When it comes to real estate, everyone seems to have an opinion—whether it’s about the current state of the market, mortgage interest rates, or the ever-popular question of whether now is the right time to buy. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a conversation for first-time homebuyers. The opportunities in real estate right now are available to everyone, including families who already own a home.

If you’re a homeowner, you might be thinking about holding off on buying that dream home. After all, if you wait, your current home could appreciate in value, right? While that’s true, there’s more to the story, and it’s worth considering the bigger picture.

Let’s break it down. Say your current home is worth $500,000. If the market continues to grow at the expected rate of 4% over the next year, your home could be worth $520,000 next year. That’s a nice increase, right? But what about the home you’ve been eyeing—the one you really want to move into? If that dream home is priced at $750,000 today, it’s likely to increase in value too. Next year, it could be worth around $780,000.

Here’s where things get interesting. By waiting, you might gain $20,000 in equity on your current home, but the price of your dream home would also go up by $30,000. So, instead of coming out ahead, you’d actually be looking at an additional $10,000 cost to make the move.

And let’s not forget about mortgage interest rates. They’re still relatively low right now, but who knows where they’ll be in a year? Waiting could mean locking in a higher interest rate, which would increase your monthly payments and the overall cost of your new mortgage.

The bottom line? The best time to move up into that dream home might be right now. Run the numbers for your specific situation, but don’t overlook the potential savings you could be leaving on the table by waiting. Real estate has always been one of the most reliable ways to build wealth, especially when you buy at the right time.

So, if you’re dreaming of a new home that better fits your family’s needs, don’t let the fear of missing out on future gains hold you back. Making a move now could set you up for a more secure financial future. Ten years from now, you’ll likely be glad you made the leap.

Ready to find your dream home? Let’s make it happen!