Laura Merrifield - Guild Mortgage

Over the last 5 years, the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index rose from 244.172 in March 2021 to 329.938 in March 2026.

That’s about a 35% increase nationally.

Put that into real life.

If a $400,000 home increased by 35%, that’s roughly $140,000 in added price growth.

Now ask yourself this:

How many non-homeowners were able to put away an extra $140,000 in savings from 2021 to today?

Same 5 years…
But very different results.

One person may have gained equity through homeownership.

The other may have been trying to save while paying rent, bills, debt, childcare, groceries, and everything else life throws at them.

That doesn’t mean rushing into a purchase.

It means your savings plan needs to be compared against the market you’re trying to buy into.

Sometimes waiting gives you more strength.
Sometimes it gives the market more distance.

That’s the Cost of Waiting Principle.

We help buyers look at the full picture: savings, cash flow, debt, monthly comfort, available homes, and what waiting may actually change.

Because the goal isn’t just to save more.

It’s to know whether saving longer is helping you catch up, or quietly pushing the goalpost further away.

Thinking about buying in the next year or two? Let’s look at the numbers before you assume waiting is the safer move.

Rent doesn't usually stay the same.

This example shows how a $2,100 monthly rent payment can grow to more than $2,500 over five years.

That's why the buy vs. wait conversation shouldn't focus only on today's home prices or mortgage rates.

It should also consider:
• How much rent may increase over time
• How long you plan to stay in the area
• Your cash reserves and financial goals
• Whether you're truly offer ready

Sometimes waiting is the right move.

Sometimes the cost of Waiting is larger than people realize.

The smartest decision comes from comparing both paths, not guessing.

If you're wondering whether buying now or waiting makes more sense for your situation, let's run the numbers together.