The Myth of the “Right Time” to Buy Real Estate

If you’ve ever typed “Is now a good time to buy a house?” into a search engine, you’ve probably found yourself more confused than informed. Some articles insist it’s the perfect time to buy—low inventory, high rents, and long-term appreciation. Others argue it’s better to wait—interest rates are high, economic uncertainty looms, and prices could cool. So, which is it?

Here’s the truth: both can be right, depending on who’s asking.

Real estate is not a one-size-fits-all market. While headlines speak in sweeping generalizations, buying a home or investment property is both personal and situational. The best time to buy isn’t dictated by market conditions alone it’s when the property, financing, and your personal goals align. Your financial readiness and goals play a much greater role than market timing.

That’s because real estate, by nature, is a long-hold investment. The real returns—whether through appreciation, rental income, or tax benefits—take time to materialize. Most buyers who build wealth in real estate don’t do it through perfectly timed purchases. They do it by holding quality properties over the long term, weathering market fluctuations, and using strategic financing to their advantage. If you’re planning to live in the home or hold the investment for 5–10+ years, short-term market fluctuations are less important than buying the right property in the right location with the right strategy. Trying to “time” the bottom of the market is nearly impossible—and most successful investors will tell you they’ve built wealth by staying in the market, not by timing it perfectly.

So when you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy, it’s worth pausing to ask better questions. Why do you want to buy? Does this purchase support your personal or financial goals? Can you hold and sustain this investment through the normal ups and downs of the market?

These questions can feel nebulous, that’s where a trusted advisor comes in. A good broker doesn’t just open doors—they help you step through the right ones.