Should I Wait to Buy a Home or Refinance? July 2025 Mortgage Advice from a Clarkston Expert

Erik Gascho • July 23, 2025

If you’ve found yourself asking “Should I wait to buy a home?” or “Is now a good time to refinance?”

If you’ve found yourself asking “Should I wait to buy a home?” or “Is now a good time to refinance?”, you’re not alone. At our Clarkston, Michigan mortgage office, it’s one of the most common conversations I’m having with clients this summer.

Let’s break down what’s happening right now in the market—and what it means for you.

📉 Mortgage Rates Are Easing… But Not for Long
After hitting painful highs in late 2023 and early 2024, interest rates have gradually softened. In July 2025, we’re seeing 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovering in the mid-6% range for well-qualified buyers. It’s not the 3% days of 2021—but it's also not 8% anymore.

📊 Local Tip: In Oakland County (including Clarkston, Lake Orion, and Waterford), home prices have remained steady. Inventory is still tight, which means demand remains strong.

If you're buying your first home, this rate dip could save you hundreds per month compared to locking in last fall.

🔁 Should I Refinance Now?
Homeowners who bought or refinanced between 2022–2024 in the 7–8% range are in a great position to benefit from a refinance.

Refinancing now could:

Lower your monthly payment

Remove PMI if you’ve gained enough equity

Consolidate high-interest debt

Free up monthly cash flow

💡 Pro Tip: If you have a HELOC or credit card balances, a debt consolidation refinance could improve both your budget and your credit score.

I offer a free refinance assessment where we’ll review your current loan, compare options, and run a Total Cost Analysis to see if it makes sense.

🏡 Buying in Today’s Market: The Smart Approach
If you’re waiting for rates to “drop more,” here’s the reality: The best time to buy is when your life says you’re ready. Waiting for a perfect rate can cost you more in rising home prices or lost rent payments.

Here’s how we’re helping Michigan buyers win in this market:

First-time buyer coaching to help you get pre-approved with confidence

Zero and low down payment options available

Rate Rebound Plan: Buy now, and we’ll help you refinance later when rates drop—without paying full closing costs again

🧠 Remember: You marry the house, but date the rate. You can always refinance, but you can’t go back in time and buy at today’s price.

📍 Local Expertise from Clarkston to Rochester Hills
I work with homebuyers and homeowners throughout:

Clarkston

Lake Orion

Waterford

Auburn Hills

Rochester Hills

Grand Blanc

and across Southeast Michigan

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or refinancing, we’ll build a plan around your long-term goals—not just today’s rate.

Let’s Make a Smart Move Together
Everyone’s situation is different. That’s why our first conversation is never about “selling you a loan”—it’s about understanding your goals and building a strategy around them.

If you’re wondering what’s possible this summer, let’s talk.

👉 Schedule a free mortgage strategy call here
📞 Or text me at [your number]—I’m happy to help however I can.


By Auburn Hills, MI April 20, 2026
If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re stepping into a market full of opportunity. More homes are coming to market. Activity is picking up. And it finally feels like you might have a real shot at finding the right home. But there’s a challenge most buyers don’t realize until it’s too late.
By Erik Gascho April 18, 2026
Discover why focusing only on interest rates can cost Michigan homeowners thousands. Learn how mortgage strategy impacts long-term wealth.
By Erik Gascho April 16, 2026
Learn how Michigan homebuyers can purchase a home with as little as 3% down. Explore loan options, benefits, and strategies to get started.
By Erik Gascho April 14, 2026
Trying to decide whether to buy a home in Michigan now or wait? Learn how interest rates, home prices, and timing impact your decision in today’s market.
By Auburn Hills, MI April 13, 2026
If buying a home is on your mind, you’re not alone. This season always brings more listings, more competition, and more questions. And in 2026, buyers are navigating a market that still feels uncertain.
By Auburn Hills, MI April 6, 2026
If you’re searching things like: “Should I use an online lender or mortgage advisor?” “Best mortgage experience” “Why does my loan estimate keep changing?” You’re not alone.
By Erik Gascho April 3, 2026
Learn how to determine what home you can truly afford in Michigan beyond just what you’re approved for. Expert mortgage guidance for smart buyers.
Clarkston House for Sale
By Erik Gascho April 2, 2026
Thinking about waiting to buy a home in Michigan? Learn how interest rates, home prices, and timing impact your decision from a trusted Michigan mortgage advisor.
By Auburn Hills, MI March 30, 2026
More inventory. Softer pricing. Higher rates. What buyers do next matters. If you’ve been watching the housing market lately, it probably feels confusing.
By Erik Gascho March 27, 2026
A complete first time homebuyer guide for Clarkston MI. Learn how much you need down, loan options, and expert tips to buy with confidence.
More Posts