Should you actually buy a house? (Because sometimes you actually shouldn’t)

It’s easy to assume that buying a home is the ultimate milestone. Something you should do once you’ve hit a certain age, hit a certain income, or simply because you’re tired of renting. But the reality is, homeownership isn’t always the smart move — at least, not for everyone, and not at every stage of life.

So before you start browsing Zillow listings or scheduling open houses, take a step back and ask yourself a more important question:

Why are you buying a house?

Or better yet:

What is buying a house actually going to do for you?

Because if you’re buying a house just to check the box — just to feel like you’re moving forward — then you might not be moving forward at all. You might just be locking yourself into a financial commitment that doesn’t align with your real goals.

Let’s unpack a few truths that get lost in the “American Dream” narrative.

1. Buying a house ties up a lot of your money

Between the down payment, closing costs, and your monthly mortgage (plus property taxes, insurance, and more), buying a home eats up a huge chunk of your available cash. And unlike renting, this isn’t just about having a roof over your head — it’s a long-term investment with real risks.

2. You don’t just “get back” everything you pay

People often assume homeownership is a guaranteed way to build equity. But it’s important to realize: your monthly mortgage payment doesn’t go straight into your pocket. A significant portion goes toward interest — especially in the early years — and you’ll also spend money on repairs, maintenance, insurance, and sometimes unexpected emergencies.

Plus, if you plan to sell in the short term, you’ll likely pay agent commissions, closing costs, and possibly capital gains taxes. The math doesn’t always work out in your favor.

3. Where you want to live might not be where it’s smart to buy

Maybe you want to live near the beach. Or downtown. Or in a super walkable neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle.

But here’s the thing: great places to live are not always great places to buy. In many high-demand areas, your mortgage payment might be twice what you’d pay in rent — without any guarantee that the home’s value will rise at a rate that justifies the cost.

You might find yourself “house poor” — in the right ZIP code but stuck with a home that doesn’t appreciate like you hoped, or that becomes impossible to rent out later if your life takes a turn.

4. You might actually get less for your money than if you rented

Renting isn’t throwing money away — it’s paying for flexibility, freedom, and access to a home or location you may not be able to afford to buy into. In many markets, you can rent a home that’s nicer, bigger, or in a better location than what you’d get if you were buying.

That matters — especially if you’re not planning to stay put for 5+ years. Short-term ownership usually doesn’t yield a strong return, and in some cases, you’ll lose money.

5. Your loan approval doesn’t equal financial comfort

Just because a lender approves you for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it. Loan approvals are based on formulas — they don’t take into account your lifestyle, your other goals, or how you feel about financial stress.

If you qualify for a $750K loan, that doesn’t mean you should take it. You may be better off with a lower monthly payment and more money left over for travel, investing, or even just peace of mind.

6. Homeownership comes with hidden costs

Even if you can afford the monthly payment, homeownership comes with a long list of “surprise” expenses.

Plumbing issues. Roof repairs. Electrical problems. Appliances that die unexpectedly. Landscaping. Pest control. Property taxes that go up. HOA fees. A house isn’t just a one-time purchase — it’s an ongoing project.

And those projects? They rarely wait until it’s a “good time” financially

So… should you buy?

If you’ve thought through all of this — and still feel like buying a house aligns with your goals, your finances, and your lifestyle — then go for it. Homeownership can absolutely be a smart investment, when it makes sense.

But if you’re feeling unsure, or you’re just doing it because you think you’re supposed to — pause.

Buying a home is not a rite of passage. It’s a strategy.

And sometimes, the smartest move is waiting — or walking away altogether.

Need help making the right call?

Whether you’re on the fence, just starting to explore your options, or deep into home shopping, I’m here to help you make a decision that’s right for you — not just the one that looks good on paper.

Reach out for personalized advice on how to assess your goals, your finances, and your lifestyle so you can feel confident about your next move — whether it’s buying, renting, or waiting.

Let’s make sure your next home supports your future — not just your checklist.