Why Timing the Market Might Cost You More

The Real Cost of Waiting: Why Timing the Market Rarely Pays Off

By Jack Bouvier | Bouvier Real Estate Group | eXp Realty Saskatoon

Introduction: "I'll wait for prices to drop..." – Sound familiar?

We’ve all heard someone say it — or maybe even said it ourselves.
“Rates are too high right now.”
“The market’s going to crash soon.”
“I’ll buy when prices come down.”

And while those statements sound logical on the surface, the truth is this: trying to time the market is one of the most common and costly mistakes buyers make.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, upsizing your family home, or investing in rental properties here in Saskatoon, waiting for the perfect time can often mean missing your time altogether.

Let’s break down why — and what to do instead.

1. The Market Is Always Moving — and So Are You

Housing markets don’t move in straight lines. They fluctuate based on interest rates, inventory levels, economic trends, and local demand.

📉 Here’s what happens when you wait for prices to drop:

• You might see a slight price dip, but…
  
  
• Interest rates might go up, increasing your monthly payment.
  
  
• Inventory might shrink, giving you fewer choices.
  
  
• You miss out on property appreciation while you're on the sidelines.
  
  

💡 “In real estate, you don’t wait to buy. You buy, then wait.” – Common investor wisdom that holds true even in shifting markets.

2. The Cost of Waiting: It’s More Than Just Price

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Suppose you’re eyeing a $450,000 home in Saskatoon today, and you’re hoping prices fall 5%. That would save you about $22,500.

But what if rates climb by just 1% in the meantime? Your monthly payment could go up by more than that savings over the life of the loan.

📊 Real-World Example

• Today’s price: $450,000 @ 5.49% = ~$2,494/month (mortgage only)
  
  
• Waiting for 5% drop: $427,500 @ 6.49% = ~$2,687/month
  
  
• 📈 That’s $193/month more — despite the lower price.
  
  

👉 Over 5 years? You’d pay $11,580 more waiting.

3. Market Psychology: Emotion > Logic

Trying to “time the bottom” is emotional — not logical.

The bottom of the market is only visible in the rearview mirror.
By the time buyers feel confident again, demand surges, prices rise, and the “deal” is gone.

That’s why savvy investors — and prepared homebuyers — make decisions based on math and goals, not fear and headlines.

4. What the Experts Say

🏡 Don R. Campbell, veteran Canadian real estate investor, says:

“Buying based on timing is a mistake. Buy based on fundamentals — job growth, population trends, affordability, and demand.”

Saskatoon checks all those boxes right now:

• Population growth fueled by immigration
  
  
• Low housing inventory
  
  
• Rising rents and solid cash flow opportunities for investors
  
  
• One of the most affordable mid-sized cities in Canada
  
  

The long-term trajectory is up — so why wait?

5. What You Should Do Instead

If you’re serious about buying or investing, stop focusing on timing and start focusing on readiness. Here's how:

✅ Get pre-approved to know your budget
✅ Understand your monthly comfort zone, not just the sticker price
✅ Work with a Realtor (like me!) who knows how to find off-market deals or negotiate strong terms
✅ Think long-term — most wealth in real estate is built through time in the market, not timing the market

Conclusion: Action Beats Intention

Let’s call it what it is — waiting often equals hesitating. And while you're waiting for the perfect time, someone else is buying the house you wanted, locking in equity, and building wealth.

If you’re still unsure, that’s okay — but let’s talk about it. I’ll walk you through the current market data, show you what’s possible, and help you make a move that fits your goals, not the market noise.

📩 Reach out today — before another rate hike or price surge moves the goalposts again.

Jack Bouvier
Your Realtor for Life
Bouvier Real Estate Group | eXp Realty
📞 (306) 370-6179
📧 jack@bouvierrealestate.ca
🌐 www.bouvierrealestate.com