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recent Realtor.com survey reveals that homeowners considering a sale are closely monitoring mortgage rates, waiting for the right moment to enter the market. The majority of potential sellers (78%) believe mortgage rates will either remain high or increase over the next 12 months, with nearly half of those expecting an increase citing it as a reason to sell. Conversely, those anticipating lower interest rates see this as a motivation to list their homes.

    The survey suggests that potential sellers are motivated by changes in interest rates, according to Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. However, some experts predict a "mortgage rate roller coaster" in the coming months due to recent events like President Trump's tariff announcement.

    In addition to rate sensitivity, sellers may be considering broader economic factors when deciding whether to list. The recent rise in new listings could be a result of some sellers looking to cash in on their equity before a potential economic downturn. Despite this, most sellers aren't making hasty decisions based on current events; 61% have been thinking about selling for at least one year.

    The "mortgage rate lock-in" effect remains a deterrent for many (55%), particularly since two-thirds of potential sellers plan to buy another home with a likely higher interest rate. However, 81% of potential sellers express optimism about getting their asking price or more when they decide to list, driven by high national home prices.

    Seller confidence varies by region, with those in the Northeast being the most optimistic (80%) that now is a good time to sell. Sale price confidence also differs by region, with Western sellers more likely to expect above-asking prices. The top reasons for selling include looking for a different community and making a profit, but necessity was also a common driver, cited by nearly 80% of would-be sellers.