Waiting to Buy a Home in U.S. Could Cost Thousands

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According to a new Opportunity Cost Report released this past week by Realtor.com, with interest rates and home prices expected to climb in the next year, the financial penalties of delaying or forgoing a home purchase in today's market have become very steep.



"Current market conditions give buyers the opportunity to build substantial wealth in the long-term, compared with renters and later buyers, in advance of the projected increase in mortgage rates and continuing price appreciation," said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Realtor.com.  "The problem is inventory is low, which has many would-be home buyers -especially first timers - standing on the sidelines and missing out on potentially material financial gains."

Nationally, the estimated wealth an average buyer would accumulate over a 30-year period based on today's dollars totals $217,726.  Although some markets are more buyer-friendly than others, national data shows homeowners see significant financial benefits as compared to lifetime renters. In 88 percent of MSAs, buying a home produces a financial benefit of at least $100,000 over 30 years.



Ten markets offer an especially considerable upside to owning, with estimated 30-year financial gains above $500,000, and opportunity costs of waiting three years as high as $200,000.  These MSAs, in California and other Western states, are relatively expensive markets with strong housing demand and limited supply. The potential long-term wealth in these areas is the greatest nationwide, and likewise, the long-term financial penalty for delaying ownership is substantial, due to price appreciation, escalating rents, and higher mortgage rates on the horizon. 

"This analysis looks solely at the financial reasons to buy a home, based on assumptions about rising mortgage rates and changes in home values," Smoke said. "It's important to remember that a home purchase decision is deeply personal. Potential buyers need to consider factors such as upcoming life events, job security and potential relocation, in addition to financial benefits, because they too can have a significant impact on ownership."