Marry the House, Date the Rate: Here’s How Gilberti Group is Taking Advantage of Today’s Market Conditions

Right now, different parts of the market are telling different stories. While the S&P 500 and crypto reach all-time highs, real estate remains muted by elevated borrowing costs. 

Or is it?

On some level, it is. High interest rates are keeping transaction activity lower, and many investors are hesitant to make moves. 

However, for disciplined investors, that divergence can offer an opening rather than a hurdle. 

At Gilberti Group, we borrow the age-old adage: “marry the house, date the rate.” In other words, buy good assets that will hold their value over the long run, and treat today’s financing terms as a variable you can optimize over time. That mindset, paired with conservative underwriting and ample dry powder, positions us to lean in precisely where others hesitate. 

Rates are high, but all signs point to them easing 

Mortgage rates are still higher than they were a few years ago, but they’ve been edging lower. As of mid-August, the average 30-year mortgage rate was at 6.58% – the lowest it has been all year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s recent policy statement kept the target fed-funds range at 4.25%-4.50% while signaling data-dependence ahead, consistent with a late-cycle stance rather than further aggressive tightening. For investors, the combination of high but softening mortgage rates and a patient Fed supports the central premise of underwriting today with intentional refinancing flexibility tomorrow. 

Stocks and Crypto Show an Appetite for Risk

At the same time, the S&P 500 recently hit record highs, and Bitcoin is trading above the six-figure mark. Even if you don’t invest in crypto, it’s an important signal. Investors right now have plenty of capital and confidence to deploy. When the financial markets are this strong, it’s usually only a matter of time before real estate begins to benefit too. 

Real Estate is Lagging – For Now

Real estate may be lagging, but it is important to define what that means. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing-home sales fell in June, but home prices actually hit a record high of $435K. In commercial real estate, activity is uneven: prime assets are still in demand, but properties with weaker fundamentals are struggling to refinance debt. 

This creates a rare situation: prices haven’t collapsed, but fewer deals are happening. For disciplined investors, this means opportunity. Sellers who need to move quickly may offer better terms, and fewer active buyers mean less competition.

How Gilberti Group will approach this market

So, how do we turn this complicated environment into an advantage? At Gilberti Group, we have a plan for our investors:

Keep dry powder for the right moment. When public risk assets are at or near highs, the hurdle rate for new private deals should rate. We don’t feel pressured to deploy capital just because others are chasing deals. Holding back today means we’ll have more resources ready when opportunity truly opens up, such as moments of forced selling, debt maturities, or rate-cut inflections. Selectivity is key right now. 

Build a refinancing strategy into the model from day one. When we underwrite a deal, we don’t just look at today’s loan terms. We assume we’ll have the chance to refinance in a few years. That means choosing loans with flexible terms, shorter horizons, or the ability to prepay without penalty. By planning ahead, we make sure we’re not stuck with today’s rates forever. 

Focus on long-term returns. Interest rates matter, but what matters more is the quality of the property and the business plan behind it. Over five to ten years, the biggest drivers of returns are things like buying at the right basis, growing income, keeping costs under control, and refinancing or selling at the right time.

Look for distressed sellers. In the next year or two, many owners will face debt maturities at higher rates. Some won’t be able to refinance easily. That’s when patient buyers like us can step in, buying solid properties at attractive prices from sellers who need liquidity. 

The key takeaway is simple: interest rates are temporary, but the quality of what you buy lasts. If you buy a great property at a sound price today, you can always improve your financing later. In fact, this environment is setting the stage for some of the best opportunities in years. Stocks and crypto tell us capital is plentiful. Rates are already softening. And real estate – while quiet now – will eventually catch up.

For investors who stay disciplined, keep capital ready, and think long term. This is not a moment to sit back, but rather a moment to prepare for the opportunities that high rates are creating.

Our team is here to help you evaluate opportunities that align with your financial goals! To set up a meeting, click the link here.