Should You Buy a Home in 2026 or Keep Waiting?

by Ritu Desai

✦ Buyer Tips ✦

Waiting for the “Perfect” Time to Buy in the DMV?

You’re Not Alone | The Questions Buyers Ask Me Most

Interest RatesMarket Crash FearsBuyer Agent Compensation

▶ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/KLd4iDSupN4

The Three Questions I’m Hearing Most Right Now

If you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment to buy a home in the DMV, you’re in good company. Let’s tackle the big three honestly, no spin, no scare tactics.

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▲	Will Interest Rates Go Down?

Maybe. But no one has a crystal ball. Rates are influenced by inflation, the economy, and many factors outside of our control.

I’ve seen buyers successfully purchase homes in markets with much higher rates than today’s, because they focused on their goals and structured the deal well.

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?	Is the Market Going to Crash?

History has shown that market uncertainty often creates opportunities.

Some of the best buying opportunities happen when others are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “right” moment.

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$	Who Pays the Buyer’s Agent?

Buyer broker compensation is still very common in today’s market and is typically negotiated as part of the offer.

Every situation is different, which is why it’s important to have a conversation with your agent before starting your home search, so there are no surprises later.

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⌂	The Truth: Real Estate Is Never One-Size-Fits-All

The best decision depends on your goals, your timeline, and your financial situation, not a national headline written for everyone.

What’s right for a first condo in Arlington isn’t the same as a family home in Loudoun County or Montgomery County. Our region is really dozens of micro-markets.

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