Should You Buy Now or Wait? The Surprising Truth About Building Equity in Today's Market Save

Hey everyone—Debby here. I wanted to share some timely insights from my recent videos because I keep hearing the same question from buyers right now:
“Should I buy now, or should I wait?”

With the real estate market shifting in some interesting ways, let’s take a look at what’s happening and how you can make an informed decision.

What’s Happening in the Market Right Now

The Federal Reserve recently lowered the federal funds rate by a quarter point, but that change hasn’t yet shown up in mortgage rates. As I prepare for an open house this weekend, I’m noticing many buyers feeling “on the fence”—watching closely and waiting to see how the economy and recent elections may impact both interest rates and home prices.

While this is typically a slower time of year for real estate, today’s market conditions suggest this season could surprise us.

Why It Might Be a Good Time to Buy

Right now, home prices are generally lower than what we may see down the road, even though interest rates remain higher. When rates eventually come down, more buyers are likely to jump back into the market, increasing competition and putting upward pressure on prices.

That’s why timing matters—and why it’s important to look beyond just today’s interest rate.

To help buyers see the bigger picture, I use a simulation tool I love called PalmAgent ONE. It allows us to compare buying now versus buying later, side by side, so you can clearly see the potential impact on monthly payments, equity, and your overall financial outlook.

Buy Now vs. Buy Later: A Real Example

In the video linked below, I walk through a live simulation using PalmAgent ONE based on a home priced at $850,000. Here’s a snapshot of what the numbers show:

BUY NOW

• Home Price: $850,000

• Interest Rate: 6.75%

• Monthly Payment: $6,248

• Equity in 2 Years (with 3.5% appreciation): $162,415

• Monthly Payment After Refinancing (at 5.75%): $5,503

BUY IN 2 YEARS

• Home Price: $910,541 (projected appreciation)

• Interest Rate: 5.75% (assumed)

• Monthly Payment: $6,161

• Equity in 2 Years: $0

The takeaway? Buying now allows you to lock in a lower purchase price and start building equity sooner—even with a higher initial interest rate. If rates drop as anticipated, refinancing later could reduce your monthly payment while preserving the equity you’ve built.

The figures shown are estimates for illustrative purposes only. Actual rates, terms, and payments may vary. Always consult your lender or financial advisor for personalized guidance.

👉 Watch the video to see the full calculations and projections in action.

The Power of Planning Ahead

I’m a big believer in planning with intention. Tools like PalmAgent ONE allow us to explore different financial scenarios using real-time data, helping you choose a path that best supports your personal and financial goals.

If you’re thinking about buying—or simply want clarity on your options—I’d love to run a customized simulation tailored to your situation.

📞 Call or text me at 619-820-9999, message me directly, or schedule time on my calendar to get started. Let’s figure out the right time to buy for you.

Debby Eubank, Realtor® | SRES®
CA DRE# 01332306 | Jason Mitchell Group
📱 619-820-9999