Should I be Buying a House Now?

Should I be Buying a House Now? Timing the Real Estate Market.

The short answer to "Should I be Buying a House Now" is yes, in general. There are many reasons why it might not be a good time for you, but timing the market isn’t one of them. Here’s why. 

“The best time to buy was yesterday.” It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard tossed around—and for good reason. Many buyers hold off on making a move because they’re waiting for the “perfect” time to jump into the market. But here’s the reality: timing the real estate market is incredibly difficult, even for seasoned professionals. Unlike stocks or cryptocurrency, real estate doesn’t offer instant feedback or easy exits. Prices shift gradually, interest rates are influenced by global and national events, and trying to predict the bottom often results in missing the window entirely.

Let’s take a closer look at why timing the market is not a winning strategy—and what you should be focusing on instead.

Why the Real Estate Market Is Hard to Time

The real estate market is not liquid like the stock market. Homes take time to list, show, and sell. Market shifts—like increased inventory, slower buyer demand, or changing interest rates—tend to play out over months or even years.

Predicting peaks and valleys in this kind of market is nearly impossible. By the time news headlines are reporting a “buyer’s market,” the best deals may already be gone. Conversely, when prices are soaring, waiting for them to drop often results in even higher prices down the line due to pent-up demand.

The local real estate market is also affected by seasonality, neighborhood trends, and economic shifts—all of which add layers of unpredictability. Instead of guessing at highs and lows, buyers benefit most from understanding what they can afford now and acting when the right home becomes available.

Marry the House, Date the Rate | Should I be Buying a House Now?

You may have heard the phrase, “Marry the house, date the rate.” It's more relevant today than ever. The idea is simple: commit to the home you love, and know that interest rates can be refinanced in the future.

Yes, mortgage rates today are higher than they were during the pandemic, but we’re unlikely to return to 2% and 3% rates again. The Federal Reserve has signaled that higher-for-longer may be the new normal.

What does that mean for buyers? Waiting for rates to drop significantly could be a long game—and in the meantime, home prices may continue to rise. If a home checks your boxes and is within your budget, securing it now could put you in a stronger financial position long-term, especially when refinancing becomes an option.

Should I be Buying a House Now? Well, Waiting Doesn't Always Equal Lower Prices

Many buyers assume that if they wait, prices will drop. But that’s not a given.

Here’s why:

• In desirable areas, prices often hold steady or rise due to limited inventory.
  
  
• Even in slower markets, motivated buyers tend to scoop up well-priced homes quickly, leaving fewer opportunities for deep discounts.
  
  
• Inflation and construction costs continue to push home values upward over time, regardless of short-term interest rate fluctuations.
  
  

By the time prices dip in one area, the cost of borrowing may increase—or competition may spike. Either way, the savings you hoped for may be canceled out by other factors beyond your control.

Call to Action: Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of trying to predict the perfect time to buy, focus on what you can control:

• Your budget and comfort level with monthly payments
  
  
• Your loan approval and financial readiness
  
  
• Your list of non-negotiables in a home
  
  
• Working with a real estate agent who understands the market and can spot a great opportunity when it comes along
  
  

At Erin Gwillim Real Estate, we help buyers navigate the current market with confidence—without waiting for the stars to align. If you're ready to explore your options, we’re here to guide you with clarity, insight, and expert strategy.

Let’s find your home—no perfect timing required. Call or text me today @ 727-409-1089!