A new report from Totality (formerly CoreLogic) just revised its 2026 home price forecast upward—from 4.3% to 4.5%, right in line with long-term appreciation trends in markets like Southern California.
With affordability top of mind, many buyers are waiting for rates to fall. That sounds logical—until you run the numbers.
I compared two scenarios:
- Buying an $800,000 home today with 10% down
- Waiting one year, assuming prices rise 4.5%
- Rates improving by 0.50%
Despite the lower rate, the higher purchase price nearly erased the benefit—resulting in a $7/month difference.
Even more interesting?
Buying now and refinancing later could actually put a buyer hundreds of dollars ahead long-term.
No one can predict rates or prices perfectly—but history shows prices tend to rise, while refinancing remains an option.
The takeaway:
Waiting feels safe.
Running the numbers is smarter.