# Rates increase! Now what?

By Dan Bardenhagen (@danbardenhagen) · Published 2026-09-29

Canonical: https://voce.com/@danbardenhagen/rates-increase-6dz44n

---

When the pace of homebuying shifts, it's easy to feel like the door is closing. In 25 years as a loan officer, I've watched this exact moment before, and a changing market often restores a buyer's quiet advantage. A slower pace does not mean closed. It means more room to breathe, choose, and get it right.

#### Key Takeaways

-   A calmer market can restore a buyer's leverage, not erase it.
-   Housing inventory has grown, giving you more homes to compare.
-   Less competition can mean more time to negotiate and do your homework.

## Why a Slower Market Can Work in Your Favor

A change in pace changes the whole game. When buyers step back, sellers adapt, and the pressure that once pushed you to act quickly begins to fade. That gives you something you may not have felt in years: time. Time to compare, time to ask questions, and time to feel confident before you commit.

![A real estate agent showing an interested couple around a home on Maui during a house tour, the homebuyers taking time to ask questions](https://media.istockphoto.com/id/1448623836/photo/adult-caucasian-male-real-estate-agent-showing-the-rooms-to-the-interested-diverse-couple.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=42y5kCHuIvjVGnVIP2usXCAEvhXGXynJlYFQX2l82rk=)

## More Homes to Choose From

Inventory is finally growing. [Housing supply data](https://www.uspropertystats.com/housing-inventory) shows the number of homes for sale has climbed compared with a year earlier, with available supply easing toward a more balanced range. More homes on the market means less competition for each one, and less competition typically gives you a steadier, calmer path to a home you genuinely love.

## Room to Breathe and Negotiate

With less pressure comes more room to take your time. A slower market can mean sellers are more open to working with you on the details that matter, whether that's the terms of the contract or a timeline that fits your move. It also creates space to do your homework: the inspection, the title review, the neighborhood research that protects your confidence. Buyers who use that time well tend to feel far more settled in their decision.

## The Opportunity in Patience

No two markets are identical, and every buyer's situation is unique. What holds true today is that a calmer environment can favor the thoughtful buyer. If you have been waiting for the pressure to lift, this may be the moment worth watching. Let's talk about your goals and map a path forward that fits where you want to be.

Dan Bardenhagen, Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 653667 Northpointe Bank, Kihei, HI

All loans are subject to credit review and approval. This is not a commitment to lend. Other terms and conditions may apply.