Why Getting into the Market Now Can Pay Off Big Later

April 24, 2025

A woman in business attire looks thoughtfully out a window while holding a pen beside her tablet.

Waiting to Buy? Here’s Why Time in the Market Always Wins

You’ve probably heard it before: “The best time to buy a home was yesterday. The next best time? Today.”

That’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s rooted in truth. Buying a home is all about playing the long game. And history has shown that home prices tend to rise over time. So, if you’re holding out for prices to fall or mortgage rates to drop, here’s something you need to know: trying to time the market rarely works out the way you hope.

What the Experts Are Saying

Each quarter, Fannie Mae releases the Home Price Expectations Survey, gathering insights from over 100 real estate economists. Their verdict? Home prices are expected to keep climbing steadily through at least 2029.

Chart forecasts home prices rising from 3.41% in 2025 to 3.98% in 2028 and 2029.

No, we’re not talking about the wild double-digit gains we saw during the pandemic market. But we are looking at a more normal and healthy appreciation of about 3–4% each year. That’s great news for the market—and even better for buyers who are ready to get in now and build equity over time.

Here’s the Bottom Line:

  • Next year’s homes will likely cost more than this year’s.

  • Waiting for that “perfect” rate or price dip could cost you more in the long run.

  • Getting into the market sooner means building equity sooner—and that’s how you create wealth through real estate.

Let’s Look at the Numbers

Say you buy a $400,000 home today. Based on the latest forecasts, that same home could be worth nearly $480,000 by 2030. That’s almost $80,000 in potential equity gains just by owning your home and letting time do its thing.

Chart projects a $400,000 home’s value rising to $479,304 by 2030, a potential $79,304 increase.

That’s why so many homeowners who bought a few years ago are feeling pretty good right now—they’ve watched their home’s value grow without lifting a finger.

If You’re On the Fence...

The question isn’t just “Should I wait?”—it’s “Can I make a move now?” If you can stretch a little or find a smaller home to start with, just getting your foot in the door can be a smart long-term play.

Yes, today’s market has its challenges. But there are options—different neighborhoods, creative loan programs, or down payment assistance that could help make it work for you. You’ve got choices, and I’m here to help you explore them.

Final Thought
You don’t need perfect timing to succeed in real estate. You just need a plan, a little patience, and the right people by your side. If you’re ready to talk about what that could look like for you, let’s connect.

Amber Johnson, Founder
Pillar Real Estate
805.835.3425
[email protected]
1345 Park St. Paso Robles, CA 93446
DRE# 01925434

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