Ethan Holcomb
Real Estate Broker | Summit Sotheby's International Realty
(385) 338-0639 • [email protected]
www.holcombhouses.com
Cost of Waiting
Understand the real financial price of delaying your home purchase.
The Home You Want to Buy
Down payment: $80,000
The True Cost of Waiting 1 yr
Total Cost of Waiting
$45,600
Rent paid + appreciation missed + extra down payment needed
Rent Paid While Waiting
$26,400
Appreciation Lost
$16,000
Future Home Price
$416,000
Extra Down Payment Needed
$3,200
Monthly Payment — Buy Now
$2,076
Loan: $320,000
Monthly Payment — Buy Later
$2,159
+$83/mo more
Assumes constant appreciation and does not account for interest rate changes, tax benefits, or maintenance costs. For educational purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does waiting one year to buy a home cost in Utah?
On a $400,000 Utah home with 4% annual appreciation, waiting one year costs approximately $16,000 in appreciation lost plus $26,400 in rent paid — a total of over $40,000 in opportunity cost.
What if home prices drop while I wait?
If prices drop, waiting can save money. However, Utah's housing market has historically been resilient. Consult with a local agent to assess current market conditions before making a decision.
Does waiting affect my mortgage rate?
Mortgage rates are unpredictable. If rates rise while you wait, your monthly payment increases even if the home price stays flat. A 1% rate increase on a $400,000 loan adds approximately $230/month to your payment.
Ready to run the real numbers?
Let’s talk about what you can afford and what’s available in your target neighborhood.
Talk to Ethan