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Tag: cost of waiting

Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You More Than You Think

person holding hour glass

In today’s uncertain market, it’s easy to understand why many would-be buyers are pressing pause. Headlines talk about rising interest rates, affordability challenges, and fears of a housing bubble.

person holding u s dollar banknotes

But while the idea of “waiting for things to get better” might feel safe, it can quietly cost you thousands—and delay your long-term wealth goals.

As a mortgage coach, I work with buyers every day who are trying to make the smartest financial decisions possible. The truth is, and more often-than-not, waiting isn’t the money-saving move people think it is.

Return on Investment

Let’s break it down simply. When you delay buying a home, you’re not just waiting—you’re most likely renting in the meantime. And rent isn’t just a monthly expense; it’s a payment with zero return on investment.

plant growing in coins

Meanwhile, home prices have historically risen over time. Even if appreciation slows, homes tend to gain value over the long run. So while you’re waiting for rates to drop or for a “perfect time” to buy, the price of the home you want may continue to climb.

That home that costs $450,000 today could easily cost $480,000 next year—and now you’ve missed out on both price and equity growth.

Mortgage Rates

Another key factor? Interest rates are unpredictable. Many buyers assume that mortgage rates will drop significantly soon—but the truth is, no one can accurately time the market.

If rates do drop later, the good news is you can refinance. But if they stay the same or go up further, you’ll have missed out on today’s pricing and rates. Acting now gives you the power of choice, not dependence on something out of your control.

Building Equity – Now!

One of the most overlooked advantages of buying sooner is building equity right away. Every month you own your home, you’re putting a portion of your payment toward your future.

That equity can later be used for renovations, investing in more real estate, or consolidating higher-interest debt. You’re not just buying a place to live—you’re making a step toward long-term financial security.

Options That Can Help

There are also smart tools available right now that can help make buying more affordable in today’s market. I regularly coach clients through strategies like temporary rate buydowns, seller credits, and customized loan structures that ease the initial payment and create a stepping-stone to refinance later.

These aren’t one-size-fits-all tactics—they’re tailored plans that align with your short- and long-term goals. That’s where having a trusted lending coach in your corner really makes a difference.

Long Term Benefits

hourglass and house

Remember, buying a home isn’t just about timing the market—it’s about timing your life. If your job, family, or financial picture says you’re ready, then the right time might be now.

The sooner you step into homeownership, the sooner you start creating stability, tax benefits, and equity growth for yourself—not your landlord. There’s real opportunity in today’s market for those willing to look past the noise and take action with guidance.

In Conclusion

If you’re unsure whether now is the right move, let’s talk…and you can reach me here. I’ll walk you through the numbers, talk through your goals, and we can build a plan that makes sense.

My role is to coach you toward the smartest mortgage decision for your future. Let’s make sure waiting isn’t costing you more than you realize.

The Lending Coach

The blog postings on this site represent the positions, strategies or opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Each loan is subject to underwriter final approval. All information, loan programs, interest rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.

The Cost of Waiting Tool – Available Now!

Cost of waiting iPad

Attention real estate agents and investors…I have a new tool available for you to share with you or your clients who are waiting and trying to “time the market”.

Hourglass with house

So many consumers have been delaying a home purchase as they hold out for interest rates or home prices to drop.

My reporting tool helps demonstrate how delaying a purchase for even a year or two could cost buyers thousands in appreciation, amortization, equity and more.

The Report

For example, if a buyer opted to wait on a $800K purchase, thinking that mortgage rates would drop by nearly three-quarters of a percent (from 6.75% to 6.125%).

In fact, they would actually only save $74/month in their mortgage payment…but would miss out on over $35,000 in appreciation over that year.

Secondly, they could easily purchase now and refinance in a year – and still have a net benefit of buying now of over $30,000!

Here are the specifics:

This Cost of Waiting tool will help show you or your buyers how delaying their purchase could have more of an impact on their long-term wealth than they realize.

Reach Out to Me

I can provide this information to you at any time, so please reach out to me and find out more.  You can schedule a time to go through this tool with me here…as it would be my pleasure to help you!

The Lending Coach

The blog postings on this site represent the positions, strategies or opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Each loan is subject to underwriter final approval. All information, loan programs, interest rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.

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