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💸 The Real Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates & Inventory in Woodford County
A lot of buyers in today’s market are sitting on the fence—waiting for the “perfect time” to make a move.
Here’s the hard truth: waiting is already costing you.
In Woodford County, homes aren’t sitting. Inventory is low, demand is steady, and interest rates are fluctuating just enough to create a window of opportunity that won’t stay open for long. If you’re thinking of buying later this year, you need to understand what “waiting” really means—for your wallet and your future.
🏠 Inventory Is Still Tight in Woodford County
From Metamora to Eureka to Germantown Hills, inventory in Woodford County remains below historical averages. And while buyer demand has leveled off compared to the red-hot years of 2021–2022, we’re still seeing:
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Multiple offers on move-in ready homes
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Fewer listings in key price points (especially under $300K)
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Quicker sales for updated homes in good school districts
If you’re hoping to wait until “more options hit the market,” you might be waiting a while—and risking higher prices when they do.
💰 Interest Rates Are Playing Keep-Away with Your Buying Power
Every 1% increase in interest rates reduces your buying power by roughly 10%.
That means if you can afford a $250,000 home today and rates jump from 6.5% to 7.5%, your budget effectively drops by $25,000—without home prices dropping a dime.
Even if home values plateau (which they’re not doing in most of Woodford County), rising rates can still make monthly payments less affordable. Translation? That “perfect” home may move out of reach entirely.
📈 Appreciation Isn’t Waiting for You Either
Home values in Woodford County have steadily increased 3–5% annually—even in years when the national market cooled. With communities like Metamora and Germantown Hills continuing to attract families and professionals, this upward trend is likely to continue. The longer you wait, the more you may end up paying—not just in price, but in lost equity.
🧠 What You Should Do Now
If you’re financially ready and pre-approved (or close), don’t wait for the market to “crash” or rates to magically fall. That’s not the market we’re in.
The smarter move?
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Lock in today’s rates while they’re still reasonable
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Shop before inventory tightens further this summer
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Work with a local expert (👋 that’s me) to find homes before they hit the market
Let’s Get You Off the Fence and Into a Home
The cost of waiting is real—and avoidable. Whether you’re looking in Eureka, Metamora, Roanoke, or anywhere in Woodford County, I’ll help you beat the market instead of chasing it.
📞 309-200-5480
🌐 CallDuvall.com
#CallDuvall #JimMaloofRealtor #WoodfordCountyHomes #InterestRates2025 #RealEstateAdvice #CentralILRealEstate #MetamoraIL #BuySmart #HomeBuyers
