Why Timing Isn’t Everything When Buying a Home

By Nathan King

Nathan King, a native of Fresno, has spent his entire life immersed in the vibrant Central Valley community. Nathan loves spending time with his family and helping his clients achieve their real estate goals.

I get it—buying a home is a huge decision. Lately, I’ve had a lot of conversations with people who say the same thing: “I’m going to wait until rates drop.” Or “Maybe prices will come down next year.” That sounds reasonable on the surface. But let’s take a closer look at what really happens when you wait.

What actually happens when you wait. In 2019 and 2020, I worked with several clients who were hesitant about buying because home prices seemed high. Some held off, hoping the market would cool. Others went ahead and bought. Today, those buyers are sitting on thousands in equity and, in many cases, locked in rates under 4%. Meanwhile, the ones who waited? They’re now facing higher prices, higher rates, and increased competition especially in areas like Central Texas, where demand remains strong. Many people are now saying they’ll jump in once interest rates drop. However, when interest rates decrease, buyer demand typically increases. That drives prices up fast. So, while you might save a little on your rate, the price of the home itself could sometimes climb by tens of thousands.

If you buy now and rates go down later, you can refinance. That’s not just a theory; it’s a strategy many of my clients have used before. But if you wait and prices jump, you’re stuck. You don’t get a do-over on today’s prices. The decision to buy a home shouldn’t be based only on market trends. It should be based on your life. Are you tired of renting? Do you plan on staying in the area for at least five years? Can you afford the monthly payment now? If the answer is yes, then now might be your best chance to stop renting and start building equity.

Let’s find the right plan for you. You don’t need to rush, and you don’t need to guess. We can discuss your options, run the numbers, and develop a strategy that aligns with your budget and goals, whether you’re ready to buy now or want to prepare for the future.

Call me at +1 (559) 396-0000 or email info@kingrealestate.group to start the conversation. The best time to start is before the next wave of buyers realizes it’s already too late.