Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Trying to decide whether it makes more sense to buy a home now or wait? There is a lot to think about, from what the market is doing to how your own needs may be changing. But in general, trying to perfectly time the market is not a solid strategy. There are too many unpredictable factors to make it realistic.

That is why you will often hear experts say that time in the market is better than timing the market.

As trusted local lenders at Lend Mortgage Solutions, we work with homebuyers every day who wonder whether now is the right moment to make a move. Here is why buying sooner rather than later can be a smart financial choice for many people.

If you are in a position to buy and the numbers work for your budget, purchasing a home now can help you start building wealth right away. Bankrate explains it well:

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

And that matters. Equity is one of the biggest long term benefits of homeownership. Instead of paying rent and building someone else’s wealth, you are investing in your own future.

Here is some helpful context. Each quarter, Fannie Mae releases the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It gathers insights from over 100 economists, real estate experts, and market strategists. The latest projections show that home prices are expected to continue rising through at least 2029 at a steady and more normal pace.

(see the graph below)

What does that mean for you?

Let’s look at a simple example. If you buy a 400,000 dollar home in early 2025, here is the amount of potential equity you could gain over the next five years based on these expert forecasts.

Potential Home Equity Growth by 2030:
$83,000 or more in household wealth

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That’s a significant amount of money you could be earning just by owning a home. If you wait, you not only risk paying a higher price later, but you also lose out on potential appreciation.

If you keep renting, you’re missing out on this equity gain. Unlike rent payments, which go straight to your landlord, mortgage payments help build your own wealth over time.

And while today’s market presents challenges, there are creative ways to make homeownership possible, including:

Looking at more affordable areas

Considering condos or townhomes

Exploring down payment assistance programs

At Lend Mortgage Solutions, we’re a local mortgage brokerage that specializes in helping buyers find the right financing options to make homeownership happen, even in a competitive market.

Sure, you could wait. But if you’re waiting solely to time the market, you could be missing out on major equity gains. While no one can predict exactly where mortgage rates or home prices will be in the future, history tells us that real estate is a long-term investment that appreciates over time.

If you’re torn between buying now or waiting, remember:

It’s time in the market—not timing the market—that truly matters.

Home values are expected to rise, which means the longer you wait, the more expensive homes may become.

Buying now allows you to start building equity and creating long-term financial stability.

Bottom Line

As your local lending experts, we understand that every buyer’s situation is unique. That’s why we're here to help you explore all your options, whether that means buying now, adjusting your price range, or finding creative ways to make homeownership affordable.

Let’s talk about your goals and get you pre-approved today!