Is Now Actually the Worst Time to Buy a Home? Why “Waiting for the Right Time” Might Be Costing You More Than You Think
If you’ve been paying attention to headlines, you’ve probably heard it again and again:
“It’s the worst time to buy a home.” “Rates are sky-high.” “The market is frozen.”
But here’s a better question: Is that actually true — or just clickbait?
As a loan officer who sees real numbers and real outcomes every day, I can tell you the truth is far more nuanced. Let’s dig into why now may actually be one of the smartest times to buy — and why the worst time might have already passed.
What Was Worse: High Prices or High Rates?
Let’s compare two different markets:
2021–2022: Ultra-Low Rates, Sky-High Prices
Mortgage rates: ~2.5%–3%
Home prices: Record highs due to bidding wars and low inventory
Buyers often paid$30K+ over asking with waived inspections/appraisals
Home prices: Stabilizing or correcting in many markets
Less competition, more seller flexibility
Buyers are regaining negotiating power
Here’s the key idea:
You can refinance a rate, but you can’t refund an overpriced house.
What Today’s Market Actually Offers
Yes, rates are higher — but look what you’re gaining:
More negotiation power (price reductions, seller credits, closing cost help)
No panic bidding wars
More time to do inspections and due diligence
Better protection against overpaying
And if (or when) rates drop in the future, you can refinance — potentially getting the best of both worlds: – A home you bought at a good price – A lower monthly payment down the road
Real Talk: Timing the Market Rarely Works
Buyers who waited in 2020 for the market to cool ended up paying more in 2021. Buyers who waited in 2022 for rates to fall are still… waiting.
The truth is, you win in real estate by holding the asset, not by trying to time it perfectly.
So… Is It the Worst Time to Buy?
Not at all. In fact, for the prepared, patient, and well-advised buyer, now could be one of the most strategic times to enter the market in years.
You just need:
A smart buying strategy
The right financing plan
A clear understanding of your long-term goals
Need Help Navigating This Market?
You don’t need to make sense of it all on your own. I help buyers every day:
Analyze their buying power
Plan for refinance opportunities
Decide whether buying now or waiting actually makes more sense for their situation
Prepare them years, months or weeks so they can be FULLY prepared and qualified
Contact me for a free planning session with me — no pressure, just honest answers.
The market may not be perfect, but it might perfect for you
Megan Ringhoff is a licensed loan officer at Jet Direct Mortgage who prides herself in helping people change their lives for the better, helping them build wealth, and putting people and their families into a home with a backyard to call their own. Megan strives to find ways for her clients to get the best possible deal to fit their situation and will do anything to make their dreams come to reality. NMLS#2040719
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