Ryan Serhant & Barbara Corcoran on the 2025 Housing Market: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

If you’ve been waiting for a housing market crash, real estate moguls Ryan Serhant and Barbara Corcoran want you to know: it’s not happening—but the market is shifting.

The real challenge? Affordability.

While home prices aren’t plummeting, high mortgage rates and limited inventory are keeping both buyers and sellers in a tough spot. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities—you just need to know how to navigate the changing market.

Let’s break down what Serhant and Corcoran are saying about home prices, mortgage rates, and where the market is heading in 2025—especially here in St. Louis, Missouri.

It’s Not a Housing Crisis—It’s an Affordability Crisis

Ryan Serhant, CEO of SERHANT., dismisses the idea that we’re in a housing crisis—but he does say we’re in an affordability crisis:

“I don’t think there actually is necessarily a housing crisis the way you see and you read about it. I think there’s an affordability crisis.” — Ryan Serhant

What does that mean for buyers?

• Home prices aren’t dropping significantly—even in markets with more inventory.
• The cost of buying a home is still historically high due to mortgage rates and low supply.
• In many U.S. cities, starter homes now cost over $1 million—making it harder than ever for first-time buyers.

For renters, it’s not much better.

• Over half of all renters are spending 30-50% of their paycheck on rent.
• That’s money going to landlords instead of building home equity.

🔹 How does this impact St. Louis buyers & renters?
The good news is that St. Louis home prices remain lower than national averages, making it more affordable than many U.S. cities. However, rising mortgage rates still make homeownership a challenge—meaning buyers need a strong financial plan before jumping in.

Why St. Louis Home Sellers Aren’t Listing

If home prices aren’t dropping, why aren’t more homes hitting the market?

Barbara Corcoran says sellers simply don’t want to sell. Even if mortgage rates dip slightly, she doesn’t believe it will be enough to trigger a wave of new listings:

“No one wants to move, and there are fewer houses to choose from at higher rates. So it's difficult for homebuyers.” — Barbara Corcoran

Think about it—if you locked in a 3% mortgage rate in 2020, would you sell your home only to buy a new one at 7%?

Even when sellers do list, many are reluctant to lower their prices.

"I don't think it's in the nature of sellers to be realistic, honestly. Their house is always worth more… I don't think prices will shake out at all. I think they'll hold out hoping interest rates will go down again." — Barbara Corcoran

What does this mean for St. Louis sellers?

• Homes are sitting on the market longer—but prices are holding steady.
• Sellers who price competitively will have the best chance of selling quickly.
• Move-in-ready homes with modern updates are attracting the most attention.

The 2025 Housing Market: What Should You Do?

🏡 For St. Louis Buyers:
✔ Affordability is a challenge, but bidding wars are less intense than in previous years.
✔ Homes are staying on the market longer, meaning more room to negotiate.
✔ Consider first-time buyer programs and local incentives to make homeownership more accessible.

🏡 For St. Louis Sellers:
✔ The market isn’t crashing, but buyers are getting pickier.
✔ Move-in-ready homes priced correctly will attract the most interest.
✔ If you don’t need to sell right now, it may be worth waiting until rates improve.

🏡 For St. Louis Renters:
✔ Rent prices remain high—but now is the time to start preparing for homeownership.
✔ Build savings and improve your credit so you’re ready when the market shifts.
✔ Consider house hacking (renting out a portion of a home) to help with affordability.

Final Thoughts: The Market Is Changing, But Opportunity Still Exists

The 2025 housing market isn’t crashing—it’s just adjusting. Buyers, sellers, and renters all face different challenges, but those who understand the trends and make smart moves can still find great opportunities.

📍 Thinking about buying or selling in St. Louis? Let’s chat about your real estate goals and strategy.

📞 Call or text me today: 636-578-7253
📧 Email: Rhonda@FischerFamilyHomes.com
🌐 Visit: FischerFamilyHomes.com

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, I’ll help you navigate the St. Louis real estate market with confidence! 🚀