Why Waiting Could Cost More: Tariffs, Materials & Mortgage Rates – June 2025

by Tye Wilson

"When lumber costs rise, so do buyer hesitations. Here’s why sellers need to act now..."

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Atlanta’s real estate market is in a strange dance—buyers want homes, but global shifts are making it harder to close deals without surprises. As of June 2025, if you’re thinking about selling your home, the window of opportunity is wide open—but not for long.

Let’s break down why.

📊 The Market Snapshot (As of June 19, 2025)

30‑year fixed mortgage rates are averaging 6.81%, down slightly from May but still high.
The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates later this year—but nothing is guaranteed.
New tariffs on building materials are pushing up the price of renovations, appliances, and even basic repairs.
Builders in Georgia are offering their biggest buyer incentives since 2009, a sign of softening demand.

All of this creates a perfect moment for sellers—before conditions shift again.

🧱 Tariffs: The Hidden Cost Creeping Into Closings

Tariffs on steel, lumber, aluminum, and appliances (as high as 25–50%) are impacting:

Appraisal values and repair budgets
Buyer affordability for resale and new construction
The overall cost of closing or prepping your home for market

With renovation and material costs rising, some buyers are pulling back—or negotiating harder. Selling now can help you avoid having to cover those extra costs later.

📉 Mortgage Rate Trends: Opportunity in the Uncertainty

Mortgage rates remain high, but expectations of future cuts are stirring buyer interest. If you wait for the rate cuts to actually happen, you’ll likely face:

More competition from other sellers
Tighter pricing pressure
Less negotiating power

If you list now, you may catch early buyers trying to move before the crowd returns.

🏡 The Smart Seller’s Move

Here’s why acting now makes sense:

Tariffs are already affecting costs—don’t let them chip away at your bottom line.
You’ll face less competition than during a market rebound.
You can help fill Atlanta’s critical housing gap and get top dollar in today’s market.

💬 Let’s Talk Strategy

Want to know how your home fits into this shifting market?

📥 Grab your free “Good Seller Starter Guide”
📞 Or book a 15-minute call with me, no pressure

Whether you’re selling to upsize, downsize, or relocate—I’ll help you do it smart, with strategy and soul.

With conviction and care,
Tye the Realtor
Helping good people make great moves.
📧 Tye@tyetherealtor.net | 🌐 Tyetherealtor.net