Why Waiting to Buy May Cost You Thousands: What Every First-Time Buyer in Texas Needs to Know in 2025
If you're renting now, you might believe waiting another year or two will give you more time to save. But in Texas’ current market, that decision may actually cost you more than you think.
Between rising home prices, mortgage rates inching up, and limited inventory in the $200K–$350K range, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to catch up.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the numbers, show you real cost comparisons, and help you decide whether “waiting” makes sense or becomes a liability.
Current Market Snapshot & Affordability Pressure
Texas has seen steady home price growth and slow sales.
Although prices ticked down marginally in some markets in Q1 2025, higher interest rates offset much of the benefit for buyers.
For first-time buyers, this creates a “double whammy”: you potentially face higher rates and accelerating prices.
Some analysts now estimate the time is rapidly approaching when Texans may need an annual income close to $100,000 just to afford a median-priced home.
The Real Cost of Waiting: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a hypothetical for consideration:
Home price now: $300,000
Interest rate now: 6.5%
Home price in 2 years (est. +5%): $315,000
Interest rate in 2 years (est. +1%): 7.5%
Scenario Monthly P&I Payment* Increase vs Now
Buy now ($300K @ 6.5%) ~ $1,896
Buy later ($315K @ 7.5%) ~ $2,201 + $305/month
* Excludes taxes, insurance, PMI, etc.
For this hypothetical scenario over 5 years, that’s $18,000+ extra in mortgage payments just from price and rate increases. And this doesn’t account for lost equity or inflation in rent. Again, this is simply an example of the financial impact if rated happen to increase.
When It Makes Sense to Wait (and When It Doesn’t)
When waiting may help:
Your credit score is low (below 580–620 range).
You have high debt (Debt-To-Income (DTI) is above 45–50%).
You have no emergency fund or savings buffer.
When waiting likely hurts:
You’re already qualified for multiple programs.
You’re in a strong rental market where rent is increasing.
The type of home you’re wanting is likely to experience compounding price growth.
Smart Moves if You’re Ready
Get pre‑approved now. Don’t wait for “perfect” as the roadmap is more valuable than timing.
Lock in a rate when conditions are favorable.
Start with a starter/bridge home you can upgrade later.
Explore down payment assistance programs (like TSAHC, TDHCA) that are designed exactly for first-time buyers.
Stay flexible on location — sometimes moving just 10 miles further out can change the price bracket dramatically.
Thinking about whether you should act now or wait, I can help you take the guesswork out of it.
Click "Should I Wait?" to schedule your free strategy session with me. We’ll model home prices and explore rate scenarios for your budget and create a clear, confident plan.
(Or DM me “WAIT?” and I’ll send you the comparison calculator via email.)