Buying a Home in 2025: Smart Moves in a Shrinking Economy

Buying a Home in 2025: Smart Moves in a Shrinking Economy

🏠 Should you wait or buy now? Let’s break down the facts for 2025 buyers in Vancouver WA and beyond.

📉 The Market Feels Uncertain—but That Doesn’t Mean You Should Freeze

The U.S. economy is cooling down. GDP dropped in Q1, mortgage rates are hovering around 6.5%, and headlines warn of a possible 2025 recession.

So, should you hold off on buying a home?

Not necessarily. Smart buyers are still making moves—they’re just being strategic.

💡 Step 1: Pinpoint What’s Really Making You Hesitate

When I speak to homebuyers in Vancouver WA, the biggest fear is making a mistake. But not all fear is equal.

Ask yourself:

• Am I concerned about mortgage rates?

• Worried about job security or home values dropping?

• Unsure if I’ll qualify for the right loan?

➡️ Pro Tip: The clearer you are about your fear, the easier it is to tackle with real data—not media noise.

📊 Step 2: Understand What’s Actually Happening in the Market

According to the April 2025 Realtor.com report:

• Inventory is up 30.6% year-over-year

• 18% of homes had price drops, the highest April reduction rate since 2016

• Homes are spending a median of 50 days on market

• Prices are stable: median list price = $431,250 (up just 1.1%)

💭 Takeaway: This isn’t 2008. In 4 of the last 6 U.S. recessions, home values increased. The market may feel shaky, but it’s holding steady.

🛠️ Step 3: Build a Strategy That Works for You

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizer, or planning a real estate investment in Vancouver WA, here are two options:

✅ Option 1: Rent + Watch + Prepare

• Build savings

• Boost credit score

• Research loan programs like FHA 3.5% down or first-time buyer grants in WA

✅ Option 2: Shop Now + Negotiate Hard

• Take advantage of less buyer competition

• Look for price drops or motivated sellers

• Get seller credits for closing costs or repairs

📍 What’s Happening Locally in Vancouver WA?

Here’s your Clark County 2025 real estate snapshot:

• Listings are up 7% YoY

• Homes stay on the market an average of 65 days

• Pending sales dipped slightly—but prices have held

🏡 Real estate is hyper-local. Vancouver is still attracting buyers from Portland, Seattle, and out-of-state. If you're here long-term, it's still a smart market.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fear Be the Boss

Economic headlines are scary. But remember:

• Fear thrives on generalizations. Strategy thrives on facts.

• The best time to buy? When it aligns with your goals.

• Waiting without a plan is riskier than moving with clarity.

👉 Need a 2025 game plan tailored to your goals?

Let’s chat. I’ll help you run the numbers, explore your options, and create a strategy that works—even in a weird economy.