Marry the house, date the rate

As a real estate broker in California, I find there are many reasons why buying now still makes sense.

For many buyers today, the idea of purchasing a home while mortgage rates hover over the 6% to 7% can feel overwhelming. This is especially the case in San Francisco where the average home sells for $1.3 million according to Zillow. The monthly payment may seem intimidating and waiting until rates come down might appear like the safer choice. In reality though, timing the housing market is nearly impossible. In my experience, what matters most is securing the right home, in the right location, for your needs while keeping in mind that interest rates aren’t forever.

That’s where the popular phrase comes in: “Marry the house, date the rate.”

What this saying really means is that you should commit to the home you love, because that’s the part of the equation that lasts. The interest rate you receive today isn’t permanent. If rates drop in the future, you can always refinance and secure a lower monthly payment. Think of the rate as temporary and a way to get in your home. It is something you can change later, but your home has a long-term commitment that shapes your lifestyle, community, and future.

While it’s tempting to wait until rates decline, housing prices are quietly telling a different story. Despite predictions of possible price drops, the market has shown remarkable resilience. In fact, home prices in many areas continue to inch upward. In highly desirable markets like San Jose and San Francisco, where inventory remains tight, values have risen even faster, putting buyers at risk of paying more for the same home if they wait. Ultimately, math often works out. A slightly lower interest rate in the future doesn’t always offset a higher purchase price later. By buying today, you protect yourself against rising values and get the chance to refinance if rates improve.

Inventory in the real estate market also plays a major role in this conversation. With fewer homes available on the market, competition remains strong, especially here in California. When the right property comes along, there’s no guarantee it will still be available months down the line. Rates will eventually dip, and more buyers will rush in. The truth is, you can always change your rate, but you can’t change a home’s location, its layout, or the lifestyle it offers. Finding the perfect property is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and passing it up in hopes of better numbers later can mean losing it altogether.

At the heart of it, buying a home is more than a financial decision, it’s a personal one. Of course, market conditions matter, but so do your own goals, timeline, and readiness. Instead of trying to predict the unpredictable, focus on what truly lasts. Find the house you love and enjoy your life!