For the past 2 plus years, the housing market has been moving at breakneck speed. The pace and price of real estate are a boon to sellers, whose homes occasionally inspire bidding wars or appraisal guarantees that put extra cash in their pockets. Read all of Timeline For Selling A House: What To Expect During The Process

Mortgage interest rates shot up in recent months. And buyers are well aware that inventory remains low while home prices continue to rise. In this environment, some prospective home buyers will inevitably decide to wait thing out and buy a house in 2023 instead. That can be a smart strategy, depending on your financial situation and life goals. But there’s no guarantee the market will be easier next year. So while you’re waiting, take steps to improve your finances and better your odds at securing the home you want. Here’s what to do. Read all of Should you wait until 2023 to buy a house?