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Time “IN” vs. “TIMING” the Market

Rent vs. Buy - When is the Right Time to Buy?


Why Waiting to Buy Can Cost You More: Lessons from Three Historic Housing Markets

Are you considering holding off on buying and waiting for the “perfect” market conditions? Many buyers hesitate, wondering if now is the right time, if home prices/rates will drop, or if market conditions will improve. Whether it’s first-time buying or finding a right-size home, the key is time in the market, not timing the market. Here are three powerful examples of how buyers who jumped in ended up miles ahead while those who waited missed out.


KEY POINTS

  • In deciding whether to rent or own, it’s important to remember the wealth-building power of equity accumulation.
  • Even homeowners who bought at the height of the housing boom in 2006 have gained $169,000 in equity, while renters lost $229,000 in wealth over that period. 


2006: Buying at the Peak ( +$169K ) see #1 ➡️

  • Buyers Who Acted: Despite entering at a high point, those who bought homes in 2006 regained their value and built substantial equity by 2024.
  • Renters Who Waited: Many renters waited, hoping for a crash and a better time to buy, but they missed out on the recovery and kept paying rent with no return.
  • The Lesson: Like planting a tree before a storm, even if values dip, they’ll grow strong over time. Waiting? You’re missing years of growth.


2014: Buying During the Recovery ( +$225K ) see #2 ➡️

  • Buyers Who Acted: In 2014, buyers entered the market during a recovery phase and saw steady, strong appreciation.
  • Renters Who Waited: Thinking prices were too high, renters sat out, waiting for a dip that never came, watching prices rise and missing out on equity gains.
  • The Lesson: Waiting for the “perfect wave” often means missing the ride. The buyers who took action grew their wealth while renters waited on the shore.


2019: Buying Right Before the Pandemic Boom ( +$158K ) see #3 ➡️

  • Buyers Who Acted: In 2019, buyers saw home values skyrocket unexpectedly as the pandemic increased demand.
  • Renters Who Waited: Waiting for prices to fall, these renters watched from the sidelines as values surged, pushing homeownership further out of reach.
  • The Lesson: It’s like expecting an elevator to go down but shooting up instead. Those who got in early saw huge gains, while those who waited saw homeownership slip further away.


The Real Takeaway: Time "IN" the Market Beats "TIMING" the Market

Trying to time the market perfectly is almost impossible. The real wealth-building power comes from being in the market. Like growing a tree or investing, the longer you’re in, the greater the reward. Owning a home isn’t just a place to live—it’s an investment in your future.

So, if you’re holding off, remember: every month you wait is a missed opportunity for equity, appreciation, and growth. We’re here to help with intelligent, affordable options that make buying more accessible, regardless of transaction type. Let’s work together to find the best path for you and help you build wealth today.

Original article by Mark Fleming with First American: Link to Article ️


If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you every step of the way!

Ready to start your home journey? Click here to submit your loan application today!

Best regards,

Michael Thayer, CMPS, CMA

Guild Mortgage | Branch Manager


Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions. See additional disclaimers below.

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