Stop Waiting for Perfect Rates—Let’s Talk Real Life Home Buying
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to magically drop, it might be time for a mindset shift.

Stop Waiting for Perfect Rates—Let’s Talk Real Life Home Buying
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to magically drop, it might be time for a mindset shift.
This week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate nudged up again—now sitting at 6.89%. And while that number might feel discouraging, here’s the truth: rates have been hovering in this range for a while, and there’s no solid reason to believe we’re heading back to the 3% range any time soon.
But here’s what I tell buyers every day—it’s not just about the rate. It’s about the total picture.
Let’s break it down:
🔹 At 6.89%, a $400,000 home with 20% down comes to a monthly mortgage payment of about $2,105. With 10% down, that jumps to $2,369. Yes, it's a big chunk. But that's just the mortgage.
🔹 What about insurance? HOA dues? Property taxes? Maintenance? These are just as important when deciding what fits your budget.
🔹 And don’t forget—home prices are still rising. While some buyers are hesitating, others are locking in their home and building equity.
Here’s the kicker: a small change in your interest rate won’t change your life—but missing out on the right home could.
What Can You Do Right Now?
✅ Get Clear on Your Budget – Look at your total monthly payment, not just the mortgage rate.
✅ Shop Around – Not all lenders offer the same rate. Getting multiple quotes can save you thousands over the life of your loan.
✅ Ask Questions – Whether it's down payment assistance, closing costs, or monthly expenses, don’t be afraid to dig into the details.
That’s what I’m here for.
We may not have control over the rates, but we do have control over how we prepare. Let’s stop chasing “perfect” timing and start building a plan that works in this market.
Because at the end of the day, homeownership isn’t about the rate—it’s about creating the life you want.
Let’s talk when you're ready.
Michelle Roberts is a trusted REALTOR® since 2007 helping families buy and sell real estate across Coastal North Carolina. As the founder of Reignited Real Estate, Michelle is known for her commitment to service, ethics, and community-driven solutions. She specializes in residential homes, land, and affordable housing—and proudly represents Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity in transactions pro bono. Michelle has served on the Cape Fear REALTORS® Board of Directors and led the “100 Homes in 100 Counties” initiative, investing nearly $2 million into affordable housing across the state. Whether you're buying your first home, exploring investment property, or navigating land development, Michelle offers unmatched local knowledge and a heart for helping others.
Serving Coastal North Carolina real estate buyers and sellers in: Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Leland, Southport, Calabash, Bolivia, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Jacksonville, Hampstead, Holly Ridge. Surf City, Topsail Beach and beyond.
📍 Workforce Housing Specialist | Military Relocation Specialist | Graduate REALTOR® Institute | At Home with Diversity | C2EX | Luxury Housing Specialist | e-Pro | Accredited Buyers Agent
📞 Let’s connect:
www.michelleroberts.realtor
