Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait in 2026?
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should I buy now… or wait?”
This is one of the biggest decisions buyers struggle with—and honestly, it’s where a lot of people get stuck.
The Truth About Timing the Market
There’s no perfect time to buy.
The market is always shifting:
Interest rates move
Prices adjust
Inventory changes
But your life doesn’t pause while you wait for the “perfect” moment.
What’s Happening Right Now in Snohomish County
In areas like Lake Stevens:
Buyer demand is still active
Well-priced homes are still selling
Some homes are sitting longer (which creates opportunity)
This isn’t a “crazy bidding war” market across the board—but it’s also not a market where
everything is dropping dramatically.
When Buying Now Might Make Sense
It may be the right time for you if:
You need more space
Your current home no longer fits your lifestyle
You’re financially ready
You plan to stay in the home for several years
Many of the buyers I work with realize they weren’t actually waiting for the market—they were waiting to understand their options.
A lot of the families I help move here didn’t realize how much their day-to-day stress would shift just by having more space at home.
When Waiting Might Be the Better Move
It might make sense to wait if:
You don’t have enough savings yet
Your job or income isn’t stable
You’re unsure about your timeline
You’re not comfortable with your monthly payment
The Biggest Mistake I See
Trying to “perfectly time” the market.
What often happens:
Buyers wait
The market shifts in a different way
And they end up chasing instead of planning
Final Thought
The better question isn’t:
“Should I buy now or wait?”
It’s:
👉 “Am I ready to buy based on my situation?”
If you’re trying to figure that out, I can help you map out a plan so you’re making a decision with clarity—not guesswork.
Author Bio
Maricon Bashforth is a real estate broker in Lake Stevens, Washington helping buyers and sellers throughout Snohomish County and North King County. She focuses on helping homeowners transition to their next home, whether that means moving up or downsizing. She serves clients in English, Tagalog, and Ilokano.
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