Cameron Groom Shares Perspective on Navigating the Current Real Estate Landscape

The real estate market has always been a complex ecosystem, a place where economic trends, consumer confidence, and government policy intersect to create opportunity, challenge, and change. In today’s environment, that complexity has only intensified. Rising interest rates, evolving buyer preferences, and global economic uncertainty have made navigating the market more challenging than ever. To help shed light on what lies ahead, industry professional Cameron Groom has offered his perspective on the current real estate landscape and his insights are valuable for investors, buyers, sellers, and professionals alike.

Understanding Today’s Market Conditions

According to Groom, the first step in successfully navigating real estate today is developing a clear understanding of the forces at work. "Real estate is hyper-local, but it’s also tied to larger macroeconomic factors," Groom explains. "You can’t look at home prices or inventory without also considering interest rates, employment numbers, and even global events that affect supply chains."

Interest rates remain a central driver of market conditions. The shift from historically low rates to higher borrowing costs has cooled buyer demand in many areas, but Groom notes that this isn’t necessarily negative. "What we’re seeing is a normalization," he says. "The market is moving away from the frenetic, overheated pace of the past few years and back toward something more sustainable."

While this cooling period has created challenges for sellers who became accustomed to multiple offers and record-high prices, it has also opened up new opportunities for buyers who were previously priced out of the market.

Inventory Trends Matter: Low housing inventory can keep prices stable even in higher-rate environments. Groom advises tracking local listing volumes.

Regional Variations Are Key: Not every market reacts the same way — some regions are still experiencing growth due to job creation or population inflow.

Inflation’s Ripple Effect: Rising construction costs and material shortages continue to influence new home prices.

Economic Data Is a Guide: Employment trends, consumer spending, and GDP growth can indicate where housing demand is heading next.

The Importance of Strategy and Timing

For buyers and investors, Cameron Groom emphasizes the need for patience and strategy. "We’re in a market where you can’t just throw out any offer and expect it to stick," he says. "This is a time to be diligent to work with professionals, run the numbers carefully, and think long-term."

Groom points out that the best opportunities often emerge during periods of uncertainty. "If you have the ability to buy and hold, now is a great time to look for value," he explains. "Real estate remains one of the most reliable vehicles for building wealth over time, but you have to be willing to look beyond short-term fluctuations."

Timing is also critical. Groom advises buyers to watch for seasonal trends and local inventory shifts. "In many markets, late fall and winter can be a buyer’s market," he notes. "Sellers who list during these times are often motivated, and there’s less competition from other buyers."

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Another key theme Groom highlights is the shift in what today’s buyers want. The pandemic reshaped housing priorities, and those preferences continue to influence the market. "Remote work and flexible lifestyles have made space and functionality top priorities," Groom observes. "People are looking for homes that support hybrid work setups, outdoor living, and energy efficiency."

This shift has had ripple effects on both urban and suburban markets. Secondary cities and suburban areas have seen increased demand as buyers seek more space and affordability without sacrificing quality of life. For sellers, this means positioning a property’s features from home offices to outdoor amenities to appeal to these evolving preferences.

The Role of Technology

Technology is another factor Groom believes cannot be ignored. "Digital tools are no longer optional," he says. "From 3D tours and virtual staging to data-driven pricing models, technology is transforming how we market and evaluate real estate."

He notes that buyers are increasingly starting and sometimes completing the homebuying process online. "Agents and sellers who embrace technology can reach more qualified buyers, streamline the transaction process, and ultimately close deals more efficiently."

Key Tech Trends Groom Recommends Watching:

AI-Powered Valuation Tools: Predictive analytics can help sellers price homes accurately and avoid costly missteps.

Blockchain in Real Estate: Secure digital contracts and tokenized property investments are emerging innovations to watch.

Augmented Reality (AR): Virtual property walkthroughs are helping buyers visualize spaces without visiting in person.

Digital Mortgage Platforms: Online pre-approval and e-closings are speeding up transactions and improving transparency.

Risk Management in a Changing Economy

Groom also warns that the current economic climate calls for prudent risk management. "Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, you need a contingency plan," he says. "That means keeping an eye on cash flow, having reserves for unexpected costs, and being realistic about timelines."

He advises investors, in particular, to stress-test their assumptions. "Ask yourself, ‘What happens if rents flatten? What if interest rates rise another point? Can I carry this property longer than I expect if needed?’" Groom says. "Those who plan for worst-case scenarios will be best positioned to weather any market shifts."

Long-Term Perspective: Why Real Estate Still Matters

Despite the challenges, Groom remains optimistic about the future of real estate as a wealth-building tool. "Real estate is cyclical, but over time, it has consistently appreciated," he explains. "Even during downturns, properties provide a place to live, work, or do business which makes them fundamentally different from other investments."

He adds that real estate also offers diversification benefits. "It’s a tangible asset that can hedge against inflation and generate passive income," Groom says. "For many, it’s a cornerstone of financial security."

Advice for Sellers

For homeowners looking to sell, Groom offers practical advice: focus on presentation and pricing. "Gone are the days when you could list a home as-is and get a dozen offers over asking," he says. "Today’s buyers are discerning, and they have more leverage."

That means investing in small upgrades, staging the home effectively, and working with an experienced agent who understands local market dynamics. "Pricing is the most important marketing tool you have," Groom emphasizes. "If you price too high, your home will sit on the market and you’ll lose negotiating power."

Final Thoughts

The current real estate landscape may feel challenging, but Cameron Groom believes that with the right mindset and strategies, it also presents unique opportunities. "The key is to stay informed, stay flexible, and think long-term," he says.

Whether you’re buying your first home, expanding a portfolio, or selling a property, Groom’s perspective is clear: the fundamentals of real estate haven’t changed. It’s still about location, timing, and strategy but success today requires a bit more diligence, patience, and creativity than in years past.

As the market continues to evolve, Groom encourages everyone to take a proactive approach. "Don’t let uncertainty paralyze you," he concludes. "Work with professionals, gather the data, and make informed decisions. Those who act thoughtfully during times of change often come out ahead."