Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Deciding whether to buy a home now or hold off? There’s a lot to weigh—from what’s happening in the market to how your needs may be evolving. But here’s the truth: trying to perfectly time the market usually isn’t the best strategy. There are just too many variables.

That’s why real estate experts often say it’s not about timing the market—it’s about your time in the market.

In other words, if you’re ready to buy and can comfortably make the numbers work, buying sooner rather than later can really pay off. Bankrate explains it well:

"No matter which way the real estate market is leaning, buying now means you can start building equity immediately."

Let’s break this down so you can see exactly what this could mean for you.

Each quarter, Fannie Mae releases its Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES), which gathers input from over 100 economists, real estate pros, and market analysts about where home prices are headed. The latest projections show home prices will keep climbing—just at a more typical pace compared to the rapid increases we’ve seen in recent years.

a graph of a number of green rectangles

So, what does this mean for you?

To put it into perspective, let’s say you purchase a $400,000 home in early 2025. Based on the HPES forecasts, your home could increase in value by over $83,000 in the next five years. That’s a substantial boost to your household wealth—and you’re only getting that if you own, not rent.

a graph of growth of a house

Yes, today’s market has its challenges. But this is why buying a home can be so worthwhile over the long run. If homeownership is your goal, don’t give up—there are ways to make it happen. We can look at homes in more affordable neighborhoods, explore condos or townhomes, and even check into down payment assistance programs if that’s an option for you.

Sure, you can wait—but if the goal is to time the market perfectly, you could be missing out on valuable equity gains. The decision is ultimately yours, but it’s important to have the full picture.

Bottom Line:

If you’re unsure whether to buy now or wait, remember this: it’s not about timing the market—it’s about your time in the market. Let’s connect so we can map out a plan and get you closer to making your dream of homeownership a reality.

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