Timing the Market: Should You Buy Now or Wait?

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there’s a good chance you’ve asked yourself this question:

“Should I buy now, or should I wait for rates or prices to come down?”

It’s a smart question—and one we hear all the time. After all, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. You want to get it right. But the truth is, “timing the market” is a lot trickier than it sounds, and in many cases, waiting might actually cost you more than you think.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Two Factors Everyone Talks About: Rates and Prices

Mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster lately, and depending on who you ask, they’re either about to drop or stay put for a while.

At the same time, home prices have remained stubborn in many areas—especially in desirable neighborhoods with limited inventory. Why? Because even as demand fluctuates, supply remains tight. So while some buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for prices to fall, the reality is that home values in most markets are holding strong.

Waiting for both rates and prices to fall? That’s like trying to win the lottery twice.

2. Waiting Can Cost More Than You Think

Let’s say you decide to wait a year, hoping rates drop by 1%. But if home prices go up even just 5–7% during that time (which is realistic in many markets), you could end up paying more overall.

Here’s a quick example:

• Today: $350,000 home at 6.75% = ~$2,270/month (principal and interest)
• Next Year: $370,000 home at 5.75% = ~$2,170/month

Yes, your monthly payment might drop slightly—but you just paid $20,000 more for the house. And that’s assuming everything goes your way (spoiler: it usually doesn’t).

3. You Can Refinance a Rate, But You Can’t Change the Purchase Price

This is something we remind buyers of often:

“You marry the house, but you date the rate.”

If rates come down in the next 12–24 months—and many experts believe they will—you can refinance and potentially lower your payment.

But if home prices continue to rise, you can’t go back in time and get that house for less. And with demand expected to pick up again as soon as rates drop, buying later could mean more competition, more bidding wars and fewer choices.

4. The Best Time to Buy? When It’s the Right Time for You

Market trends matter—but your personal timeline matters more. Here are a few good reasons it might make sense to buy now:

• You’re tired of rising rent
• You’ve outgrown your current space
• You want to build equity instead of paying someone else’s mortgage
• You’re financially stable and ready for long-term ownership

If those boxes are checked, you don’t need perfect market conditions—you need a smart plan, a trusted guide and a loan that fits your life.

Let’s Talk Strategy

You don’t have to figure all this out on your own. Every buyer’s situation is different, and the best decision is the one that fits your goals—not just the headlines.

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time for you, let’s run the numbers together. We can help you compare options, understand your buying power and map out a game plan—whether you’re ready now or just starting to prepare.