In our time of chic purchasing and trendy investments it's easy to forget some home-buying basics. Because of this a fear of the unknown will many times keep people from moving towards a larger purchase, like a home. If you are willing to "stick to the basics" though you can still step into a new home with confidence while others think they need to hold out.
One of those basics is to identify your purpose. There are many reasons to buy a home ranging from relocation, investment opportunity to just needing a new start. Whichever is the case for you, identifying it will establish purpose, identify goals and even help shape your plan of accomplishment.
Another basic is to remember this. The housing market, like most business climates, revolves in a market cycle. This includes everything about buying a home. Pricing and interest rates are constantly moving. Time on the market and the supply-vs-demand ratio move just as much. Wherever the present market may be on the curve, anywhere in that cycle is still a good time to buy. Like the beating of a heart, favorable conditions move in and out, up and down in relatively short periods of time.
Thirdly, if you are in a position where you need a house, buying one is the right move no matter what investment trends may be saying. This may sound elementary but it is important to be reminded of this basic idea. Market conditions have become much more influential in our minds. If these conditions are not quite what we think is optimal we can feel a lot of stress over needing to buy at a supposed "bad time". Be at peace. Know that with proper attention and care, it is never a bad time to buy a home.
Don't be afraid to proceed with confidence. If you are willing to do your due diligence and stick to the basics you can enjoy your new home in any market condition.
