SUMMARY: Although you might think it’s a good time to wait, market trends and mortgage options for buyers may signal it’s time to make your move.

A recent post on the /RealEstate subreddit raised a question that’s on a lot of minds, “How is anyone supposed to buy a house right now?”

The author wrote that they lost out on their “perfect house” after putting up a $20,000-over-ask, all-cash deal. Yet, industry research tells us that home sales are down, and fewer buyers are taking the plunge. Personal finance site Nerd Wallet’s 2025 Home Buyer report says home shoppers are “discouraged” with the housing market, with 69% of Americans saying the housing market has never been worse for buyers.

With all this discouraging news, you might wonder if it’s even worth exploring the housing market. But experts say that for the right buyers, it could actually be the perfect time to make a move.

“I understand why buyers are hesitant out there. We’re in a market where affordability is very stretched, but buyers should keep in mind that home ownership is a long-term investment,” explains Nadia Evangelou, senior economist and director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors. “For example, homeowners have accumulated about $162,000 in the last five years.”

And in some cases – even with higher mortgage rates and home prices – buying a home or making a move still makes sense. Here are four reasons to explore homeownership in today’s market:

1. Your job
Career changes often prompt big life decisions – including where you live. Whether you're starting a new position, receiving a promotion, or relocating for work, a home that better fits your daily routine and commute can make all the difference.

“We’ve seen members apply for mortgages after being transferred to new cities or offices, and a well-timed move can help ease that transition,” says Bob Henderson, mortgage production supervisor at American Airlines Federal Credit Union.

2. Your family
Whether you’ve welcomed a new child, adopted a furry companion, or are one of the 37.1 million people caring for an aging family member, the need for more space can drive major life decisions.

You might also be considering how the location of your home fits your family’s lifestyle. The desire for access to parks or proximity to great schools inspires people to look for a home. Some people want to move closer to extended family, while others want to move away from traffic, noise, or pollution. 

3. Your investment
As NAR’s Evangelou points out, buying a home is often a smart financial move. Homes have continued to appreciate, helping you build equity. As home prices rise, the investment in your home does, too, without having to spend any additional cash. Buying a home can also set your family up by building generational wealth. Your heirs can inherit your home and all the equity you’ve built. 

4. You’re retiring
In 2025, nearly 4.2 million Americans are expected to turn 65 — the unofficial age of retirement. While research shows that more people are working past 65, the need to downsize starts once people reach the empty nest stage. In this case, downsizing to a smaller home with less property may help you save money in the long run. Indeed, 32% of all home sellers in 2024 said retiring motivated them to sell. 

With these factors in mind, if you’re financially ready to take the plunge, experts suggest you might want to start with a plan and a preapproval. Just remember to stay focused on what you can control: your budget, credit score, and down payment. 

"The Credit Union has an excellent first-time homebuyer program that isn’t limited to those who’ve never bought a home", Henderson says. “It’s for new homebuyers and people who haven’t owned a home for more than three years,” he explains. "In addition to great rates for members who fall into these categories, downpayments are also more flexible than many people think." Check out the link to learn more.