Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?

The question on everyone’s mind is the same: "Is now a good time to buy a house, or should I just wait and see if housing prices magically drop to 1990s levels?"

Spoiler alert: Unless you have a time machine (in which case, please take me with you), 1990s prices aren't coming back. But, according to the data—and some common sense—now might actually be the sweet spot we’ve been waiting for.

If you’re looking to plant roots in Johnston, Harnett, Cumberland, or Southern Wake Counties, here is the real-deal translation of what’s happening in the market.

1. The "Rate" Debate (RIP 3%)

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Mortgage rates aren’t 3% anymore. Yeah, we miss them too. But they also aren't hovering near the terrifying highs of last year. Rates have finally started to dip, kind of like your motivation on a Friday afternoon.

The Funny Truth: Waiting for rates to hit rock bottom is like waiting for I-40 traffic to clear up in Clayton at 5 PM. It might happen for five minutes, but if you blink, you’ll miss it. The current dip gives you a window of affordability we haven’t seen in a year.

2. You Actually Have the Power (Yes, You!)

For the last few years, being a buyer was like being the last kid picked for dodgeball. You just stood there hoping not to get hit.

But the tables have turned! Nationally, there are more sellers than buyers right now.

• In Southern Wake (Fuquay-Varina/Holly Springs): You might actually get a repair request approved instead of the seller laughing and shredding your offer.

• In Harnett & Cumberland: You have options. You can actually look at a house more than once before deciding to buy it. What a luxury!

• In JoCo: Sellers are realizing they can't price a 1980s ranch like it's a brand new build in Cary.

3. The "Marry the House, Date the Rate" Cliché

Real estate agents love saying this, and it’s annoying because it’s true. If you buy now, you lock in a price before the spring rush (when everyone else wakes up and decides to buy). If rates drop later? You refinance. If rates go up? You look like a genius for buying now.

4. Seriously, Why Wait?

Here is the reality for our specific slice of North Carolina:

• Southern Wake & Johnston: The secret is out. These areas are growing faster than a weed in a wet summer. Waiting usually just means paying more for the same house six months from now.
• Harnett County: People are realizing this is the last frontier of "getting a lot of land for your money."
• Cumberland County: The military market never sleeps, but buying before a major PCS season kicks up is always a smart move.

The Bottom Line

Is it a good time to buy? Absolutely, Yes! Not because some economist said so, but because you need a place to live, and paying your own mortgage is infinitely more fun than paying your landlord’s.

If you are ready to stop "window shopping" on Anthem, Realtor or Zillow at 2 AM and actually see what your money can buy in NC’s best counties, let’s chat. I promise to give it to you straight—no fluff, just facts (and maybe a little sarcasm).