Ryan Serhant Says It’s “Nobody’s Market.” Here’s What That Means for Buyers in the Treasure Valley

Buying a home right now isn’t simple.

Mortgage rates are higher than many buyers would like. Home prices still feel elevated compared to a few years ago. And if you follow housing headlines, it seems like every article offers a completely different prediction about what the market will do next.

It’s no surprise that many buyers are pausing and waiting for a clearer picture before making a move.

Recently, mortgage rates have moved down to right around, maybe even a little below 6%, and buyer activity across the country has started to increase. That’s encouraging news for buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines.

But what does it actually mean for someone looking to buy a home in places like Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley?

Ryan Serhant, well-known real estate broker and star of the Netflix series Owning Manhattan, recently shared his perspective during an interview on FOX Business. His take on today’s housing market might not be what you expect.

As Serhant put it:

“This isn’t a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. It’s nobody’s market because no one knows what to do.”

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Idaho right now, understanding what that means can help you navigate the market more confidently.

Table of Contents

• What “Nobody’s Market” Really Means
• What Buyers Should Know About Mortgage Rates
• Why Creative Financing Is Becoming More Common
• How This Is Playing Out in the Boise & Treasure Valley Market
• Smart Strategies Buyers Are Using Right Now
• The Bottom Line for Buyers in Boise, Meridian, and Nampa

What “Nobody’s Market” Really Means

For years, housing markets were easy to categorize.

Sometimes they clearly favored sellers, when homes sold quickly and buyers competed aggressively. Other times they shifted toward buyers, when inventory rose and negotiations became easier.

Today’s market doesn’t fit neatly into either category.

According to Ryan Serhant, the uncertainty around interest rates, inflation, and economic forecasts has created a unique situation where both buyers and sellers feel unsure about their next move.

Buyers worry that mortgage rates could rise again. Sellers worry about giving up the low rates they locked in years ago.

As a result, many people are waiting.

That hesitation can slow the market down even when demand still exists.

And that’s why Serhant describes the current environment as “nobody’s market.”

But uncertainty doesn’t necessarily mean opportunity disappears. In many cases, it simply means buyers need a smarter strategy.

What Buyers Should Know About Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates remain one of the biggest factors influencing today’s housing market.

While rates have come down slightly from their recent highs, most forecasts suggest they will likely stay near current levels for a while.

According to housing forecasts from Realtor.com, rates may continue hovering in the low 6% range rather than dropping dramatically.

That reality can feel frustrating for buyers who remember the ultra-low rates of the pandemic years.

But Serhant explained that those historically low rates were unusual and unlikely to return anytime soon.

As he put it:

“The new normal is not low rates. I think people are confused that we’re entering a new normal where we’re going to have lower rates. It’s not going to happen.”

Understanding that shift can help buyers make clearer decisions instead of waiting indefinitely for rates that may never reappear.

Why Creative Financing Is Becoming More Common

One of the most interesting trends in today’s housing market is the growing use of creative financing strategies.

Instead of waiting for the perfect interest rate, many buyers are exploring alternative loan structures that help make monthly payments more manageable.

Serhant gave an example during his interview:

“I was talking to a client who would never do an adjustable-rate mortgage, who now is because they can get it at just over 5%. And they’re probably not going to be in the house for five years anyway. And it makes sense for that monthly budget.”

This type of thinking highlights how flexible financing options can sometimes align better with a buyer’s long-term plans.

Some tools buyers may explore include:

• Adjustable-rate mortgages designed for shorter ownership timelines
• Temporary interest rate buy-downs negotiated with sellers
• Seller credits that reduce upfront costs
• Exploring homes slightly outside high-demand areas

These strategies don’t work for every buyer, but they can provide additional pathways to homeownership when used thoughtfully.

How This Is Playing Out in the Boise & Treasure Valley Market

National housing trends provide helpful context, but real estate markets are always local.

In the Treasure Valley, cities like Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Caldwell, and Middleton continue to attract buyers relocating from other states.

At the same time, the pace of the market has cooled slightly compared to the frenzy years of 2021 and 2022.

Buyers shopping in the Boise area may notice:

• Homes staying on the market slightly longer
• More listings available to compare
• Some sellers becoming more flexible during negotiations

Local real estate professionals like Garrett Pancheri with Living in Idaho have seen many buyers approach the market more strategically instead of rushing into offers.

This slower pace allows buyers to analyze options more carefully and make decisions that align with their financial goals.

Smart Strategies Buyers Are Using Right Now

In a market that feels uncertain, buyers who succeed often focus on preparation rather than perfect timing.

Some strategies buyers are using today include:

• Getting fully pre-approved before beginning their home search
• Understanding multiple loan options available to them
• Watching listings that have been on the market longer
• Negotiating seller concessions when possible
• Prioritizing long-term value over short-term market predictions

The key is recognizing that even when the market feels uncertain, opportunities still exist for buyers who are prepared and informed.

The Bottom Line for Buyers in Boise, Meridian, and Nampa

Today’s housing market may not clearly favor buyers or sellers.

But that doesn’t mean buyers are stuck waiting on the sidelines.

Mortgage rates have stabilized, inventory has improved in some areas, and creative financing options are giving buyers more ways to move forward.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, the right strategy can make a big difference.

Working with a knowledgeable local professional like Garrett Pancheri with Living in Idaho can help buyers understand what opportunities exist in today’s market and how to structure offers that make sense for their goals.

As Ryan Serhant pointed out, this may be “nobody’s market.”

But with the right plan, it can absolutely become your market.