Is Buying a Home Still Worth It? Why Most Homeowners Say Yes

If you've been thinking about buying a home lately, I wouldn't be surprised if you've asked yourself this question:

"Is now really a good time to buy a house?"

And you know what? That's a fair question.

Between mortgage rates, everyday expenses, property taxes, and homeowners insurance, buying a home today can feel like a much bigger financial commitment than it did just a few years ago.

I talk to buyers throughout Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, Midlothian, and Grand Prairie, and I hear these concerns all the time.

Some are worried about buying before mortgage rates drop. Others wonder whether home prices might come down. And some are simply afraid they'll buy a house and regret the decision six months later.

But here's something interesting.

According to a recent NerdWallet survey cited by Keeping Current Matters, 74% of recent homebuyers said they were glad they purchased their current home. Only 3% said they regretted it.

That's a pretty significant difference.

And I think it tells us something important.

Even with the challenges of today's housing market, many people still find that homeownership is worth it.

Let's talk about why.

Your Home Is More Than Just a Mortgage Payment

I think sometimes we get so caught up in discussing mortgage rates, home prices, and market predictions that we forget why people want to buy a home in the first place.

Yes, buying a home is a financial decision.

But it's also a lifestyle decision.

It's having a backyard where your kids can play.

It's hosting Thanksgiving without wondering whether your landlord will renew your lease.

It's finally having room for a home office, a garden, or that oversized dining table you've been holding onto.

It's painting the walls the color you actually want.

And it's creating a place that feels like yours.

I've helped families throughout South DFW find homes for all kinds of reasons.

Some needed more space. Others wanted to be closer to family. Some were relocating to Texas for work, while others were finally ready to stop renting.

And here's what I've learned over the years:

The right home isn't always about finding the perfect market. It's about finding a home that fits the life you're trying to build.

Of course, that doesn't mean you should ignore the numbers.

It means the numbers are only part of the decision.

The Biggest Financial Advantage of Owning a Home? Building Equity

Let's talk about one of the reasons homeownership can be so valuable over time.

Equity.

If you're unfamiliar with the term, home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage.

For example, let's say you purchase a home in Mansfield for $350,000.

Over time, you pay down your mortgage.

And let's imagine that, several years later, the home's market value has increased to $425,000.

If your remaining mortgage balance is $300,000, you would have approximately $125,000 in equity.

That's a hypothetical example, not a prediction of what any particular home will be worth.

But it illustrates how equity works.

Your equity can grow as you pay down your mortgage and if your property appreciates in value.

And that equity may eventually help you make your next move.

Maybe you want a larger home.

Maybe you're ready to downsize.

Maybe you're planning to relocate or purchase a different type of property.

The equity you've built can become an important part of that next chapter.

One thing to remember, though: equity isn't the same as cash in your bank account. If you sell, your mortgage payoff, closing costs, and other expenses affect how much money you actually receive.

What Happens When You Look at Home Prices Over Time?

Here's where I think perspective really matters.

According to Federal Housing Finance Agency data cited in the October 2026 Keeping Current Matters report, home prices nationally increased approximately 33.4% over the preceding five years.

And when you zoom out even further?

The report notes that national home prices increased approximately 336% since 1991.

Now, those are national figures.

They do not mean every home in Mansfield, Arlington, or Burleson experienced the same appreciation.

And they certainly don't mean prices go up every single year.

But they illustrate why homeownership is generally something we evaluate over the long term.

Think about someone who bought a home in Arlington 15 or 20 years ago.

They may have purchased when mortgage rates were different, when the neighborhood looked different, and when the surrounding area had fewer businesses and developments.

Over the years, they've had a place to live while gradually paying down their mortgage.

And depending on the property and market conditions, they may have built substantial equity along the way.

That's one reason I encourage buyers to look beyond what's happening in the housing market this month.

But What If Home Prices Drop After I Buy?

This is probably one of the most common concerns I hear.

"What if I buy now and my house is worth less next year?"

Well, that is possible.

Real estate markets move in cycles, and home values can decline.

We saw dramatic changes during the pandemic years, followed by adjustments as mortgage rates increased and affordability became more challenging.

And even within DFW, different neighborhoods can behave very differently.

A newer subdivision in Midlothian may have different market conditions from an established neighborhood in South Arlington.

A home competing with several builders offering financing incentives may face different pricing pressures than a unique resale property in a neighborhood with limited inventory.

That's why local market knowledge matters.

But here's another important consideration:

If you're buying a home you plan to live in for many years, its value twelve months from now may not be the most important number.

Your monthly payment, long-term affordability, condition of the property, and how well it fits your needs can matter much more.

That doesn't eliminate the risk of a market downturn.

And if you know you'll need to move again in a year or two, that changes the conversation considerably.

But if you're planning to stay for seven, ten, or fifteen years, we should evaluate the purchase with that longer timeline in mind.

Renting vs. Buying in DFW: It's Not Just About the Monthly Payment

I think this conversation deserves a little more attention.

Sometimes people assume that renting is throwing money away.

I don't necessarily agree with that.

Renting can be the right decision when you need flexibility, you're relocating temporarily, you're building savings, or you're not financially ready for the responsibilities of ownership.

And homeownership comes with expenses renters may not pay directly.

Repairs.

Maintenance.

Property taxes.

Insurance.

Potential HOA fees.

And occasionally an air conditioner that decides to quit during a Texas summer.

That's never fun!

But homeownership also offers something renting generally doesn't.

The opportunity to build equity in the property you own.

With a typical fixed-rate mortgage, your principal and interest payment stays the same over the loan's term, although taxes, insurance, and other expenses can change.

Rent payments, on the other hand, are subject to lease terms and future market conditions.

Neither option is automatically better for everyone.

What matters is comparing the real costs and benefits based on your situation.

Why Waiting for the Perfect Mortgage Rate Can Be Tricky

I hear this one a lot:

"We're going to wait until mortgage rates come down."

And sometimes waiting is absolutely the right decision.

If today's payment doesn't fit your budget, you shouldn't force it.

But there's a difference between waiting because the numbers don't work and waiting because you're hoping to predict the perfect moment to buy.

Mortgage rates can change.

Home prices can change.

Inventory can change.

And when rates decline, buyer competition may change too.

There's no guarantee that waiting will produce a lower total purchase cost.

That's why I prefer to help buyers work through the numbers instead of making a decision based entirely on predictions.

What can you comfortably afford today?

How much cash do you need for closing?

What would your payment look like at different interest rates?

How long do you plan to stay?

And what homes are actually available in your price range?

Those are questions we can answer with real information.

The South DFW Market Isn't One Big Housing Market

Here's something I talk about often on our South of Cowtown YouTube channel.

People hear the words "DFW housing market" and assume every city is experiencing the same thing.

But that's not how real estate works.

Mansfield, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Burleson, and Midlothian each have different neighborhoods, housing inventory, new construction activity, and buyer demand.

And even within the same city, two neighborhoods can have very different market conditions.

For example, a buyer looking at new construction in Midlothian may have access to builder incentives that aren't available on a resale home.

Someone looking in an established South Arlington neighborhood may find larger lots, mature trees, and a different selection of homes.

And buyers considering Mansfield might be comparing newer master-planned communities with established neighborhoods closer to the center of town.

The best strategy depends on where you're buying, what you're buying, and how long you expect to own it.

That's why I don't think national headlines should be the only thing guiding your decision.

They're useful for understanding the bigger picture.

But your actual purchase happens in a specific neighborhood, on a specific street, at a specific price.

What I Want Buyers To Consider Before Purchasing

If you're wondering whether buying a home makes sense right now, I want you to think through five things.

1. Can you comfortably afford the payment?

Not just the mortgage principal and interest, but property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance if applicable, HOA fees, and maintenance.

2. How long do you plan to stay?

If you're planning to move again very soon, buying may carry more financial risk because of transaction costs and potential market changes.

3. Does the home fit your lifestyle?

Think about your commute, schools if relevant, neighborhood amenities, outdoor space, and what your family may need in the coming years.

4. Are you financially prepared for ownership?

Having enough money for your down payment and closing costs is important, but so is maintaining savings for unexpected repairs.

5. Are you buying because you're ready, or because you feel pressured?

I never want someone buying a home simply because they're afraid of missing out.

And I don't want someone postponing a purchase indefinitely because they're afraid the market won't be perfect.

The decision should be based on your goals and financial comfort.

Why So Many Homeowners Are Still Happy They Bought

I think the NerdWallet survey results make sense when you consider the bigger picture.

For many homeowners, the value of owning a home isn't measured only by what Zillow says the property is worth this afternoon.

It's the memories they've made there.

The stability of having a place to call their own.

The freedom to personalize their space.

And the opportunity to build equity over time.

For some, it's the first home they ever purchased.

For others, it's the home where they raised their children.

And for some, it's the stepping stone that helped them purchase the home they're living in today.

Those benefits don't mean every purchase turns out perfectly.

But they help explain why so many people are glad they took that step.

So, Is Buying a Home in DFW Still Worth It?

My answer?

It absolutely can be, when it's the right decision for you.

I wouldn't tell someone to buy a home simply because national prices have increased over the past several decades.

And I wouldn't tell someone to wait simply because mortgage rates are higher than they were a few years ago.

I want to look at your specific situation.

Your budget.

Your goals.

Your timeline.

And the neighborhoods you're considering.

Because buying a home should be about more than trying to time the market.

It should be about finding a place where you can build your life and, hopefully, your financial future.

And whether that next chapter takes you to Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, Grand Prairie, Midlothian, or another South DFW community, John and I would love to help you make an informed decision.

Let's Talk About What Buying Could Look Like for You

If you've been thinking about buying a home but you're not sure whether now is the right time, let's have a conversation.

No pressure. No guessing. Just a realistic look at the numbers, the market, and the opportunities that fit your goals.

We'll help you understand what's available, what the monthly costs may look like, and how to approach the process with confidence.

Because at the end of the day, the goal isn't simply to buy a house.

It's to create your next chapter in a home that makes sense for your life.

— Stephanie Deeds
The Deeds Group at Point Realty
South of Cowtown with The Deeds

Ready to explore buying a home in South DFW?

Call or text HOME to 817-659-0980
Email: info@thedeedsgroup.com
Website: www.thedeedsgroup.com