Don’t Buy a Home Until You Answer This One Question

Thinking about buying a home in Omaha this year?

If so, you’ve probably been flooded with advice from every direction — friends, family, headlines, social media, and well-meaning coworkers all seem to have an opinion.

You’ve likely heard things like:

- “Wait for interest rates to drop.”
- “Home prices are too high right now.”
- “This is the best time to buy — don’t miss out.”
- “Just rent another year and see what happens.”

Here’s the honest truth: no one knows exactly what the market will do next — not nationally, and not here in the Omaha metro either.

But if you’re trying to decide whether now is the right time for you, there’s one question that matters more than all the noise.


The One Question That Actually Matters: How Long Do You Plan to Stay?

When it comes to real estate, time is your biggest asset.

Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a lifestyle decision. And the length of time you plan to stay in a home plays a bigger role in whether buying makes sense than interest rates, headlines, or short-term market shifts.


If You’re Planning to Move in 1–2 Years

If your plans include relocating, changing jobs, or upsizing again soon, renting may be the smarter move. Short-term ownership often doesn’t allow enough time to:

- Build meaningful equity
- Offset closing costs
- Ride out normal market fluctuations

Flexibility has real value, and for some buyers, renting is the right choice — and that’s okay.


If You’re Planning to Stay 10+ Years

If you’re planting roots in Omaha and see yourself staying put long-term, history is strongly on your side.

Over time, homeowners benefit from:

- Appreciation
- Principal paydown
- Stability in monthly housing costs
- The ability to personalize and truly make a home your own


What the Data Tells Us About Long-Term Homeownership

While no market is perfect, real estate has consistently rewarded patience.

Here’s what recent data shows:

- The average homeowner stays in their home for 11.8 years (Redfin).
- Home prices have increased by at least 30% every decade historically (ResiClub).
- Since February 2020, home prices have grown 45.3%, which is nearly a decade’s worth of appreciation in just five years (Zillow).

Omaha, in particular, has long been known for its steady, less volatile market compared to many larger cities. While we may not see extreme highs or lows, that consistency can be a huge advantage for buyers focused on long-term stability rather than short-term gains.


Why Timing the Market Rarely Works

Many buyers get stuck waiting for the “perfect” time — lower rates, lower prices, better conditions.

But here’s the reality:

Trying to time the market often leads to missed opportunities, increased competition later, or higher prices when buyers re-enter.

Real estate success isn’t about perfectly predicting the market.

It’s about time in the market.

Over the years, homeowners who stayed put, made consistent payments, and let appreciation work in the background are the ones who built the most wealth — even if they didn’t buy at the “ideal” moment.


Ask the Better Question: Where Do You Want to Be in 10 Years?

Instead of asking:

“Is now the perfect time to buy?”

Try asking:

“Where do I want to be in 10 years — and what kind of home supports that life?”

Do you want:

- More space for a growing family?
- A shorter commute?
- A yard, a home office, or a neighborhood you love?
- Stability and predictability in your housing costs?

Those answers matter far more than today’s headlines.


Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Omaha isn’t about pressure or predictions — it’s about clarity.

If you’d like to talk through your timeline, goals, or whether buying now or later makes sense for you, I’m always happy to be a resource.

No pressure.
No sales pitch.
Just honest guidance when you’re ready.