Why Time in the Market Always Wins in Real Estate
You’ve probably heard it before: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”
It might sound cliché, but there’s a lot of truth behind it. Real estate is a long-term investment—and history shows that home values almost always rise over time.
If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to buy—hoping prices will dip or mortgage rates will drop—you might want to rethink that strategy. Trying to perfectly time the market rarely works. In fact, waiting could cost you more in the long run.
Let’s break down why.
Home Prices Are Expected To Keep Rising
Every quarter, Fannie Mae surveys over 100 real estate experts in its Home Price Expectations Survey. Their consensus?
Home prices will continue to grow steadily through at least 2029.
Sure, the days of rapid double-digit price jumps are behind us. But experts forecast a healthy 3-4% annual increase moving forward. That’s good news for the stability of the housing market—and a clear signal that prices aren’t going to fall dramatically anytime soon.
Even in markets where prices may cool off temporarily, history shows that home values trend upward over time.
Here’s what that means for you:
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Next year’s homes will cost more than this year’s.
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Waiting may mean paying a higher price later—even if mortgage rates dip slightly.
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Buying now gets you started on building equity right away.
Real Numbers: How Much Could Waiting Really Cost?
Let’s say you’re looking at a $400,000 home today. Based on current expert projections, by 2030 that same home could be worth around $480,000. That’s an $80,000 increase—and that gain would go straight into your net worth if you owned the home.
If you wait a year or two hoping prices will fall (which experts say is unlikely), you risk missing out on:
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Potential appreciation
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Building wealth through home equity
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Protecting yourself against future inflation and rent increases
Simply put: the longer you wait, the more you’ll likely pay—and the more wealth-building opportunities you miss.
Making It Work in Today’s Market
Yes, today’s housing market can feel intimidating. Higher mortgage rates and limited inventory are real challenges.
But there are creative strategies that can help you succeed, like:
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Exploring different neighborhoods where homes are more affordable
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Considering smaller homes or condos as a stepping stone
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Talking to lenders about flexible financing options
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Researching down payment assistance programs to help with upfront costs
The key is to focus on what’s possible now, instead of chasing the elusive “perfect” moment that may never come.
Getting your foot in the door—even if it’s not your forever home—starts your journey to building long-term wealth.
Bottom Line: It’s About Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market
Buying a home is about more than finding the lowest price or the lowest rate—it’s about investing in your future.
Real estate rewards those who get into the market and stay there. The sooner you buy, the sooner you start benefiting from appreciation, equity growth, and the financial security that homeownership offers.
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to make your move, it’s smart to connect with a real estate professional.
They can show you what’s happening in your local market and help you create a plan that works for your goals and your budget.
Because when it comes to buying a home, the best time to start building your future is today.