Thinking About Buying a Home? Let’s Talk Timing

You’ve probably heard the old saying: “The best time to buy a home was yesterday. The next best time? Today.”

That’s because real estate is a long-term game — and historically, home values tend to go up over time. So if you’re holding out, hoping prices will drop or mortgage rates will improve, it’s important to know that timing the market rarely works out the way people hope.

Here’s something many buyers overlook: the longer you wait, the more expensive that dream home might become. And you deserve to understand what’s driving that.

Experts Expect Prices To Keep Rising

Every quarter, more than 100 housing experts participate in the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae. Their consensus? Home prices are projected to rise nationally through at least 2029.

While we’ve moved past the steep price jumps of recent years, the outlook points to steady, manageable growth — around 3-4% annually. That’s more sustainable, more typical, and honestly, great news for anyone thinking about buying. The takeaway? Acting sooner could save you from paying more later.

Even in markets where home prices are rising slowly — or even dipping a bit in the short term — owning a home still pays off in the long run.

Here’s what to remember:

• Home prices are expected to rise. The longer you wait, the more you could end up paying for the same home.
• Waiting for a perfect rate or price drop is risky. Even a slight drop in mortgage rates may not offset rising home values — and that delay could cost you more.
• Buying now means building equity sooner. When you start now, you give your home more time to grow in value — and that’s how equity builds over time.

What’s the Real Cost of Waiting?

Let’s break it down. If you purchased a $400,000 home in 2025, expert forecasts say it could be worth nearly $80,000 more by 2030. That’s the power of long-term ownership — and that’s what you’d miss out on by staying on the sidelines.

That kind of growth can be a real game-changer for your future wealth — and it’s exactly why so many homeowners are grateful they made their move when they did. When it comes to real estate, time in the market beats timing the market.

So, instead of asking “Should I wait?” the better question is: “Can I buy now?” Because if you’re in a position to make it work — even if it means starting with something smaller or in a different area — it can pay off big down the line.

Yes, today’s market comes with its share of hurdles. But there are also creative ways to navigate them — like looking into different neighborhoods, talking to your lender about flexible financing options, or taking advantage of down payment assistance programs.

At the end of the day, it’s about moving forward when the time is right for you — not holding out for a “perfect” moment that may never actually come.

Bottom Line

Being in the Market Matters More Than Timing It Perfectly

If you’re torn between buying now or waiting, keep this in mind: real estate tends to favor action over hesitation. It’s not about finding the perfect time — it’s about getting started when the opportunity works for you.

Curious about what’s happening with prices in your area? Whether you're ready to take the next step or just want to explore your options, having a strategy now can put you in a strong position for long-term success.