Rockwall Real Estate: Time to Gamble?
Know when to hold ‘em… know when to fold ‘em… know when to walk away...”
Sound familiar?
Nope, this isn’t poker night.
But if you’ve been shopping for a home in this market, it might feel like it.
Because right now, I’m seeing a trend.
Buyers will stumble onto a fantastic opportunity—one that checks nearly every box. We’re talking curb appeal, great layout, maybe even that drool-worthy Instagram kitchen…
And instead of making a move, they get cold feet.
Maybe it’s because there’s this perception that the market favors buyers right now, and they feel like they can negotiate harder.
Or maybe it’s the hope that home prices or rates will drop just a little more if they wait.
So they walk away.
It’s like they’re trying to count cards—banking on perfect timing to land an even better deal. But real estate doesn’t follow a script, and the deck is always getting reshuffled.
That’s why in this video, we’re breaking it down:
When it’s smart to stay in the deal, when to cut your losses, and when to sit back and regroup.
When to Hold ‘Em
Let’s talk about when it’s wise to go for it.
That usually means:
The house hits most of your wants and needs. In this market, 80–90% is like getting a four of a kind.
The seller is offering meaningful incentives—closing cost assistance, interest rate buydowns, or flexible terms.
The monthly payment works within your lifestyle—you don’t have to sacrifice joy just to make your mortgage.
You’ve locked in a rate that may not be exciting, but it’s workable.
And honestly? You’d be disappointed to see someone else buy it.
Now, let’s layer in some real context.
Mortgage rates right now are hovering around 7%. Compared to a couple years ago? Yes, they’re up.
But compared to the chaos we saw in late 2023? They’ve held steady for months now.
And when it comes to interest rate projections—well, let’s just say the messaging has been… inconsistent.
We’re getting more mixed signals than a weather forecast in Texas.
Yes, the Fed may still cut rates later this year—but it’s not a sure thing. And even if they do? That often means more buyers will jump in, and homes will get more competitive fast.
So if the numbers work for you now, and the house feels right?
That’s a hand worth playing.
When to Fold ‘Em
Now let’s talk about knowing when to walk away from this deal and wait for a better hand.
Here’s when it might be time to fold:
The inspection report reads like a horror novel.
The seller won’t budge, and the home is priced like it’s still spring 2022.
You’ve seen similar homes nearby for less—or in better condition.
Here’s what we’re seeing right now in Rockwall County and beyond:
The homes that are priced right? They’re still moving.
But the ones priced too high? Sitting.
And those sellers are often a few weeks away from getting serious about negotiating.
So folding now doesn’t mean giving up.
It means making a smart, strategic choice to find something better positioned.
When to Walk Away (For Now)
There’s one more scenario that deserves attention:
Walking away not from a house, but from the market—for now.
Here’s when that makes sense:
Your financial picture needs a little work—maybe your credit needs rebuilding or you’re still getting your savings in place.
You’re in a transitional phase and unsure where you’ll be 12–24 months from now.
But here's the key: walking away doesn’t mean disappearing.
The smartest thing you can do right now is stay plugged in.
Talk to your Realtor. Stay connected with a lender.
And work on your timeline, not someone else’s.
Because the housing market evolves. Inventory comes and goes. Rates shift.
And when your situation is ready, you’ll want to be ready too.
And as the song continues to teach us, You never count your money while you’re sittin’ at the table.
Because real estate isn’t about winning the jackpot.
It’s about knowing how to read the room… understand your odds…
And choose the move that puts you in the strongest position—not just today, but long-term.
Now every good card player knows, you don’t just play your hand, you read the table.
Same goes for real estate.
Because when you’re eyeing a property, it’s not just about your offer—it’s about how the listing is performing. Is the seller holding a strong hand? Or are they getting a little desperate to deal?
That’s why I created the Listing Activity Analyzer—a tool that pulls Zillow engagement data and helps you decode what’s really happening behind the scenes.
Here’s what it looks at:
Total views
Number of saves
Days on market
…and how those numbers stack up against Zillow’s internal benchmarks based on how quickly homes typically go under contract.
If the listing’s getting stale online?
You might have more leverage than you realize.
If the numbers are off the charts?
You’re not the only one eyeing it—you’ll need to act fast and play strong.
It’s not a crystal ball, but it’s a great tool to help guide your strategy.
Want to try it?
Scan the QR code or click the link below. Pop in the Zillow stats of the property you’re eyeing and let the analyzer show you how that home is really performing.
If you're unsure which hand to play, let's talk.
My name is Jennifer Templeton, your Rockwall area real estate agent. If you’re looking to understand more about what’s going on in this market, go ahead, click on the links in the description, book a Zoom call, let’s go through the data together, and figure out how this can all affect your personal situation.
Whether you’re ready to hold, fold, or walk—we’ll figure it out together.
Because the best real estate decisions are never a gamble. They’re made with clarity.