Zillow is changing their process. Interest rates are holding steady above 6.5%. The stock market is fluctuating. New tariffs could have a huge impact on the supply chain. No one really knows what to expect tomorrow.
All of this unpredictability wreaks havoc on the real estate market. In times of uncertainty, buyers and sellers either freeze or panic — most preferring to “wait and see” what happens. Even if we knew for sure that the market would take a hit because of tariffs or other factors, people could plan accordingly. But when the future feels unclear, the market stalls.
Everyone is feeling it and if you talk to anyone in the service industry, and you’ll hear the same thing: people are holding back on luxury purchases — everything from facials to therapy sessions to upgrading their car or home.
So, where does that leave Realtors? It takes us back to the basics. Life doesn’t stop because the world feels uncertain. People are still having babies, getting married, getting divorced, and passing away — the "circle of life" moments that drive the need to buy or sell a home.
It’s easy to get caught up in the panic, but don’t let it distract you from the habits that helped you build your business in the first place. Go talk to your neighbors. Attend the networking event. Write a quick note to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Keep posting on social media. Host an open house. Do the small, consistent things that keep you top of mind with your sphere of influence.
There are agents thriving in this market, despite what the news might say. Those are the agents who get up every day and keep doing the work — keeping their pipelines and sales funnels active.
The other critical piece is your mindset. What are you speaking and thinking about? Studies show that approaching life with a “glass half full” perspective improves your health, relationships, and ultimately your business. (Mayo Clinic) Last week, I realized I’d been speaking negatively about the market — and it was affecting me. I made a conscious shift in my words and thoughts, and I noticed an almost immediate difference. I even got a listing under contract that had been struggling for a while.
We know that the market has always cycled back. Hang in there — and notice when the chaos around you starts pulling your attention away from what matters. Get back to the basics: make your calls, show up for your meetings, keep posting, keep reaching out to your people. Focus and discipline will carry you through the down cycles.
And most importantly, don’t neglect your own mental health. We tend to put ourselves on the back burner, but that can ripple out to everyone around us. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your clients.
Deborah Vahle is a top-producing REALTOR® and partner at The CityLiving Group in Nashville, specializing in luxury real estate and investment properties. She brings over a decade of experience and a background in Global Sourcing to help clients make smart, strategic real estate decisions. Known for her client-first approach, Deborah blends market insight with a deep understanding of how real estate can support long-term lifestyle and financial goals.
