09/15/2026
When rates are higher, there is usually less competition, fewer bidding wars, and more room to negotiate. Buyers may be able to ask for seller concessions, closing cost help, rate buydowns, repairs, price reductions, or other terms that were much harder to get when the market was moving fast.
The key is looking at the whole picture, not just the interest rate.
You can marry the house and refinance the rate later, but you can’t always go back and get today’s price, today’s negotiation power, or today’s seller flexibility.
If you’re thinking about buying in Tampa Bay, this could be a smart time to explore your options and use the current market to your advantage.
Mike Hollingsworth
Florida Executive Realty
Realtor | Tampa Firefighter | Army Veteran