If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “The best time to buy a home was yesterday — the next best time is today,” it still rings true in places like Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake.
That’s because owning a home is all about playing the long game. Prices tend to rise over time, and while many hopeful buyers are waiting for a drop in home values or a major dip in interest rates, it’s important to remember that timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible.
Prices Are Expected to Continue Climbing
According to the latest Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, over 100 housing economists agree: home prices across the U.S. are projected to increase consistently through at least 2029. We're not seeing the sky-high jumps like during the pandemic, but instead, a steady and more sustainable 3–4% annual growth.
Even if some South Sound neighborhoods experience smaller year-to-year increases or mild dips, long-term appreciation remains strong. That’s especially true in areas with growing demand like Puyallup and Bonney Lake, or commuter-friendly hubs like SeaTac and Burien.
Here’s the takeaway:
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Home values will likely be higher next year than they are right now.
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Delaying your purchase could mean paying more in the long run — even if rates slightly improve.
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Buying now lets you start building equity sooner, giving you a head start on long-term wealth.
What Waiting Could Cost You
Let’s break it down. Say you purchase a home for $400,000 in 2025. Based on national projections, that home could be worth nearly $480,000 by 2030. That’s an estimated $80,000 in equity gained — simply by owning it.
In other words, the longer you wait, the more you may miss out on potential value gains. And those who already bought in Tacoma or Auburn in recent years? Many are now sitting on significant equity, simply because they acted when they could.
Don’t Wait for “Perfect” Conditions
We get it — the market today isn’t without its challenges. But if you’re serious about buying a home this year, there are ways to make it happen:
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Explore emerging or more affordable areas like Sumner or Normandy Park.
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Ask your lender about flexible loan options.
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Look into first-time buyer or down payment assistance programs.
Remember, there may never be a “perfect” moment to buy. But if it’s financially possible for you now, even with a smaller home or a different zip code, the benefits down the road can be well worth the stretch.
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