Jeni VanOrnum | Real Estate Insights & Education

“Should I wait?” was the most common question I heard in 2023.

Higher interest rates created hesitation, but waiting didn’t always protect buyers—it often delayed progress.

Why Buyers Hesitated

Many first-time buyers focused solely on rates, overlooking rising rents and lost equity.

Why Others Moved Forward

Buyers who acted strategically benefited from:

• Seller concessions
• Reduced competition
• More thoughtful decision-making

The Better Question

Instead of asking “Is now a bad time?” ask “Am I financially and emotionally prepared?”

Preparation—not prediction—defined success in 2023.