Should You Wait to Buy a Home in 2026? (The Brutal Truth)

Are you sitting on the sidelines of the 2026 housing market? In this episode of The Fun-and-Mentals of Real Estate, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin (Guild Mortgage) tackle the most pressing question of the year: "Should I wait to buy a home?" We dive into the "brutal truth" about why waiting for a market crash might be a $100,000 mistake. While St. Louis remains one of the most affordable markets in the country, especially compared to the $2,000 per square foot prices seen on the coasts, local inventory remains at an all-time low.In this video, we discuss:• The Wealth Gap: Why homeowners are nearly 400% wealthier than renters.• The Inventory Crisis: Why the U.S. is still millions of homes short and how that affects your equity.• Winning Strategies: How to use "house sale contingencies" on properties that have been sitting for 60-90 days.• The Down Payment Scavenger Hunt: Creative ways to find funds using 401ks, family help, or home equity loans.• Refinancing vs. Recasting: How to lower your payment even if you bought when rates were at their peak.Whether you are a first-time buyer approaching age 40 or a downsizer looking to retire debt-free, this "wealth building conversation" provides the math you need to make an informed decision. Don't leave money on the table by paying 100% interest to a landlord.Timestamps:0:00 - The Big Question: Should you wait to buy or sell a home?0:30 - Why homeowners are 400% wealthier than renters0:42 - How waiting to buy since 2019 has cost buyers $100k+1:33 - Debunking the crash: St. Louis vs. California price per square foot2:12 - The Supply Gap: Why the U.S. is 5 million homes short2:48 - The rising age of first-time home buyers3:20 - Why you should move for your "Dream Lifestyle" now4:05 - The Math: How your payment can decrease even with higher rates5:18 - Strategy: Buying a new home before selling your current one5:51 - How to win with house sale contingencies on "sitting" properties6:48 - The "Down Payment Scavenger Hunt" for 401ks and gifts7:05 - Mortgage Recasting vs. Refinancing explained7:52 - Why St. Louis wages and industry (Boeing) are driving prices8:16 - Why St. Louis is one of the most affordable markets in the U.S.9:15 - Real Estate "Horror Stories": Why you shouldn't sell to a flipper11:00 - Don't leave $100k on the table: Advice for heirs and seniors12:10 - Why renting is paying 100% interest to a landlord ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️🔗 Your home is your biggest asset.Track its value and build your wealth for FREE.: ⁠https://hmbt.co/HZmjRn⁠💡 Thinking about making a move? We're here to help you get in position and make the most of this opportunity. To get a personalized game plan for your specific situation, reach out to us.Click here to schedule a consultation: 🔗 ⁠https://forms.gle/9Q2G3a2t7PZnYqMR8⁠Contact Info:Angela DillmonThe Dillmon Group of Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield📞 (314) 277-7713📧 [email protected]🔗 ⁠https://adillmon.kw.com/⁠Glen CalvinGuild MortgageBranch Manager | NMLS #742330📞 (314) 249-2861📧 [email protected]🔗 ⁠https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mo/chesterfield/glen-calvin-714-cngca.html⁠Stay ahead of the St. Louis real estate market. Follow me for daily insights, listings, and tips:• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeladillmon/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela.dillmon/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladillmon/• X/Twitter: https://x.com/ADillmon• Google Reviews: https://share.google/obZU5GR87RumXGG0K