How the 2025 Government Shutdown Could Impact Home Buying and Selling
Roohan Realty explains what buyers and sellers in Saratoga Springs need to know about the 2025 Government Shutdown
by Jordan Golisano-VanNeil | November 3rd, 2025 | Email – LinkedIn
What the Government Shutdown Means for Home Buyers and Sellers
The federal government officially entered a partial shutdown on October 1, 2025. While shutdowns can raise concerns about the economy, most real estate activity continues with minimal disruption. That said, certain areas — particularly federally backed loan programs and government-supported housing services — may experience delays. At Roohan Realty, with more than 50 real estate agents and over 50 years of trusted experience in the Saratoga region, we are committed to helping our clients understand what is still working, what might slow down, and how to stay prepared during this temporary shutdown.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
Real estate doesn’t stop during a government shutdown. Homes are still being listed, shown, and sold every day. The main difference is that some government-backed loans and paperwork may take a little longer.
If you’re a buyer, plan for possible delays and stay in touch with your lender.
If you’re a seller, be flexible with your timeline in case a buyer’s financing is slowed down by government processing.
Most transactions will continue with only minor bumps — and your REALTOR® can help keep things moving smoothly.
Home Loans and Mortgage Programs
Most home loans are still moving forward. Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac aren’t affected by the shutdown — lenders can continue to approve and close these loans as usual.
However, loans that rely on government agencies may see some delays:
FHA loans are still being processed, but certain steps (like condo approvals) might take longer.
VA loans are still being guaranteed for veterans, but wait times for appraisals or paperwork may increase.
USDA loans are temporarily on hold — no new loans or closings can happen until the shutdown ends.
If you’re using one of these programs, your lender and REALTOR® can help you stay on track and plan around any slowdowns.
Income and Employment Verification
During a shutdown, the IRS and other federal offices have fewer staff available to process requests. That means verifying income or employment for some buyers can take longer. In most cases, lenders can still move forward, but you might see a few extra days added to your closing timeline.
HUD and Housing Assistance
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will keep most essential programs running, such as housing assistance payments. But new grant approvals or funding requests may be delayed until the government reopens. If you rent or manage a property that relies on HUD programs, stay in touch with your local housing authority for updates.
Local Guidance You Can Trust
At Roohan Realty, we’ve guided buyers and sellers through every kind of market change for over 50 years. As a family-owned, locally operated company, we take pride in helping our community navigate challenges with confidence and care.
If you have questions about how the government shutdown could affect your home purchase or sale, our team of experienced real estate professionals is here to help.
Contact Roohan Realty today to speak with one of our on-staff experts and get trusted advice tailored to your situation.
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