By admin1
Should I buy a house now or wait? That is the question on many homebuyers’ minds in this fluctuating market. But the answer isn’t as clear-cut as “now” or “later.” As we’ll see, both the economy and local trends come into play, as well as your personal finances and job prospects. There’s a lot to consider, and the decision may seem overwhelming.
By examining the current market and talking to experts, we’ll help you think through the timing of your home purchase in the 2026 real estate landscape, both generally and personally.
The market outlook: Is now a good time to buy generally?
In September 2025, Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index held steady at 71.4, unchanged from August but 2.5 points lower than a year ago. And when it comes to buying conditions, confidence is low: nearly three-quarters of respondents (73%) said it’s a bad time to buy, leaving only 27% who feel the market favors buyers.
But the view from real estate professionals tells a slightly different story. HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights: AI Report shows that 41% of agents say buyers currently have the upper hand in their local markets, while only 25% believe sellers hold more power. So even though consumers may feel uncertain, many agents are seeing momentum shift toward buyers.
Dig a little deeper, though, and the picture becomes even more nuanced. In the South Central and Mountain states, like Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, or Colorado, buyers enjoy more negotiating strength than the national average. Meanwhile, in the Midwest and Northeast, sellers still hold the advantage, creating two very different market dynamics depending on where you’re shopping.
Chris Carozza, who ranks in the top 1% as an agent and brokerage partner in Stamford, Connecticut, says, “It’s still a very active market. It’s not crazy, where you’d see five to seven offers within a week at $50,000 to $100,000 over asking. But it’s still a very strong market.”
Let’s dive a little deeper into some key components that influence whether or not this is a good time to buy.
