If you’re holding off on buying a home because you think prices are too high or mortgage rates will drop, you might want to consider the opportunity cost of waiting. While it may seem like a safer choice to keep your down payment in the bank or invest it elsewhere, the reality is that homeownership provides a powerful wealth-building advantage, thanks to leverage.
While homebuyers may not approach their purchase with the same mindset as an investor, it’s important to recognize that a home often becomes the largest asset they own. Comparing the potential wealth position of alternative investments, such as CDs or stocks, versus homeownership highlights the financial impact of delaying a purchase and the long-term benefits of building equity.
Let’s compare what happens when you put $40,000 into different investment options over the next five years:
| CD | Stocks | Home | |
| Cash to Invest | $40,000 | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Yield/Appreciation | 2.5% | 7% | 3% |
| Wealth Position end of 5 years | $45,256 | $56,102 | $126,211 |
| Return on Investment | 2.5% | 7% | 25.84% |
| Profit Taxed as | Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gains | Exclusion Applies |
Why Buying a Home is a Smarter Choice
- Leverage Works in Your Favor
- Unlike CDs or stocks, real estate allows you to control a $400,000 asset with just $40,000 down.
- When your home appreciates, the gain applies to the entire home value, not just your initial investment.
- Building Wealth Through Equity
- With every mortgage payment, you reduce your loan balance, increasing your ownership stake in the property.
- After five years, this builds up substantial equity that renting or investing elsewhere simply can’t match.
- Tax Advantages
- Gains from CDs are taxed as ordinary income, and stock gains are taxed as capital gains when sold.
- However, real estate enjoys a special tax exclusion…homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples) tax-free when they sell, provided they meet IRS residency requirements.
What If Interest Rates Drop? Many buyers worry about locking in a 6.63% rate today, hoping for lower rates later. But if rates drop, you can always refinance to a lower rate while still benefiting from early appreciation and equity growth. Waiting could mean paying more if home prices continue rising.
Bottom Line: The Best Time to Buy is When You Can Afford It
If you have the down payment and qualify for a mortgage, waiting could cost you thousands in missed equity and appreciation. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, let’s explore how homeownership can work for you.