Mortgage rates are still high. Prices keep climbing. And the Fed isn’t exactly handing out discounts. If you're feeling hesitant about buying a home right now, you're not alone.

But according to Barbara Corcoran, the real estate mogul who turned $1,000 into a multimillion-dollar business, this kind of market is exactly when savvy buyers make their move.

In a recent interview with Realtor.com®, Corcoran laid it out clearly: when uncertainty creeps in, most people hit pause. But for those ready to act, that’s when the best opportunities show up.

“When things are uncertain, buyers hesitate before committing to a new home—they might be worried about the stock market, politics, or interest rates, but when they worry, they hesitate to move. That makes uncertain markets the best time to buy!” —Barbara Corcoran

In other words, while other buyers wait for “perfect,” smart buyers make moves.

So what exactly does that look like in practice? Here are three key signs that, according to Corcoran, mean it might be time to stop waiting and start shopping.

1. You Can Buy Below Market Value

Everyone loves a good deal. But when it comes to real estate, the best deals often appear when others aren’t looking. That’s because it’s your best chance to buy a home below market value. 

As Corcoran puts it: 

“Anything bought below market will prove a good investment, and you’ll make money on it when you sell it later.”

Right now, that opportunity is growing in some markets. According to Realtor.com's April 2025 Housing Report:

• Inventory is up 30.6% year over year—the highest level since the pandemic.

• Pending sales are down 3.2%, which means more listings are sitting unsold.

• More sellers are dropping prices or becoming open to negotiation.

Translation? There are more homes to choose from, and many sellers are getting more flexible. That means buyers have more power to negotiate, whether it’s on price, repairs, or closing terms.

This isn’t about “timing the bottom” of the market. It’s about recognizing when the market tips in your favor, and being ready to take action when it does.

2. Sellers Are Coming Back to the Table

In hot markets, sellers often have their pick of buyers and can afford to play hardball. But now that dynamic is starting to shift.

“I’m happy to report that sellers who turned me away four months ago are calling me back,” Corcoran said.

When homes sit on the market longer than expected, sellers start to rethink their approach. That might mean they’re more willing to revisit previous offers or even accept terms they once dismissed.

For you as a buyer, this creates a real advantage. You might find:

• Sellers willing to cover closing costs

• More flexibility on repairs or move-in dates

• Opportunities to negotiate credits or price reductions

When sellers are ready to listen, buyers can take their time, ask for what they need, and craft offers that work for their budget and lifestyle.

Corcoran’s advice? Don’t wait for a second invitation. If you find a home you love, be proactive. Reach out, make a reasonable offer, and see what comes back.

3. The Market Feels “Spooky”

You know that gut feeling when everything feels a little…off? Higher rates, political tension, and economic headlines make it easy to talk yourself out of buying when the vibe feels uncertain.

But according to Corcoran, those are exactly the moments she leans in.

“When the market is uncertain, as it is now, I realize that’s a signal that I should be out there buying property, and that’s exactly what I do.

“In the spooky economic and political market we’re experiencing, there are great deals to be had—you just have to get off your butt and make an offer!”

It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis, waiting for the “perfect” rate, the “perfect” listing, or the “perfect” time. But in many cases, that wait turns into missed opportunities.

If you find a home you love, Corcoran says to trust your instincts, especially if you plan to keep it for more than a few years.

“I’ve overpaid for almost every piece of property I’ve bought. If I like it, I buy it, and I don’t live to regret it!

“The way I figure it, is if I fall in love with a property and what it has to offer, I assume there are three other people who want to outbid me, so I close the deal and move as fast as I can.”

If the home fits your needs, your long-term goals, and your lifestyle, then it might be the right move. 

Even if you feel like you’re “overpaying” in the short term, if you’re planning to stay in that home for a decade or more, equity growth can more than make up for it.

I’ll leave you with this: If you’re waiting for interest rates to drop or prices to fall, you could miss the window that buyers like Corcoran capitalize on. The best time to buy isn’t always when everything looks perfect. It’s often when others are sitting still.

Uncertainty doesn’t mean “don’t buy.” It means look closer. Opportunity could be hiding in plain sight.