POV: You Waited for the Market to Crash… and Missed Thousands in Equity Growth in San Antonio, Texas
POV: You Waited for the Market to Crash… and Missed Thousands in Equity Growth in San Antonio, Texas
If you’ve been waiting for the housing market to crash before buying a home… you’re not alone.
For the past few years, the message has been everywhere:
“Just wait.”
“Prices will fall.”
“You’ll buy at the bottom.”
And a lot of people listened.
But here’s what actually happened in many parts of Texas… including San Antonio:
Prices didn’t crash the way people expected.
Equity kept building quietly in the background.
And buyers who waited are now facing higher prices and higher rates.
Cheri Ettinger REALTOR® ABR, PSA, RENE, NHC, NHSAC is a real estate agent in San Antonio, Texas helping buyers make smart, long-term decisions in any market.
This isn’t about blaming anyone.
It’s about understanding what waiting really costs.
What Actually Happened While Buyers Waited
While many buyers sat on the sidelines, a few things were happening at the same time:
• Home values in many areas continued to rise
• Inventory stayed tight in desirable neighborhoods
• Rent continued increasing
• Buyers who purchased built equity
This didn’t feel dramatic.
It felt slow.
But that’s exactly how real estate wealth usually works.
The Cost of Waiting (That No One Talks About)
Most people think waiting protects them.
But waiting has a cost.
Here’s what I see in real conversations with buyers in San Antonio:
• Two to three years of rent with no return
• Higher purchase prices when they finally buy
• Higher interest rates than before
• Lost equity that can’t be recovered
That last one matters most.
Because you can’t go back and buy at yesterday’s price.
A Real Example in San Antonio
I worked with a buyer who decided to wait in 2021.
They were told the market would correct.
They paused their search.
Two years later…
They came back ready to buy.
But now:
• Prices were higher
• Rates were higher
• Their buying power had decreased
Same goal.
Different outcome.
And it wasn’t because they made a bad decision.
They were trying to be careful.
Why Timing the Market Rarely Works
Trying to time the market sounds smart.
But in reality, it’s incredibly difficult.
What actually builds wealth in real estate is much simpler:
• Time in the market
• Consistent ownership
• Long-term appreciation
• Inflation working in your favor
It’s not about perfect timing.
It’s about participation.
The Question Most Buyers Should Be Asking
Instead of asking:
“Is the market going to crash?”
A better question is:
👉 “What happens if I do nothing for the next 3 to 5 years?”
Because doing nothing is still a decision.
And it has a cost.
What Confidence Looks Like in Today’s Market
Confident buyers today aren’t trying to predict the market.
They’re focused on:
• Monthly payment comfort
• Long-term ownership
• Lifestyle fit
They understand that:
The right home at the right time for them matters more than perfect timing.
Quick Takeaways
• Waiting feels safe but often costs more
• Equity builds quietly over time
• You can’t recover missed appreciation
• Real estate rewards long-term ownership
FAQ
Should I wait for prices to drop?
That depends on your situation, but waiting has real costs that many buyers underestimate.
Is now a good time to buy in San Antonio?
The better question is whether it’s the right time for you financially and personally.
What matters more, price or timing?
Long-term ownership tends to matter more than short-term timing.
What if rates drop later?
You may have options to refinance, but you can’t go back and change your purchase price.
Final Thought
Most people think timing the market is the key.
It’s not.
Time in the market is what builds wealth.
Next Step
If you’re thinking about buying in San Antonio but feel stuck trying to “time it right,” I can help you look at:
• Your real numbers
• Your timeline
• What makes sense for you
No pressure. Just clarity.
Cheri Ettinger REALTOR® ABR, PSA, RENE, NHC, NHSAC
San Antonio, Texas
(210) 985-7940
gritgirlrealtor.com
Helping buyers move forward with confidence.
