3 Questions To Ask Before Buying a Home in Today’s Market

When it comes to buying a home, everyone has advice. Friends, family, coworkers — they usually mean well, but their experiences may not reflect what’s happening in today’s housing market.

If you’re thinking about making a move, here are three key questions to help guide your decision.

1. What’s Going on with Home Prices?

Home prices are still rising, though not at the rapid pace we saw a few years ago. Most experts are projecting moderate appreciation for the rest of 2025, thanks to a steady demand from buyers and limited new construction.

That’s good news if you already own a home — and it’s also a sign that waiting to buy could still cost you more down the road. Even a 3–5% annual increase can add tens of thousands of dollars to the price of a median home in our area.

In short: the longer you wait, the more you may end up paying for the same property.

2. What About Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates have been bouncing around over the past year, keeping both buyers and sellers on their toes. While they’re lower than the peaks we saw in 2023, they’re not expected to drop back down to the record-breaking lows of the pandemic era.

Even a small shift in rates can make a big difference in your monthly payment. That’s why paying attention to today’s rates — and how they fit into your budget — is so important when planning your purchase.

3. Why Do You Want To Own a Home?

The numbers matter, but this question may be the most important of all. Homeownership isn’t just about building equity or locking in your monthly housing cost — it’s about what owning a home means for your life.

Surveys continue to show that buyers value the emotional and lifestyle benefits of homeownership just as much as the financial ones. Owning a home can bring:

• Stability for you and your family

• A sense of security and control over your space

• Pride in achieving a major life milestone

• A stronger connection to your community

When you put it all together, buying a home isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a personal one that can shape your future in countless positive ways. Homeownership is still one of the best ways to build wealth and create stability — and today’s market offers opportunities for buyers who are ready. If you’re thinking about making the leap, let’s connect so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Hey Inland Empire, I’m Candice Newman! I’ve had the incredible fortune of being born and raised in this amazing community, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I currently live in Alta Loma with my husband, Jonathan, our son, Trevor, and our dog, Ruger! I’m a real estate agent with a passion for finding new places to explore in the Foothill Communities. When I'm not selling homes, you can find me cheering my son on at his baseball games, exercising, spending time in our local mountains, heading to the lake, cooking, or watching the Dodgers slay the Giants (I was born and raised an Angels fan, but the Dodgers have taken over the household!). I'll never have enough Mexican food and Italian food in my life. I’m looking forward to connecting with you soon! See you around town! Candice.Newman.Realty@gmail.com | (909) 367-3280 DRE: 01924842