Why Buying a Home Now Beats Waiting

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because homeownership is all about the long game – and historically, home prices tend to rise over time. So, while it might be tempting to wait for prices to dip or interest rates to fall, trying to time the market rarely works out the way people hope.

Here’s something most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could ultimately cost you. And you deserve to understand why.

Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep Climbing

Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts contribute to the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae. And they’re all saying the same thing: national home prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.

The rapid spikes we saw in the past few years are behind us. Instead, a steady, healthy growth of about 3-4% per year is forecasted moving forward. While there will always be local variations, this more sustainable pace is great news for the housing market – and for hopeful buyers.

Here’s a look at the national forecast:

Even if some areas experience modest short-term fluctuations, homeownership consistently wins in the long run.

Here’s what to remember:

• Next year’s home prices will likely be higher than today’s. Waiting could mean paying more later.

• Waiting for rates to drop might not help. Even if rates dip slightly, price growth could still make homes more expensive.

• Buying sooner lets you build equity earlier. The longer you own, the more financial benefits you accrue over time.

What You’ll Miss Out On if You Wait

Let’s put real numbers behind this. Based on expert projections, if you purchased a $400,000 home in early 2025, by 2030, your home could gain almost $80,000 in value:

That’s a serious boost to your financial future. It’s why so many homeowners look back and are grateful they made their move when they did. Time in the market matters.

So the real question isn’t: “Should I wait?” It’s: “Can I afford to buy now?”

If you can stretch a bit or consider buying something slightly smaller or in a different neighborhood, you can start building wealth now rather than watching prices rise without you.

Ways to Make It Work

Today’s housing market does come with challenges – but there are also more options than ever:

• Explore a wider range of neighborhoods to find hidden opportunities.

• Ask your lender about flexible financing options or rate buydowns.

• Look into down payment assistance programs you may qualify for.

The key? Move when it makes sense for you. Waiting for a perfect scenario could mean missing out altogether.

Bottom Line: Get In the Game

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market.

If you’re debating whether to buy now or later, remember: real estate rewards action-takers, not market-timers.

Curious about what’s happening right now in our local market? Whether you're ready to buy today or just starting to explore, let’s connect. Having a plan can set you up for long-term success.

At Waymaker Realty Advisors, we're your partner for the best real estate journey. Let’s start building your future – together.