I was born in 1964 which is the last year of the baby boomer generation. Are you a baby boomer contemplating a move? You're not alone. As a generation born between 1946 and 1964, you've witnessed the ebbs and flows of the housing market for decades. Perhaps you're considering downsizing after the kids have flown the nest, or maybe you're eyeing a new investment property to diversify your portfolio. Whatever the reason, the real estate landscape has changed dramatically over the years, and it's essential to stay updated to make informed decisions.

The Current Housing Climate in Maryland
As we march further into 2023, a few trends dominate the housing market in Maryland. Baby Boomers make up around 39% of homerbuyers. High interest rates continue to have a significant impact on the real estate market, affecting both buyers and sellers in various ways. As of this writing, the average interest rate in Maryland is 7.75%. Understanding these effects is crucial for making informed decisions whether you're looking to buy a home, sell one, or invest in property.

Why Now Could Be the Right Time to Buy a Home
Buying a home when interest rates are high might seem counterintuitive at first glance. After all, higher rates mean more money spent over the lifetime of a mortgage. However, there are some potential benefits and strategic advantages to making a real estate purchase under such conditions. Here are some to consider:

Reduced Competition
When interest rates are high, fewer people are looking to buy homes. This reduced competition can make it easier for you to negotiate a better price with sellers, who may be more motivated to close a deal. Less competition could also mean fewer bidding wars, which can drive up the price of a home substantially in a hot market.

Better Inventory
With fewer people in the market for a new home, you're likely to have a narrow, but better selection of properties to choose from. This can be particularly useful if you have specific needs or desires, such as a particular layout, location, or set of amenities.

Potential for Future Refinancing
Buying when rates are high offers the opportunity for significant savings down the line should rates drop. Refinancing at a lower rate in the future could reduce your monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

Market Timing
In some cases, high interest rates can coincide with other market factors that could make it a good time to buy, such as lower home prices or a buyer's market. If you can negotiate a good purchase price, the impact of higher interest rates may be partially or fully offset.

Investment Perspective
If you view your home as a long-term investment, buying at a time when interest rates are high, but property values are depressed might make sense. Real estate often appreciates over time, and you might find that the long-term gain outweighs the short-term cost of higher interest payments.

Tax Deductions
The interest paid on a home mortgage is generally tax-deductible in the U.S., which can offset some of the financial burden of higher interest rates. While tax laws are subject to change, this has been a staple in the American tax code for a while.

Locking in a Fixed Rate
If you're concerned that interest rates will continue to rise, purchasing a home now with a fixed-rate mortgage can provide stability. Your rate will remain constant, even if rates go up in the future.

Improved Negotiating Power
Sellers aware of the high interest rates may be more willing to make concessions, like covering closing costs or making improvements to the property, to secure a sale. This can give you more leverage during negotiations.

Why Now Could Be the Right Time to Sell
Selling a home when interest rates are high may not be the conventional wisdom, but there are specific advantages that could make this an opportune time for you, especially as a baby boomer who who might be eyeing retirement in the near future. Here are some benefits to consider:

Lower Inventory, Higher Demand
In a high-interest-rate environment, the number of people putting their homes on the market often decreases, leading to lower inventory. While there might be fewer buyers due to the higher costs of borrowing, those who are in the market are often very motivated. This can result in a more straightforward, quicker sale process, which could be a plus if you're looking to downsize or move to kickstart your retirement plans.

Strong Negotiating Position
With fewer homes on the market, sellers can often command higher prices and better terms. You might find that buyers are more willing to meet your conditions, whether that's a faster closing date, no contingency clauses, or even higher earnest money deposits.

Capitalize on Home Equity
If you've lived in your home for many years, chances are you've built up significant equity. Selling now could allow you to cash in on that equity, providing you with a substantial down payment for a smaller, more manageable home, or even to invest in income-generating opportunities. This could be particularly valuable as you approach retirement.

Opportunity to Downsize
High interest rates might make larger, more expensive homes less appealing to buyers, but smaller, more affordable properties may still be in high demand. If you're looking to downsize, you could benefit from selling your current home at a relatively high price and purchasing a smaller one where the cost impact of higher interest rates may be less significant.

Tax Benefits
As a baby boomer, you may be eligible for certain tax exemptions when selling your home, particularly if you've lived in it for a number of years. The tax-free capital gain (up to $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly could be a significant financial boon at a time when you're looking toward retirement.

Liquidity and Financial Flexibility
By selling your home in a high-interest-rate environment, you may benefit from increased liquidity (cash on hand), allowing you more financial freedom. This can be especially useful if you're nearing retirement and want to diversify your investments or allocate funds toward travel, healthcare, or other expenses.

Timing for Your Next Phase
Now might be an appropriate time to reassess your living situation. Selling now could provide you with the resources and time to plan your next phase, be it relocation, investment in other assets, or a transition into a different lifestyle you can enjoy.
While high interest rates generally indicate a slower housing market, individual circumstances can make selling a home during such times advantageous. Nevertheless, consulting with me can help you evaluate whether selling your home in a high-interest-rate environment aligns with your short-term and long-term goals.