In a perfect world, your new home would check every single box on your list of needs and wants. It would have the ideal location, lot size, and square footage; unbeatable curb appeal; an immaculate interior; and a price that slots right into your budget. It’s a nice dream.
But the reality is that the world’s not perfect—and neither is any home you’ll find. That’s why, if you plan to jump into the market this year, it’s important that you set out with a clear idea of your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves,” and be prepared to make compromises.
Realities of the 2025 Housing Market
With stubbornly high mortgage rates and rising home prices in recent years, housing affordability has posed insurmountable challenges for some prospective buyers. Add in limited inventory—with many would-be sellers hanging on tightly to the low rate they secured when that was par for the course—and you’ve got some obstacles to overcome on your path toward homeownership.
According to Bright MLS Chief Economist Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, “…homebuyers will still face a challenging housing market in 2025. Rates are not going to come down as fast as buyers would like. And while inventory is projected to grow, supply is still limited by historical standards and home prices are projected to continue to rise.”
Your willingness to compromise could mean the difference between successfully purchasing a home or holding out indefinitely in search of the unattainable.
When to Consider a Compromise
Let’s say you’ve found a home that’s not quite perfect—but it’s really close. Maybe it has a smaller yard than you were hoping for. Or the home inspection reveals a few problems that aren’t deal-breakers, but will eventually need to be fixed. You’ll need to weigh your options. You could pass on this almost-perfect property and keep searching for one that has it all (knowing it may never materialize)—or you could make your peace with the imperfections and bring your search to a successful close!
The choice is yours, of course, but in an uncertain market with limited inventory, it’s definitely worth some serious thought.
Compromises to Consider
Price.
Sure, you have to work within your financial means. But if you have the wiggle room and the alternative is to lose out on a great home, you might think about sweetening your offer.
Storage space.
Were you hoping for bigger closets? A kitchen pantry? A backyard shed for tools and lawn equipment? The good news is that there are some creative storage solutions that can, if not give you more space, at least help you maximize what you do have. Look into closet organization systems and space savers, make the most of cabinet room, and consider purchasing an outdoor storage shed you can install yourself.
Location.
We’re not talking about buying in the city center when you had your heart set on a quiet suburb. But if it’s only a matter of your “ideal” neighborhood vs. a nearby, similar one, you might be able to budge on location.
Style.
So, maybe the house isn’t what you pictured when you originally set out on your search. But keep in mind that once you own it, you’re free to make changes that will get it closer to that picture in your head. Putting your own style stamp on a home is one of the things that makes it truly feel like yours—and can end up being better than what you thought you wanted in the first place.
At the end of the day, only you know where you’re willing to bend and what’s set in stone. The best way to approach your home search is with an open mind, a list of your needs and wants, and a great agent who can help you make the right decisions.
Don’t Compromise on Your Real Estate App
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new Nestfully mobile app in town! It’s the only app of its kind that keeps you in direct contact with your agent throughout every step of your home journey. You’ll be able to ask questions, share listings, provide feedback, and even request showings in real time, right from the palm of your hand. Download the Nestfully App now!
