Right Time To Buy a Home? The Honest Truth for Buyers

The right time to buy a home is a question a lot of buyers are sitting with right now – and honestly, it’s a completely fair one. Between economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, it can feel easy to wonder whether moving even makes sense at this moment. But here’s what you need to remember: while recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. The window hasn’t closed. What’s changed is the strategy – and having the right people in your corner means you don’t have to figure that out alone.

Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here’s Why

After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what’s happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”

But what does that really mean for you? Should you wait for everything to settle back down before you buy a home? The short answer is no. You don’t have to wait.

Your Window To Buy Didn’t Close

It’s true that a month or so ago, when rates were just shy of 6%, buying felt a bit more affordable. And now that rates are hovering around the mid-6s, monthly payment costs are higher. But zoom out for a second. Let’s say you’re taking out a loan for $500k. Even with rates in the mid 6s, you’re still saving roughly $300 on your monthly payment compared to buyers who made their purchase early last year. That means this recent increase in rates hasn’t erased the progress we’ve seen. Buying is still more affordable than it was just one year ago (see below):

Sure, your monthly payment would’ve been a little less expensive a few weeks back. But hindsight is always 20/20. The goal moving forward shouldn’t be to perfectly time the market. Things change too quickly for that. Instead, the real goal is to make the best decision you can based on where things are today. And the best advice anyone can give is: brace for volatility.

When It Comes To Rates, Expect the Unexpected

The right time to buy a home isn’t a fixed point on a calendar – and mortgage rates are a big reason why. Rates are going to keep moving in the weeks and months ahead as new economic data comes out and conditions shift. That’s just the nature of the market. Try to remember: you can’t control global events or where rates go next week or even next month. But you absolutely can control how well you prepare. When you focus on preparation instead of prediction, it stops being about the headlines – and starts being about your specific situation and what’s right for you.

If You Want or Need To Move, You Still Can

The simple truth is, if you want or need to move, you still can. Some buyers are choosing to move forward right now because their needs haven’t changed. A growing family, a job relocation, a lifestyle shift – those things still matter. And for buyers who do decide to move forward, there are ways to make it work. For example, you could explore options like adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to get a lower rate upfront. That may or may not be the right fit for you, but it highlights an important point: there are strategies that can help you move, even now.

What matters most is having a plan.

Finding the right time to buy a home becomes a lot less stressful when you’re not navigating it alone. Working with the right agent and lender together is a big part of what makes the process actually work – and here’s what that looks like in practice. You’ll get a clear picture of your budget and what the numbers look like at today’s rates. You’ll be able to explore every financing option available to you, including adjustable-rate mortgages and assistance programs that might surprise you. And you’ll have trusted guidance from people who will keep you informed and ready at every step of the way.

Bottom Line

Even with some uncertainty in the headlines, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Finding the right time to buy a home isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions – it’s about making the best decision for your life and your finances with what you know today. If you need or want to move, the path forward exists. Rates will keep shifting, but your reasons for wanting to move are real. With the right agent and lender in your corner, you can explore every option available and build a plan that works for where you are right now. Let’s connect and we’ll help you figure out your next step.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Jess & Co. Real Estate, LLC will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.