Coaching and teaching - many through the mortgage process and others on the field

Tag: homeownership

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.

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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.

Why Homeownership Is Still Worth It—Even Beyond the Finances

high angle photography of village

In today’s market, many buyers are asking: “Is homeownership still worth it?” With rising costs and economic uncertainty, it’s a fair question.

But let’s pause for a moment—because homeownership has never been just about the money. In fact, recent studies show that the emotional, mental, and lifestyle benefits of owning a home are among the top reasons people choose to buy.

grayscale of man woman and dog on window

From mental health benefits to stronger communities, homeownership offers more than just a return on investment—it offers a better quality of life.

Here’s what the research says—and why it still makes sense to consider homeownership, even in a complex market.

Homeownership Improves Mental Well-being

A study from Habitat for Humanity found that 57% of homeowners report feeling more secure, stable, and happier in their lives than when they were renting.

According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 93% of homeowners say owning a home makes them feel proud.

The Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health reported that homeowners experience lower levels of psychological distress compared to renters.

When you own, your home isn’t just a space—it becomes a place of safety, peace, and personal identity. That matters, especially in times of uncertainty.

You Have Full Creative Control

Homeownership means freedom. Want to paint your kitchen teal? Go for it. Need to build a nursery or create a meditation space? You can. According to a Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report:

brown wooden welcome wall decor
  • 74% of homeowners say they value “having control over their living space” as one of their top reasons for buying.
  • This same survey found that renters ranked “freedom to customize” as a top motivator for wanting to buy.

That ability to express yourself and shape your space fosters deeper satisfaction and comfort—something many renters say they’re missing.

Privacy and Peace Go Hand in Hand

When you own your home, you often gain more personal space, more privacy, and less exposure to external disruptions (no more surprise maintenance calls or upstairs neighbors at 3 a.m.).

According to the Urban Institute, one of the biggest complaints among renters is lack of privacy and unpredictable disruptions—key stressors that impact daily life.

Owning your home allows you to create a stable, peaceful environment tailored to your needs—and that affects everything from sleep quality to productivity.

You Become Part of a Community

welcome to our home print brown wooden wall decor

When you buy, you’re not just investing in a house—you’re planting roots. A Pew Research Center study shows:

  • Homeowners are more likely to volunteer, vote in local elections, and engage with their neighbors.
  • Communities with higher homeownership rates tend to have lower crime rates and more stable school systems.
  • This sense of belonging and connection to a neighborhood is something that can’t be measured in dollars—but it adds lasting value to your life.

You Gain a Deep Sense of Accomplishment

Finally, homeownership comes with an emotional milestone: the feeling of “I did this.”

couple packing books in a box

According to Realtor.com, first-time buyers describe owning a home as one of the most rewarding life experiences—comparable to graduating college or getting their first job.

It’s a personal victory. It represents hard work, resilience, and the beginning of a new chapter—something renting often doesn’t offer in the same way.

Final Thoughts: Why It’s Still Worth It

Yes, it takes patience and strategy to buy a home in today’s market. But the non-financial rewards—from emotional wellbeing to life flexibility—remain stronger than ever.

In a world full of uncertainty, a home provides grounding, purpose, and peace of mind.

Want to talk about whether homeownership makes sense for your life—not just your finances?

Let’s connect

I’m here to help you explore your options and take the next step with confidence.

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 Power of Home Ownership

Cut out home in sky

Imagine turning your monthly expenses into a growing investment, something that could multiply your net worth exponentially.

Billionaire Andrew Carnegie famously said that 90% of millionaires got their wealth by investing in real estate.

Green painted house

Not a lot of people know this, but the average homeowner’s net worth is 40 times that of a renter.

Right now, if you’re renting, you’re paying someone else’s mortgage, essentially filling their pockets, but getting zero in return for your own financial future.

Enter home ownership. It’s not just a roof over your head; it’s equity in your pocket. In fact, on average, two-thirds of a person’s net worth comes from home equity!

Plus, home values continue to appreciate. Case-Shiller recently reported that national home prices saw an annual gain of 5.4% for June, hitting another all-time high!

Switching from renter to homeowner is simpler than you might think. It’s a strategic move towards securing your financial future.

black handled key on key hole

Just ask Peter Hernandez of Teles Properties:

“Most millionaires I know made more money from owning real estate than any other investment. Real estate consistently increases in value over time and outperforms other investments.

Plus, it isn’t as vulnerable to short-term fluctuations as the stock market. You get a tangible, usable asset, whether you’re renting out an apartment or commercial building for income or buying a home. And there can also be tax benefits for investment properties.”

Do reach out to me for help, as it would be my pleasure to work with you to explore a personalized buy vs rent scenario tailored just for 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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