We’re going to approach this article a little differently—starting with the advice first.
If you’re short on time, this is for you. And if you’re the type who want to know the details, and the why, the deeper dive is just a scroll away.

The question on the minds of many homeowners and would-be buyers—“Is now a good time to buy (or sell) a house?”—is especially pressing in light of recent economic volatility. If you’re contemplating a move but leaning toward staying put, you’re not alone. The instinct to wait feels rational in uncertain times.

But here’s the thing: the numbers don’t necessarily support staying on the sidelines if you need to make a move. That doesn’t mean making a move now is right for everyone—but it does mean the assumption that “waiting is a safer bet” doesn’t reflect the numbers or forecasted pressures.

So, here’s the bottom line:

Q: Is it a good time to buy:

A. If the payments make sense for you—Yes.

Prices cycle every year in a familiar patter with the year-over-year pattern trending up most years. We’re in the most favorable seasonal window to buy, which is now through April. Prices typically rise slowly from there throughout the year and dip again after the holidays, but each year’s highs and lows trend higher than the last. In fact, the pattern over time shows the market goes up 79% of the time year-over-year—and that is just in one year. Longer timeframes are a very sure investment.

Q. What if now isn’t a good time for me to make a move? Should I wait?

A. In a word, No.

Even if you need to wait until later in the year, the year-over-year figures will have you ahead. Timing ones move with the market isn’t possible for everyone and shouldn’t scare you away. There are many considerations that determine the right timing for you. Buying right (strategic investment) as soon as it works for, is historically a good play. Just make sure your strategy works with the property you plan to buy.

Key Points:

1. Buy smart, not scared.

Interest rates matter, but strategy and timing matter more. When you buy in the right location, appreciation over time can easily offset today’s higher rates. Plus, refinancing is an option later. If you don’t get that chance, then you knew you actually bought while rates were at their lowest. Either way, ‘watching’ the market rarely pays.

🔑 The biggest cost may be waiting. For every 1% drop in interest rates, it’s estimated that 5 million more buyers will enter the market. That demand could push home prices up faster than any savings from a lower rate.

2. Inventory is tight — and keeping prices and values up.

Housing supply is at just 25% of pre-pandemic levels, which makes the search competitive but supports current prices and can lead to equity gains for new buyers. This in addition to the next point challenges the idea that waiting makes sense.

3. A generational surge is coming.

According to leading real estate expert Brian Buffini, 4 million people will hit peak homebuying age this year — and we’re already seeing a 10% increase in purchase activity as a result. The market momentum is picked up, and though last week it quieted down, that was an early wave that is likely to continue.

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Actionable Advice for Buyers and Homeowners:

• If you’re ready and can afford the payment, don’t wait. The sweet spot of Spring gives you better odds of finding a home before prices climb again.

• Focus on areas with strong long-term growth — appreciation will pay you back more than a minor drop in rates ever could.

• Think of real estate as a lifestyle investment. Markets fluctuate, but if you buy smart, real estate continues to be one of the most reliable ways to build wealth over time.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive.

Industry powerhouse, Brian Buffini, has projected a significant 10% increase in home sales throughout 2025, with a similar trajectory anticipated for 2026. This forecast represents a marked shift from the relatively stagnant sales volume observed in recent years and signals potential relief in a market characterized by inventory constraints.

This projected sales increase stems from several converging factors. First, demographic shifts continue to drive demand as millennials enter their prime home-buying years. According to recent population data, approximately 4.8 million Americans will turn 30 this year—an age traditionally associated with first-time homeownership. Second, we’re witnessing gradual inventory improvements as construction catches up with demand and more homeowners who previously delayed selling due to rate-lock effects begin listing their properties.

For potential buyers, this forecasted sales increase carries mixed implications. On one hand, increased transaction volume typically correlates with improved inventory selection, potentially easing the competitive pressure that has characterized many local markets. Data from the National Association of Realtors supports this notion, indicating that markets with higher sales volumes tend to see moderation in bidding wars and contingency waivers.

However, increased sales activity doesn’t necessarily translate to price moderation. The J.P. Morgan housing outlook suggests that even with increased sales volume, price appreciation will likely continue, albeit at a more sustainable pace of approximately 3-4% annually. This represents a normalization from the double-digit gains seen in many markets between 2020-2022, but still outpaces historical averages.

For current homeowners, the implications are equally nuanced. Those considering selling in 2025 may benefit from both sustained price appreciation and improved market liquidity. The increased transaction volume suggests a potentially faster time-to-sale, with CoreLogic data indicating that markets experiencing sales growth typically see properties move 15-20% faster than in slower markets.

Regional variations will significantly impact how these forecasts materialize locally. Markets in the Southeast and Mountain West regions are projected to outperform the national average, with sales increases potentially reaching 12-15% according to regional economic indicators. Conversely, some Northeastern and Midwestern markets may see more modest gains, closer to 6-8%, reflecting different population trends and economic fundamentals.

These projections should be considered within the broader economic context, including potential interest rate movements and employment trends. While Buffini’s forecast presents an optimistic outlook, market participants should remain attentive to evolving conditions that could accelerate or temper the projected sales growth.

Market Metrics: Understanding Current Statistics

To fully appreciate the market trajectory outlined by industry experts, we must examine the current statistical landscape that forms the foundation of these projections. Recent data from multiple authoritative sources reveals a market that continues to demonstrate resilience despite economic headwinds.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index shows a 4.8% year-over-year price increase from January 2024 to January 2025, with an upward revision to December’s previously reported figures. This consistent appreciation, though more moderate than the pandemic-era surge, indicates sustained demand despite affordability challenges. These figures align closely with the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) reporting, which similarly identified a 4.8% national price increase during the same period.

Drilling down to more recent data, Redfin’s market analysis places the current median home sale price at $381,975 nationwide, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the same time last year. This slight deceleration in the growth rate compared to the January figures suggests the beginning of the market moderation that many economists have anticipated.

CoreLogic’s latest insights provide additional context, with their economists projecting further price deceleration throughout 2025. However, they note that recent improvements in mortgage rates may stimulate increased buying activity this spring, potentially creating localized competitive conditions in markets with limited inventory. This dynamic highlights the complex interplay between interest rates, inventory, and buyer demand that continues to shape market conditions.

J.P. Morgan’s analysis offers perhaps the most conservative outlook, characterizing the U.S. housing market as “largely frozen” with projected growth of 3% or less through 2025. This assessment reflects ongoing affordability constraints and the persistent gap between supply and demand in many metropolitan areas.

Regional variations in these metrics remain significant. NAR data indicates that transaction volume in January 2025 saw month-over-month declines across the Midwest, South, and West, with the South experiencing the most substantial reduction. Year-over-year contract signings decreased across all four major U.S. regions, with the South again showing the most pronounced decline. These regional disparities underscore the importance of local market knowledge when interpreting national trends.