How to Time the Market: Should You Wait or Buy Now?

Opening question: Should you buy a home now, or wait for rates or prices to change?
Snippet answer: Waiting can feel smart, but it’s also risky. Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible, your personal readiness often matters more than macro trends.

1. Why waiting doesn’t always pay off

• While you wait, prices or rates could go up, not down.
• You could end up paying more for less home later.
  

2. What matters most: your long-term plan

• Are you financially stable and planning to stay in one place?
• If so, buying now and building equity may be smarter than renting and waiting.
  

3. Focus on what you can control

• You can’t control interest rates, but you can control your budget, pre-approval, and readiness.
• Even in shifting markets, good homes still get snapped up.
  

4. Consider refinancing later

• If you buy at a higher rate now, you can always refinance when rates drop.
• But if prices rise, that opportunity may pass you by.
  

Final takeaway

Trying to “time the market” rarely works. The right time to buy is when you’re ready. A great home in the right location is always a smart long-term investment.