Why You Shouldn’t “Date the Rate, Marry the House”
What to Do Instead
If you’ve been paying attention to the real estate buzz lately, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “Date the rate, marry the house.”
It sounds catchy and even a little hopeful — like you’ll snag your dream home now and just refinance later when rates drop. But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about:
Refinancing isn’t guaranteed.
And it’s definitely not as easy or automatic as some make it seem.
The Reality Behind “Date the Rate”
I’m speaking on personal experience here and going against what most realtors and lenders advise but the idea behind “dating the rate” is that you can overlook today’s higher interest rates because you’ll just refinance when they go lower
But here’s what people forget:
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Rates may not drop as quickly or as much as you’d hope.
Market conditions are unpredictable. Banking on lower rates later could leave you stuck with a payment that feels heavier than you planned for.
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Refinancing has costs and qualifications.
You usually need to pay closing costs again, have a solid credit score, and meet income or property value requirements. Not everyone qualifies. And even if you do — the cost may outweigh the savings.
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Your financial situation might change.
What if you change jobs, become self-employed, or your debt-to-income ratio shifts? That could make refinancing more complicated or even impossible.
What You Should Do Instead..
Buy what you can comfortably afford — as if the rate will never change.
Instead of hoping for a lower rate down the road, base your decision on today’s reality.
Ask yourself:
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Does this fit into my financial comfort zone?
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Am I prepared for the possibility of rates staying the same — or even going higher?
If the answer is yes, then you’re buying smart. And if rates do drop later? Great! You can explore refinancing then — from a place of stability, not desperation.
Bottom Line
Owning a home is one of the most powerful wealth-building moves you can make — but only if you do it wisely.
Don’t let a tagline push you into a decision that stretches your bank account and your peace of mind.
The smartest buyers today aren’t chasing the market — they’re buying within their means and planning for the long game, no matter what the rates do.
Ready to explore what that looks like in Southern Utah?
Let’s talk. Your future self will thank you
