Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House: Should You Buy or Wait
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- Buy A House, Current Mortgage Rates, Financial Planning, First-Time Home Buyer
It’s one of the most common questions we hear:
“Should I buy now… or wait?”
Maybe you’re worried about interest rates.
Maybe you’re unsure if prices will drop.
Or maybe you’re just not sure if it’s your time yet.
At Stairway Mortgage, we believe good decisions come from clarity, not pressure.
Here’s how we help you think through this question with strategy and peace of mind.
1. Consider Your Life Timing First
Forget market headlines for a moment. Ask yourself:
• Am I stable in my job or career path?
• Do I plan to live in this area for at least 2–3 years?
• Am I emotionally and financially ready for the responsibility of owning?
If the answer is yes to most of those, you’re in the right season to buy — regardless of market trends.
2. The Market Is Always Moving
Waiting for the “perfect time” is like waiting for all green lights on your way to work.
- Rates rise and fall
- Inventory shifts
- Prices fluctuate
The question isn’t “when will the market be perfect?”
It’s: “Can I make a smart move now that supports my long-term goals?”
Understanding how waiting affects your costs is crucial. Calculate your Compare 2 Rates (Interest Costs) now to see how even a small rate increase while you wait could cost you thousands more over the life of your loan.
3. Owning Beats Renting Long-Term
While renting may seem more flexible, every month’s payment is building equity for your landlord — not you.
Owning offers:
• Monthly payment stability
• Wealth-building through equity
• Potential tax advantages
• The freedom to personalize and invest in your space
And even if rates are higher now, you can refinance later — but you can’t go back in time to buy a home that’s already appreciated.
Ready to compare renting versus owning? Calculate your Conventional Purchase Loan Payment now to see how your monthly rent compares to a mortgage payment and understand how much equity you’d be building instead of paying a landlord.
4. Your Monthly Budget Matters More Than Your Rate
Most buyers obsess over interest rates, but forget to ask:
Can I comfortably afford the monthly payment for a home I’d enjoy living in?
That’s the real question. And we help you reverse-engineer the answer — with full transparency.
If your budget is tight, explore options that make buying accessible now. Calculate your FHA Purchase Loan Payment now to see how 3.5% down payment requirements might let you buy sooner rather than waiting to save 20%.
5. Let’s Build a Buy-or-Wait Strategy Together
Sometimes the answer is “yes, now is your time.”
Other times, the smartest move is to wait 3–6 months and prepare.
We’ll help you:
• Analyze your finances
• Understand the pros and cons
• Build a plan for when the time is right
No pressure. Just real guidance.
Want to explore your complete options? Visit our Buy a House page for comprehensive resources about timing your purchase, understanding market conditions, and making the decision that’s right for your unique situation.
Want Help Making the Right Call?
At Stairway Mortgage, we help you make timing decisions based on your goals—not market fear or FOMO.
📘 Download our homebuyer guides about timing your purchase.
🧮 Compare scenarios with our Compare 2 Rates Calculator.
🏠 Explore your options on our Buy a House page.
📊 Check Current Rates to understand today’s market.
Ready to Take Your First Step?
Skip the guesswork. Take our quick Discovery Quiz to uncover your top financial priorities, so we can guide you toward the wealth-building strategies that fit your life.
- Takes just 5 minutes
- Tailored results based on your answers
- No credit check required
Need a Pre-Approval Letter—Fast?
Buying a home soon? Complete our short form and we’ll connect you with the best loan options for your target property and financial situation—fast.
- Only 2 minutes to complete
- Quick turnaround on pre-approval
- No credit score impact
Got a Few Questions First?
Let’s talk it through. Book a call and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch to guide you personally.
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