Should you buy a home now or wait? This is a common question, and while the right timing depends on personal factors, there’s an important aspect to consider: if you can afford to buy at today’s rates and prices, focusing on time in the market is often more beneficial than trying to time the market.

The Pitfalls of Timing the Market

Attempting to time the market can be risky because conditions change frequently. For example, many forecasts predicted mortgage rates would drop this year. While experts still believe this will happen, various economic factors have delayed the decrease. U.S. News explains:

“Those who put off buying a home during the past few years as they were holding out for lower mortgage rates have been left out of the market . . . mortgage rates have stayed higher for longer than previously expected, keeping monthly housing payments elevated. In other words, affordability didn't improve for those who chose to wait.”

This illustrates why trying to time the market may not be advantageous if you’re ready to buy now.

The Benefits of Rising Home Prices

Delaying your purchase also means missing out on potential equity gains. The Fannie Mae Home Price Expectations Survey, which gathers input from over a hundred economists and real estate experts, predicts home prices will continue to rise through at least 2028.

Example of Equity Gains

Let’s say you bought a $400,000 home at the beginning of this year. Based on expert forecasts, your home could appreciate significantly over the next five years. The projections suggest you could gain over $83,000 in household wealth during this period.

This potential for equity growth highlights why time in the market is crucial.

Advice for Ready and Able Buyers

While mortgage rates and monthly payments are important considerations, don’t overlook the expected rise in home prices. Even a moderate increase in prices can benefit you once you own a home.

Trying to perfectly time the market might mean missing out on substantial equity gains. If you’re in a position to buy now, weigh whether waiting is truly worth it.

As U.S. News Real Estate states:

“There's never a one-size-fits-all answer to whether now is the right time to buy a home. . . . There's also no way to predict precisely what the market will do in the near future . . . Perfectly timing the market shouldn't be the goal. This decision should be determined by your personal needs, financial means, and the time you have to find the right home.”

Bottom Line

If you’re deciding whether to buy now or wait, remember that time in the market is often more valuable than trying to time the market. If you’re ready to start and want to set yourself up for potential equity gains, let’s connect and make it happen.