Tariffs aren’t some far-off economic theory. They hit the street fast. And right now, they’re squeezing real estate investors where it hurts: construction costs.
Steel? Up. Lumber? Up. HVAC, drywall, tile, appliances? You name it — it’s costing more.
Why This Matters to You (the Homeowner)
If you’re selling a property that needs work — a fixer-upper, inherited home, vacant rental, whatever — the buyers who used to pay more… can’t anymore.
Not because they don’t want to. Because the math changed. We have boots on the ground every day at 3 Step Home Sale buying houses as-is for cash quickly across DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 2009. We are seeing the shift in real time.
Lenders Are Tightening Up
Construction lenders, hard money lenders, private capital — they’re all factoring in higher build costs.
And when lenders pull back?
Investors get more conservative.
We’re already hearing it. Lenders are saying: “If you want to take down this deal, you better get it cheaper.”
Investors Are Buying Deeper — Fast
Cash buyers aren’t offering 80 cents on the dollar anymore. They’re going for 75. Sometimes 70 or less.
Why?
And when the margin shrinks, investors do the only thing they can: offer less.
Not to be rude. Not to lowball. Just to not lose money.
Sellers Are Behind
Sellers are still anchoring to last year’s prices.
The market has already moved.
If you’re hoping for that 2024 cash offer, that window already closed. Here’s the Play If You’re Selling a Fixer-Upper
If your house needs work, you should know that:
Final Thought
If you own a house that needs work, you’re on the clock. Tariffs have already changed the numbers. As a seller, now is the time to reduce expectations and get realistic about renovation costs and lender requirements in a post-tariff world. Learn more at 3 Step Home Sale.
Media ContactCompany Name: 3 Step Home SaleContact Person: Nicole MitchellEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.3stephomesale.com
