Don’t Wait to Buy Real Estate—Buy Real Estate and Wait
Debating whether now is the right time to buy a home or if you should hold off? It’s a tough decision with plenty of factors to weigh, from what’s happening in the market to your personal goals. But here’s the reality: attempting to perfectly time the market is a risky game that’s nearly impossible to win.
That’s why the age-old advice still stands: “Don’t wait to buy real estate—buy real estate and wait.”
Why Time in the Market Matters More
Instead of worrying about pinpointing the perfect moment to buy, focus on the time you spend owning a home. That’s where the real value lies. When you purchase a property, you open the door to building equity over time. As Bankrate explains:
“No matter which way the real estate market is leaning, buying now means you can start building equity immediately.”
Let’s Look at the Numbers
Every quarter, Fannie Mae publishes the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES), which gathers predictions from over 100 experts, including economists and real estate professionals. The latest report shows that home prices are expected to continue climbing through 2029, though at a steadier and more sustainable pace.
Here’s how that might impact you:
Imagine you purchase a $400,000 home in January 2025. Using HPES projections, that home could appreciate by over $83,000 in equity within five years. That’s a significant increase in your household wealth—something renting won’t provide.
The Cost of Waiting
While today’s market may feel challenging, with higher interest rates or tight inventory, waiting could mean missing out on substantial equity gains. Fortunately, there are creative ways to overcome these hurdles:
- Look into areas where housing costs fit better within your budget.
- Consider different property types, like condos or townhomes, which often have lower price tags.
- Research financial assistance programs that can help with your down payment or other expenses.
With these approaches, stepping into homeownership might be easier than you expect.
The Final Thought
If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, keep in mind that the key to building wealth in real estate is time spent owning, not trying to predict the perfect moment. Reach out to a trusted agent today to explore your options and take the first step toward making your homeownership goals a reality.
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