Free Tool

Buy Now or Later Calculator

Thinking about waiting to buy? Compare the total cost of purchasing a home today versus waiting — factoring in appreciation, rent payments, and changing interest rates in the DMV market.

Your scenario

Home price today

Down payment

Months you would wait

Mortgage rate today

Expected rate later

Home price growth (per year)

Rent while you wait (monthly)

Waiting 12 months

Waiting costs about $9,356 more over the life of the loan.

The lower payment later saves $72 a month, which never earns back the rent and larger down payment within a 30-year loan.

Home price if you wait: $566,500
Monthly payment buying today: $3,129
Monthly payment buying later: $3,057
Rent paid while waiting: $33,600
Down payment today / later: $55,000 / $56,650

Compares the total paid for the home over a 30-year loan, plus rent while you wait. Payments are principal and interest only; taxes, insurance, and closing costs are left out because they apply either way. Rates and prices are your assumptions, not a forecast.

Estimate your closing costs