Thinking about buying a home in Grand Forks, ND—but feeling unsure? You’re not the only one.
Mortgage rates are still high. Home prices haven’t cooled much. And there’s no clear signal from the Fed. If you’re feeling stuck, it makes sense.
But Barbara Corcoran—the real estate powerhouse who turned $1,000 into a multimillion-dollar empire—says this kind of market is exactly when smart buyers in places like Grand Forks make their move.
In a recent interview with Realtor.com®, Corcoran put it plainly: Uncertainty scares people off. But for buyers ready to act, that hesitation creates opportunity.
“When things are uncertain, buyers hesitate… That makes uncertain markets the best time to buy!” — Barbara Corcoran
While most sit and wait for “perfect,” savvy buyers in Grand Forks are making real estate moves now.
Here are the three signs Corcoran watches for—and how they show up in the Grand Forks housing market.
1. You Can Buy Below Market Value in Grand Forks
One of the best times to score a deal on a home in Grand Forks is when fewer buyers are competing—and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.
“Anything bought below market will prove a good investment.” — Corcoran
According to Realtor.com’s April 2025 Housing Report:
- Inventory is up 30.6% year over year (the highest level since 2020).
- Pending home sales are down 3.2%, so more listings are sitting unsold.
- Sellers are more flexible, lowering prices and open to negotiation.
That’s a major shift in buyer leverage. If you’re shopping for homes for sale in Grand Forks right now, you’ve got more room to negotiate—not just on price, but also repairs, closing dates, and concessions.
Forget trying to time the bottom. This is about reading the market and knowing when it favors buyers like you.
2. Sellers in Grand Forks Are Getting More Flexible
In hot markets, sellers hold all the cards. But in Grand Forks, more sellers are realizing they can’t be as picky as they were even a few months ago.
“Sellers who turned me away four months ago are calling me back.” — Corcoran
That’s exactly what’s happening locally. Listings that would’ve gone under contract in days last year are now sitting. Sellers are circling back, open to offers they might’ve dismissed earlier.
Right now in Grand Forks, you might find:
- Sellers willing to cover closing costs
- Room to negotiate on price or move-in dates
- Flexibility on inspection items or repair credits
If you find a home you like, Corcoran says: don’t wait for permission. Make a move.
3. The Grand Forks Market Feels “Spooky”—and That’s a Signal
Inflation, interest rates, the election—there’s plenty of noise making people second-guess big financial moves. But that uncertain vibe? It’s exactly what Corcoran looks for.
“In the spooky economic and political market we’re experiencing, there are great deals to be had—you just have to get off your butt and make an offer!”
If you’re feeling uneasy, that doesn’t mean now is a bad time to buy a home in Grand Forks. It might mean you’re right on time.
“I’ve overpaid for almost every piece of property I’ve bought. If I like it, I buy it… I don’t live to regret it.” — Corcoran
Think about where you’ll be in five or ten years. Home values in Grand Forks have grown steadily—[insert local stat here, e.g. “up 12% over the past 3 years”]. Even if you feel like you’re stretching a bit today, long-term equity could more than make up for it.
Bottom Line: Waiting Could Cost You
If you’re waiting for interest rates to drop or prices to fall, you might miss the window that buyers like Corcoran run toward.
The best time to buy a home in Grand Forks, ND isn’t always when things look perfect—it’s often when the market feels uncertain and other buyers are frozen.
Opportunity is here. Don’t miss it.
Want help navigating the Grand Forks housing market? I would love to connect with you. I can help with you find a lender and set you up with a game plan to make your next move. Just say the word.
