By Mike Lentz | The Mike Lentz Team – Keller Williams Realty
Yes, you can still buy. While mortgage rates have risen slightly from early 2025, buyers in South Jersey are still saving roughly $300 per month compared to this time last year. The key is working with the right team and exploring all your financing options.
Wondering If You Should Still Buy a Home Right Now? Here’s What To Keep in Mind.
With economic headlines, global events, and constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if now’s the time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.
Recent events do impact the housing market, but they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.
Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here’s Why
After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher for roughly a month now. Experts say it’s a result of what’s happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”
But what does that really mean for you? Should you wait for everything to settle down before you buy a home in Clementon or Sewell?
The short answer is no. You don’t have to wait.
Your Window To Buy Didn’t Close
It’s true that a month ago, when rates were just shy of 6%, buying felt more affordable. And now that rates are hovering around the mid-6s, monthly payment costs are higher.
But zoom out for a second.
Let’s say you’re taking out a loan for $500k. Even with rates in the mid 6s, you’re still saving roughly $300 on your monthly payment compared to buyers who purchased early last year.
That means this recent increase in rates hasn’t erased the progress we’ve seen. Buying is still more affordable than it was just one year ago (see below):
Sure, your monthly payment would’ve been less expensive a few weeks back. But hindsight is always 20/20.
The goal moving forward shouldn’t be to perfectly time the market. Things change too quickly for that. Instead, the real goal is to make the best decision you can based on where things are today. And the best advice anyone can give is: brace for volatility.
When It Comes To Rates, Expect the Unexpected
Mortgage rates will continue to move around in the weeks or months ahead as new information and economic reports come out.
Try to remember, you can’t control global events or where rates go next week. But you can control how you prepare. If you do that, it becomes less about the headlines, and more about your situation.
If You Want or Need To Move, You Still Can
The reality is, if you want or need to move, you still can.
Some buyers here in Gloucester and Camden County are choosing to move forward right now because their needs haven’t changed. A growing family, a job relocation, a lifestyle shift – those things still matter.
And for buyers who do decide to move forward, there are ways to make it work.
For example, you could explore options like adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to get a lower rate upfront. That may or may not be the right fit for you, but it highlights an important point: there are strategies that can help you move, even now.
What Matters Most Is Having a Plan
And working with the right agent and lender is a big part of that. With expert help, you’ll:
- Understand your budget and what the math looks like at today’s rates.
- Explore your financing options, including ARMs and assistance programs.
- Have trusted guidance from experts who’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Bottom Line
Even though there’s some uncertainty, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
If you need to move, you still can. Let’s connect so we can explore all your options and make your move happen.
