Plain and simple: right now is still not the time to buy a house. Even though the Federal Reserve recently trimmed the federal funds rate by a quarter point, interest rates did not fall. In many markets sellers are finally lowering prices because things got ahead of themselves. I still expect prices to come down in most areas and I am watching for a bigger correction in 2026.

Why I Still Say Wait

Home prices jumped too high too fast in many places. Inventory is rising, buyers are stepping back, and sellers are beginning to reduce asking prices. That combination usually points to more downward pressure ahead. If your primary motivation for buying is fear of missing out, take a breath. Waiting now could save you significant money and stress later.

Market Signals I Am Watching

Here are the things I see on the ground:

• Sellers lowering prices across multiple markets.
• Higher interest rates despite recent Fed moves.
• Overbuilding in certain urban centers. For example, the Nashville area alone has thousands of vacant apartments right now.
• Rents softening in some neighborhoods as supply catches up with demand.

When supply expands faster than demand, pressure on prices follows. That is why I believe patience is the better strategy for many prospective buyers.

The Job Market Is Brutal and It Matters

The housing conversation cannot be separated from the job market. For many younger people under 30 and up to about 35, finding steady employment has been a slog. Applications get ignored. You get ghosted. You see job posts asking for advanced degrees for minimum wage pay. Corporations are prioritizing profit and sometimes posting roles they never intend to fill. Add mandates to come back to the office and long commutes, and the landscape is even harder.

“Nana, I’m content.”

That simple line from my daughter meant everything. She graduated college right before the pandemic as a culinary student and the hospitality industry she loved collapsed. She hustled with gig work, applied to hundreds of jobs, and even retrained in the medical field to be a phlebotomist and medical assistant. After a long stretch of rejection and worry, she recently landed a small clinic job and told her grandmother she is content.

That contentment was not about owning a house. It was about purpose, routine, and being welcomed at work. Her rent actually went down because local landlords are adjusting to higher vacancy. For her, the daily stability mattered more than rushing into homeownership during a shaky market.

A Word to Workers 50 and Older

If you are 50 or older and have lost a job, the reality is harsh. The odds of landing a comparable role are not what they used to be. Many employers prefer younger, lower cost hires. I am 55 and I count my VA retirement as a blessing. If you do not have a similar safety net, you may need to pivot.

Consider these ideas:

• Think outside the traditional career box and explore consulting or small business opportunities.
• Supplement income with gig work or freelance gigs while you retrain or build something new.
• Be ready to work a little longer or differently than you planned.

How to Protect Yourself and Find Peace Right Now

You may not be where you want to be. You may be hustling every day just to get by. That is real and it is valid. Contentment in hard times does not mean complacency. It means finding a foothold so you can breathe and plan for the next move.

Practical steps to consider:

1. Hold off on buying a house unless you have rock solid financial stability and a long horizon to ride out potential price declines.
2. Build or preserve an emergency fund so you can weather job gaps and transitions.
3. Work on credit health and reduce high interest debt so you are ready when the market shifts.
4. Sharpen skills that are in demand or learn new ones that will open doors in stable industries.
5. Look for steady, even small, wins that restore confidence. A stable job, lower rent, or a reliable side income can buy you breathing room.
6. Give yourself grace. Take a moment to exhale, decompress, and take one day at a time.

Faith, Hope, and the Long View

I believe that God is a way maker and that situations can change quickly. If today feels overwhelming, take this permission to be content for a little while. Contentment does not mean you stop striving. It means you stop letting fear dictate your decisions.

Final Thoughts

Is now the time to buy a house? For many people the answer is no. Prices still have room to fall, inventory is rising, and interest rates are not cooperating with recent Fed moves. Use this time to strengthen your finances, build stability, and plan. If you are struggling with the job market, you are not alone. Whether you are a young person trying to land the first big break or someone older facing unexpected layoffs, adapt, pivot, and be kind to yourself.

You are doing an awesome job by just continuing. Hold out, be patient, and look after your mental and financial health. Joy comes in the morning.