Barbara Corcoran’s Best Advice for First-Time Homebuyers in 2025
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
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Amber Barkley
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It’s tough out there for first-time homebuyers. It might feel impossible to buy a home right now, but real estate expert Barbara Corcoran — founder of The Corcoran Group, bestselling author and executive producer on ABC’s “Shark Tank” — offered her secrets to give buyers an edge.
Corcoran took to Instagram to share her advice. Here’s what she wants every first-time buyer to know before making their move.
Check Days on Market
“When a house is on the market for six months or longer, nobody’s paying attention. They’re all running to the new listing in town,” Corcoran said. “Make sure you look at the old listing. That’s where your low offer will be accepted.”
Generally, the longer a home stays on the market, the more likely it is to raise a red flag to buyers who will question why the home hasn’t sold. Sellers with high days on market (DOM) may be more motivated to sell. This gives buyers greater leverage to negotiate a lower offer.
Shop Off Season
“Everybody is out in the spring and summer, so you should be shopping in the winter,” Corcoran said. “That’s always where the best deals are taken.”
According to Realtor.com’s analysis of market data from 2018-2024, excluding 2020, the week of April 13 to April 19 is the best time to sell a home due to stronger buyer demand and higher home prices.
For buyers, this is the worst time to buy a home. Sellers who list their homes during this week reached 1.1% higher prices than the average week of the year and 6.7% higher compared to the start of the year. This could cost buyers an additional $4,800 to $27,000 if 2025 follows seasonal trends.
Look for a House With a Separate Entrance
“A separate entrance allows you to make a separate unit, which you could rent to offset the cost of your mortgage,” Corcoran explained.
Home shopping with the potential for rental income in mind can be a smart move. This could be a basement apartment, a garage conversion or any other space with a separate entrance that offers privacy. The extra income can make mortgage payments more manageable, but it also means sharing space with a potential stranger.
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