell phone accounts.
14. Jeff Lichtenstein: Rising Inventory Will Create Opportunities
Jeff Lichtenstein is the CEO & Broker at Echo Fine Properties
Look for homes in places where inventory is rising. For example, the condo/townhome inventory in Palm Beach County, Florida, has swelled 75%. In September of 2023 there were 3,765 condos and townhomes on the market. Today there are over 6,600. We now have 7.6 months of inventory available versus 3.8 months in 2023.
With inventory rising, homeowners who have had their home on the market for a long time and people who NEED to sell will eventually set the market. Activity is only supposed to jump 5% nationwide with interest rates projected to end up at 5.99% by the end of the year. If that holds true and inventory continues to grow, look for some good buys early in the season. Be patient but strike early on homes in the best shape. Be much more patient if you are looking for a fixer-upper as the prices of the less desirable homes will drop more in the late spring.
15. Elizabeth Breston: Create a Written List
Elizabeth Breston is a professional real estate investor in Austin, Texas, and has owned, renovated and managed homes in four states. When she's not managing real estate ventures, she operates her blog Days In The Fifties
Finding the right home is like trying to capture a feeling — that moment when you walk through a door and you can already see your morning coffee spot.
But before you chase that feeling, there's the practical dance of numbers. I've found that getting pre-qualified for a mortgage and gathering quotes isn't just paperwork. It's permission to dream within boundaries. It's about knowing exactly where your comfort zone lies: how much you can spend, what you can put down, and what monthly payment won't keep you up at night.
When you're buying with someone else, it's like merging two different maps of home. Talk about what each person imagines. Sometimes, shifting the budget opens doors to possibilities you both want: a bigger yard, a quieter street, that extra bathroom that could prevent future arguments. Make lists, not just in your head, but on paper. When you're buying with someone else, compare these lists. You might be surprised at what matters most to each of you.
Pay attention to the things you can't change: the rhythm of street traffic, the way light fills rooms at different times of day, the sounds that drift in through windows. These are the elements that shape your daily life, the ones that matter more than fancy fixtures or fresh paint.
Before you get serious, spend a few weekends visiting open houses. Each home you walk through will teach you something about what you want and don't want. It's like trying on clothes - sometimes you don't know what fits until you're standing in front of the mirror.
16. Joseph Dionne: 3 Biggest Tips for Homebuyers
Joseph Dionne is a top 5% mortgage advisor nationally and co-founder of appli Home Loans
Here are my tips for 2025 homebuyers:
Know Your Credit and Improve It If Necessary: Your credit score plays a huge role in determining your mortgage rate. Start by reviewing your credit report for errors and paying down high-interest debt. Even a small improvement in your score can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
Plan for Flexibility in Your Budget: With interest rates fluctuating, it's important to set a realistic budget that accounts for changes in monthly payments. Use mortgage calculators and consult with a professional to understand how rising or falling rates might impact your affordability.
Consider Local Market Trends, Not Just National News: Real estate markets vary widely, so focus on local trends. A great deal in one city might not apply to another. Work with a mortgage professional who understands the nuances of your area.
17. Kurt Byers: Think Outside the Box
Kurt Byers is the Head of Industry & Business Development at New Western
Consider stepping out of your comfort zone to find your long-term home. The ugly house today can be your dream home in a few years.
Finding the right opportunity may not be through the traditional route with the traditional mortgage
Find an agent with expertise that aligns with your desired home profile, not just your friends' sister's cousin who dabbles in real estate.
Trying to time the market is harder than you think. Focus on finding a house you can be happy and comfortable in at a price you can afford
18. Robert Washington: Request a Credit From Your Agent if the Seller Is Paying Their Commission
Robert Washington is the founder of Savvy Buyers Realty
My advice for homebuyers in 2025 would be to do your due diligence on selecting your real estate agent. With the new requirements to sign Buyer Brokerage Agreements, buyers should interview multiple agents and negotiate their commission. Most buyers don’t realize that they can request a credit from their agent if the seller agrees to pay it. For example, if you plan to pay your agent 2% of the sales price, and the seller covers 1%, request that 1% as a credit toward closing costs.
19. Nina Gidwaney: Don’t Time the Market
Nina Gidwaney is the Head of Refinance & Home Equity at Chase Home Lending
Timing the market is difficult and nearly impossible to do. While we hope the Fed will continue to cut rates, this is also not guaranteed, and such shifts are often priced into mortgage rates. Lower interest rates can save prospective and experienced homeowners money, but they’re not the only factor affecting affordability. Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control as a prospective homebuyer, including your own financial preparedness for buying a home and learning about the mortgage process.
20. Ryan Leahy: Explore Seller Financing and Assumable Mortgages
Ryan Leahy is the CEO of MORE Seller Direct Financing
Homebuyers in 2025 should leverage creative financing options. With rising interest rates and market volatility, exploring alternatives like seller financing or assumable mortgages, temporary or permanent buydown options that can be paid for by the seller. These can offer significant cost savings and competitive rates. Additionally, focus on properties with high energy efficiency, as sustainability trends will impact long-term property value and utility savings. Finally, don't underestimate the power of a pre-approval from a local lender. Local listing agents do not trust national lenders will be able to close on time. The company you are pre-approved with matters to sellers and their agents in competitive markets.
21. Alexei Morgado: Know Your Absolute Maximum Price and Use It to Negotiate
Alexei Morgado is a Florida Realtor and founder of Lexawise, a real estate exam preparation platform
One thing I've learned being a Realtor in Florida: knowing your "red lines" — your absolute maximum price — is important in any given negotiation. It once allowed me to have a client who was on an extremely tight budget, and they could not go higher in price. That allowed them to dig their feet in during negotiation. Inquire into the seller: are they in a hurry or just testing the market? That fact is a great weapon in discussions. In the 2025 market, being informed and well-prepared will not be a luxury but a duty.
22. Seamus Nally: Eliminate Debt To Get a Better Deal
Seamus Nally is the CEO of TurboTenant
Take a look at your financial situation and start making improvements now. Work on eliminating as much debt as possible before starting your home buying journey in 2025, as well as increasing your credit score. These financial elements will have a major impact on not only your likelihood of getting approved for a mortgage loan, but the terms you are offered as well.
23. Alex Blackwood: Research Recent Comparable Sales to Determine a Fair Price
Alex Blackwood is the CEO and co-founder of real estate investment platform Mogul
Heading into 2025, prospective homebuyers should very carefully assess their wants and needs (their reason for purchasing a home), as well as their financial readiness before entering the market. Mortgage rates are trending downward and homebuyers likely won’t see the same supply in the market that we’ve seen of recent—creating more competition and potential bidding wars over properties.
Use market data to anchor your bids: research recent sales and comparable properties in the same area to determine whether a price is fair. Equally as important, you should always evaluate the financial fundamentals of the property, such as its long-term value, potential appreciation and any expected costs. Whether you’re buying as an investment property or a primary residence, have a plan that accounts for broader market shifts to ensure you’re prepared for any scenario.
24. Austin Rulfs: Stay Patient and Flexible
Austin Rulfs is the Director at Zanda Wealth Mortgage Brokers
In a market where competition is strong, a solid pre-approval improves your chances of an accepted offer. Team with a knowledgeable real estate agent. A competent Realtor can reveal local market trends and assist you in finding possible value in houses you might pass by. Finally, stay patient and keep open to fresh ideas. Being flexible can provide more possibilities since the ideal house could not be the one you first see.
25. Andy Saintilus: Consider Renting Out Part of Your New Home
Andy Saintilus is the Acquisition Manager at We Buy Doors
My advice to homebuyers going into 2025 is to stay vigilant. The cost of owning a home has increased tremendously, especially in specific markets with rising insurance and tax costs.
Interest rates remain the biggest hindrance to owning a home, but many sellers are open to negotiation while rates are still relatively high. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on a house slightly out of your budget. Start by checking for homes that have been on the market for a while. I also encourage exploring areas outside popular markets, as prices are often more favorable.
To help with affordability, consider renting out rooms or a section of your home on Airbnb. You could create a dedicated space in your home for people to shoot and record content, charging by the hour. There are even companies that allow you to rent out your swimming pool. These options can offset your monthly housing costs.
Time to Put a Plan in Action
You've heard from today's leading housing experts. Now it's time to put your plan together. A good first step is making a list of must-haves in a home. Then request a pre-approval from a lender. See if homes in your price range meet your must-have list.
If not, it's time to get creative. As many have mentioned, buyers who can think outside the box will win in 2025. Learn about renovation loans, down payment assistance, zero-down programs, and affordable areas.
It's your year to become a homeowner. The only question is, will you take the necessary steps to make it happen?
With the knowledge shared above, there's nothing stopping you from making this lifelong dream a reality. You can start here with a 1-minute questionairre.
