Something’s happening in the real estate market something big. And no, it’s not just another seasonal bump.

After months of sluggish buyer activity and headline fatigue over interest rates, we're now seeing a surprising trend: buyers are back.

In fact, we're seeing the highest mortgage application activity since early 2023 despite rates hovering around 7%. That’s not just a flicker of interest. That’s a signal.

And here’s the part that might sting: most agents aren’t ready for it.

If your buyer pipeline isn’t blowing up right now, it’s not because the market isn’t moving. It’s because you’re not.

Let’s break this down, Treasure Valley style. Whether you're a local agent, new to the scene, or looking to move your business to Idaho, here’s what you need to know about the buyer surge and how to capitalize on it before it passes you by.

Why the Buyer Surge Is Real (Even with High Rates)

Let’s talk numbers.

- Purchase applications are up 25% year-over-year.
- That marks 23 consecutive weeks of growth in buyer activity.
- We’re now seeing the highest demand since early 2023 and it’s showing up fast.

So what’s going on?

The truth is, buyers have been waiting on the sidelines not because they don’t want to move, but because they’ve been waiting for clarity. And now, they’re realizing:

- Rates might not fall dramatically anytime soon.
- Rent is still rising.
- Home prices in places like Treasure Valley aren’t crashing they’re stabilizing.

That realization is pushing people off the fence.

They’re done waiting. They want to buy now. But they want help doing it the right way.

What Most Agents Are Getting Wrong Right Now

Here’s the kicker: while buyer demand is heating up, most agents are still acting like it’s a slow market.

That’s a problem.

Because right now, every application, every inquiry, every "just browsing" open house guest? That’s a warm lead.

But instead of pouncing on that interest, too many agents are:
- Taking hours (or days) to follow up
- Sending generic drip campaigns that go nowhere
- Offering advice that feels more like fluff than guidance
- Letting their pipeline grow cold from lack of contact
In short: they’re sleeping on gold.

And the agents who aren’t? They’re grabbing market share like it’s on sale.

What Today’s Buyers Actually Want from You

This surge isn’t about being lucky. It’s about being prepared.

Here’s what buyers in Idaho and especially Treasure Valley are looking for right now:

1. Speed
They’re clicking "Schedule a Showing" at midnight and expecting a response by morning. If you’re not responding in minutes (not hours), someone else is. And that someone is likely winning the client.

2. Clarity
Rates are confusing. Market predictions are conflicting. Buyers don’t want hype they want facts, framed in plain language. Be the calm, clear voice in a sea of noise.

3. Confidence
Your tone becomes their confidence. If you sound hesitant, they’ll get cold feet. If you speak with clarity and authority, they’ll follow your lead. Show up like a closer, and they’ll feel like one too.

4. Systems
Today’s buyers want more than one-off showings. They want curated lists, streamlined updates, automated follow-ups, and a feeling that you're always one step ahead. If your backend isn’t tight, they’ll feel it and you’ll lose them.

5 Ways to Dominate This Buyer Surge in Treasure Valley

Want to turn this buyer demand into actual closed deals? Here’s what to do right now:

1. Attack Your Follow-Ups
Go back through every old lead, app, and form submission. That person who filled out your website form last November? They might be ready now. Every old app is a warm buyer treat them like gold.

2. Reframe the Market in Their Mind
Help buyers see the big picture. A 7% interest rate with the right property is often better than waiting for a 6% rate and dealing with higher prices or more competition. Educate. Lead. Reframe.

3. Speed Wins
If you’re still doing things manually, you’re already behind. Use tools like auto-responders, templated texts, and CRM alerts to shrink your response time. The faster you respond, the more deals you’ll win.

4. Systemize Everything
From your follow-up cadence to your property alerts and buyer consultations tighten it up. Automate what can be automated so you have more time for real conversations.

5. Upgrade Your Tone
You don’t need to fake confidence but you do need to speak with purpose. Be the agent who knows what’s going on and isn’t afraid to say what a buyer needs to hear. That’s how trust is built fast.

Why This Surge Matters in Idaho Right Now

The Treasure Valley market is in a unique spot.

- We're still seeing strong inbound migration especially from buyers relocating from high-cost states like California and Washington.

- Inventory remains relatively tight compared to pre-2020 levels.

- Prices are stabilizing, not plunging which means buyers can move with more certainty.

For agents in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, or any of the surrounding areas, this is a moment to gain momentum. If you show up consistently and strategically during this buyer surge, you won’t just close a few deals you’ll build relationships that drive your business for the next 5 years.

Because here’s the secret: the agents who win during moments of change are the ones who own the conversation when others are quiet.

Want Help Turning Leads Into Closings?

If this buyer surge has caught you off guard or if you're getting the leads but not closing the deals you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why we created the Buyer Surge Playbook at Real Estate Growth Network. It’s designed to help agents like you:

- Audit your current buyer pipeline
- Improve speed-to-lead and follow-up strategy
- Refine your messaging and offer more confidence to clients
- Build a system that’s repeatable so you’re not starting from scratch with every lead

DM us “BUILDER” on Instagram @RealEstateGrowthNetwork and we’ll send you the playbook for free, plus a personalized audit of your follow-up system.

No fluff. Just real tactics you can use right now to ride this wave and build your business faster than ever.

Final Word: The Surge Is Real. Are You Ready?

We haven’t seen buyer momentum like this in a while and it’s picking up speed.

You can sit back and wait for referrals…

Or you can tighten up your systems, show up like a pro, and take market share while everyone else is still wondering what’s happening.

This is your window. Don’t let it close on you.

We don’t just talk trends we train agents to win in them.