Yes, interest rates are up—but waiting might cost you even more.

Let’s Be Real for a Minute…

I was chatting with someone recently who said, “I’m just going to wait for rates to come down.”

And hey, I get it. The news makes it sound like the sky is falling.

But here’s the thing:

·         While they waited, home prices kept rising.

·         Rents went up too.

·         And when we finally found them a place they loved, their monthly payment ended up higher than it would’ve been six months ago - even though rates didn’t really change much.

That’s when it hit me:

Waiting can quietly cost you way more than buying now.

So, if you’ve been on the fence, let’s break down a few things you might not hear in the headlines.

Tip #1: The Cost of Waiting Can Be Higher Than You Think

In places like Palmdale, Lancaster, and Rosamond, here’s what’s happening:

Home prices are still climbing - even with higher interest rates.

And if you’re renting? You’re already paying a mortgage - it’s just your landlord’s, not yours.

Example:

·         Let’s say your rent is $2,500/month. That’s $30,000 a year you’ll never see again.

·         No equity.

·         No tax benefits.

·         No long-term value.

Meanwhile, the home you’re eyeing could cost $15K to $30K more in just a few months.

👉 That’s money you could’ve locked in today and started building wealth.

Tip #2: You Have Options to Lower Your Rate or Payment

Think today’s rates mean you’re stuck with a sky-high payment? Not true.

There are creative ways to make your loan work even now:

· 🎯 Seller-paid rate buydowns

·         💡 Lender credits

·         📉 Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)

·         🎁 Local grants and down payment assistance

📌 Real story: One of my clients negotiated with the seller to cover part of their closing costs and used that to buy down their interest rate.

That simple move saved them over $200/month.

They still got the house they wanted without blowing their budget.

Tip #3: Buy Now, Refinance Later

Here’s the truth: Interest rates change. That’s normal.

What doesn’t change? The fact that home prices usually go up over time.

If you wait for the “perfect” rate, you could miss the perfect home and end up paying more later anyway.

Here’s the better strategy:

✅ Buy the house now.

✅ Refinance later if rates drop.

Because let’s be honest… your rate is temporary.

But your equity, location, and lifestyle? That’s what lasts.

📣 I tell people all the time:

“Rates are like the weather they change. But your home? That’s your shelter, your investment, your future.”

Ready to Stop Renting and Start Building Equity?

If you’ve been wondering whether now’s the right time to buy, let’s chat. I’ll run the numbers with you, no pressure, just real answers.

📲 Curious what your current home might be worth (or what kind of cash offer you could get)? Check out this quick tool:

👉 Get Your Home Value Instantly

It’s totally free, and it takes like 30 seconds.

Let’s get you some clarity and maybe even a little excitement about what’s next. 💪