Should I Wait to Buy? What Is The Real Cost of Waiting?
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- purchase, real estate investing, vision board, wealth plan
The Real Cost of Waiting to Buy
“I think I’ll wait until the market cools down.”
“I want to save more first.”
“I’ll buy next year — when rates drop.”
These are all valid thoughts.
But here’s the problem: the market doesn’t wait.
And the cost of waiting to buy a home is often far higher than people realize — especially when you factor in appreciation, rent payments, and missed equity.
Let’s break it down.
1. Home Prices Rarely Drop Long-Term
Even if prices slow temporarily, history shows that real estate almost always trends up over time.
Waiting one year on a $400K home could mean:
- That same home now costs $420K
- You now need a bigger down payment
- You’ve missed out on $20K in equity gains
And if rates also go up? That’s a double hit.
Want to see the real math? Calculate your Compare 2 Rates (Interest Costs) now to understand how price appreciation plus potential rate increases affect your total costs when you delay buying.
2. Rent is 100% Interest — With No Return
- You’re paying someone else’s mortgage
- You’re building no equity
- You’re subject to annual rent increases (which follow inflation)
Ready to compare renting versus buying? Calculate your Conventional Purchase Loan Payment now to see how your monthly rent compares to mortgage payments and how much equity you’d start building immediately.
3. Inflation Makes Today’s Dollar More Valuable
- You may get less house later
- You may have less control over the transaction
- And you’ll face more competition from buyers who act sooner
4. Rates Can Go Up, Too
Everyone’s hoping rates drop. But what if they don’t?
Or worse… what if they go up first?
Higher rates + higher home prices = significantly higher monthly payments
Even a 1% rate increase can mean hundreds more per month.
If limited savings are your reason for waiting, explore accessible options now. Calculate your FHA Purchase Loan Payment now to see how 3.5% down makes buying possible sooner rather than waiting years to save 20%.
You Don’t Have to Rush — But You Should Run the Numbers
If you’re waiting because you’re uncertain — that’s fair.
But if you’re waiting because you think it’s “cheaper” later… that’s worth a second look.
Let us run a few real-world projections for you. You might be closer than you think.
Want to find out if waiting is helping or hurting your wealth plan?
At Stairway Mortgage, we help you understand the true cost of waiting—so timing decisions are based on math, not fear.
📘 Download our homebuyer guides about timing your purchase.
🧮 See waiting costs with our Compare 2 Rates Calculator.
🏠 Start your journey on our Buy a House page.
📊 Check Current Rates to see today’s options.
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