Buy Smart in the Bay Area: Less Competition, More Negotiation Power Today
Higher rates aren’t exactly what buyers want to hear. But they can create opportunity. Mortgage rates have climbed back above 7%, and naturally, some buyers are choosing to sit on the sidelines. Less competition can mean more negotiating power for the buyers who stay in the market. Over the last few years, I’ve helped buyers negotiate seller credits, price reductions, repairs, rate buydowns and other favorable terms that can be much harder to get when competition heats up. The goal isn’t to buy simply because rates are high. It’s to look at the entire deal. Can we negotiate the purchase price? Can the seller contribute toward closing costs or a rate buydown? Is there an assumable loan? And does the payment make sense for you today without relying on a future refinance? Rates change. The price you paid for the home doesn’t. If you’re thinking about buying in the Bay Area, let’s run the numbers and see what opportunities are actually available in today’s market. Evangeline Nguyen, REALTOR® eXp Realty CA DRE 02210833 Serving San Francisco, San Jose, East Bay, Fairfield & Monterey
September 29, 2026