The most common questions being asked by realtors and clients

Almost a week into the new year and here is my answers to the most common questions being asked by realtors and clients:

1. Why now can be a good time for buyers?

- Not because it’s “cheap” but because it’s calmer.
- Less competition = more negotiating power (price, conditions, possession, repairs)
- Buyers can structure the mortgage properly instead of rushing decisions
- Rates aren’t at the bottom, but they’re off the highs and more predictable
- Many sellers are realistic again, which creates opportunity
- The buyers winning right now are patient, educated, and flexible on structure, not timing the absolute bottom.

2. What I’m offering sellers facing renewals?

• Renewals are where most money is being lost right now.

What’s working:

• Early renewal planning (contacting 3 - 6 months out, providing rate holds when possible to protect against rate increases)
• Shorter term fixes (1–3 year terms) to manage payment shock
• Blended strategies: part fixed, part variable, or staged renewals (eg. segment in 3yr Fixed, another segment in 4yr Fixed)
• Re-amortization + lump-sum planning to regain cash flow without panic selling (usually means switching out clients from current lender)
• Many sellers don’t need to sell. They need better structure and advice.

3. What’s actually moving the needle for clients?

• Strategy beats rate right now.

 What’s helping:

• Mortgage structure first, rate second
• Aligning mortgage term length with life plans (job change, upsizing, downsizing)
• Using prepayment strategies intentionally, not emotionally
• Stress-testing payments before committing
• Planning for 2026–2029, not just the next 12 months
• Clients who win are thinking ahead and not reacting to headlines.

4. What buyers & sellers should be thinking about going into this next cycle?

• This is a transition market, not a boom or bust.

Buyers should think:

• “Can I live with this payment long-term?”
• “Do I have flexibility if rates move either way?”
• “Am I buying something I can hold?”

Sellers should think:

• “Is my mortgage optimized, or just renewed?”
• “Am I selling because I want to or because I’m unsure?”
• “What does my next housing move actually look like?”
• What should buyers and sellers be thinking about as we step into this next cycle?
• The next cycle will reward planning, not prediction.

To sum it up:

2026 isn’t about timing the market, it’s more about positioning yourself correctly inside it.
As per the advice I have always provided, I want to take care of clients current and possible future needs with the best product and strategy.
This approach has not always won me the business but has won me the clients respect, trust and repeat clients & referrals for future business.