Good morning Michael. Real estate markets are not going to get any better for some time, not as long as our current Administration stays in place. Unemployment is not getting better in spite of the BS that comes out of Washington.

Not especially... they've been low for so long, most people think this is normal and will stay that way forever. What will get them in is an increase in rates. When rates start increasing buyers start rushing to buy and lock in as low a rate as possible before they "miss that boat" again.

I see it as a positive for both buyers and sellers. 

Hi Michael it could create a lack of urgency especially since in most places as autumn is typically a slower buyer season. 

We fortunately do not have either issue down here but I also feel it is the pros that need to reinforce the fact that with this "gift" of low rates-NOW is the time to buy and nothing lasts forever!

Not likely to make any difference.

So far the market is doing well, but the signs of a change are out there.

Michael Thornton people usually buy the homes based on their wants and needs.

The external factor like mortgage rates and prices do make only slight difference.

The market in my area is still quite strong.  We will need to see how the Bank of Canada reacts, if it reacts, to the Fed's decision.  I don't think there will be any perceptible change due to the Fed's decision, at least in my area.

The threat of a rise stirs some urgency - which is what is lacking in my market at present.  I like the tone of the responses - I intend to reinforce the "gift" of low rates theme and that fact that in time, they will rise.

I think it will help those that have been procrastinating about home buying.  (I hope)

This is expected but the reality is they have no choice but to remain where they are. Do you believe the economy has actually recovered as they've  been saying? If that were truly the case we'd see movement.

Smart home buyers will take advantage of the attractive mortgage interest rates that are available now and may not be available in the future.

People need to get on with their lives and quit worrying about the micro managment going on

It is great news for both buyers and sellers alike. My market is still moving strong. I have been working late nights to 10 pm all week. 

We've gotten stagnant on inventory, not buyers so this will help the buyers certainly. But, it's a double edge sword; the threat of rates increasing was de-splintering my fence sitters; now they may get too comfortable again.

No. The rates have been low for a long time, and buyers just don't seem to care, or the low rates aren't what's keeping buyers from buying.

I was thinking if they raises it, there would be a huge increase in buyers followed by a huge lull. Now that it is staying the same with a threat of an increase by the end of the year, buyers could be inspired to move pretty fast this fall. The problem is we still of a shortage of homes for sale. 

Time to break out Gary Keller's book Shift - you might give that to some of your realtor friends or organize a book club around it.