You’ve probably heard the saying: “The best time to buy a house was yesterday. The next best time? Today.”

That little nugget of wisdom holds up—and here’s why.

Buying a home is less about striking gold at the perfect moment and more about playing the long game. Prices tend to rise over time, so if you’re holding out for lower prices or waiting for mortgage rates to drop, you might be doing yourself a disservice.

Let’s break down why waiting could actually cost you more in the long run—and how acting sooner might be your best move.

Home Prices Are Still on the Rise

Every quarter, over 100 housing experts contribute to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae. The consensus? Home prices across the U.S. are expected to continue rising—steadily—through at least 2029.

Take a look at this projection showing how home prices are expected to grow over the next several years:

No, we’re not seeing the big jumps we did a couple of years ago, but the current forecast calls for a healthy, manageable increase of about 3–4% annually. That’s great news for buyers who are hoping for a bit more stability in the market.

Even in areas that might see slower growth or short-term dips, homeownership still tends to pay off in the long run. Think of it like planting a tree—it takes time to grow, but the benefits multiply over the years.

Why Waiting Could Cost You

Here’s what’s worth considering if you’re debating whether to jump in now or hold off:

• Prices are expected to go up next year. If you wait, the same home could cost significantly more.

• Mortgage rates might not fall enough to offset the price growth. Even a small dip in rates may not outpace the steady climb in home prices.

• Buying sooner builds equity faster. The longer you own your home, the more you benefit from appreciation and equity gains.

A Real-Life Example of Equity Growth

Let’s talk numbers for a second. If you buy a $400,000 home in 2025 and values rise as experts predict, that same home could be worth close to $480,000 by 2030. That’s $80,000 in increased value in just five years—without doing anything more than making your mortgage payments.

Here’s a visual of how that appreciation could add up over time:

This is why so many people who bought a few years ago are feeling pretty good about their decision. They’ve been building wealth through homeownership, one month at a time.

So, What’s Holding You Back?

Sure, the market has its challenges—higher rates, competitive inventory, and affordability concerns—but there are tools and strategies to help you move forward:

• Look into neighborhoods you hadn’t considered before.

• Talk to your lender about financing options you might not know about.

• Explore down payment assistance programs available in Utah.

You don’t need the stars to align perfectly. You just need a solid plan and a willingness to start somewhere—even if it means buying a smaller home or a fixer-upper to get your foot in the door.

The Bottom Line: Time In the Market Wins

If you’re wondering whether to wait or to buy now, keep this in mind:

Real estate tends to reward those who act, not those who wait.

If you’re curious about home values here in Salt Lake County or the surrounding areas, let’s chat. Whether you’re serious about buying now or just want to map out your options, having a plan can help you make confident, informed decisions.

Want help exploring what’s possible for your budget and lifestyle? Let’s make a plan that works for you!

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Zander Real Estate Team will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein