Dave Ramsey sends strong message on housing market | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

When I think of personal finance author Dave Ramsey, my mind goes to black-and-white financial advice. Not only did I grow up learning about his financial ideas and reading his books, but I’ve followed his career closely in my years reporting on personal finance. The man has hard, unwavering opinions on everything from credit cards to student loans.

So, imagine my surprise when I read one of Ramsey’s recent opinions that was more gray than black and white. An opinion I happen to agree with.

The home-buying season is upon us. With mortgage rates skyrocketing, those who were leaning toward buying a home this spring are probably wondering if they should wait.

Nationally, we are experiencing more of a buyer’s market than a seller’s market. So, potential sellers may be wavering on whether to sell now or hold off.

These are valid concerns, but like with the stock market, attempting to time the housing market is often fruitless. And Ramsey doesn’t think there is a hard-and-fast rule about the best time to buy or sell a home.

Trying to time the real estate market is a risky game

Dave Ramsey put the concept of timing the real estate market succinctly in a recent Facebook post: “If you’re guessing at the ‘perfect’ time to buy or sell a home, you might miss it.”

We don’t have a crystal ball to tell us what the market will look like at the end of the 2026 home-buying season or this time next year.

Anxious about rising mortgage rates? There’s no guarantee that rates will be lower in a year. Maybe you’re worried about rising home prices. In general, prices increase over time. If you hold out for a year in hopes of better conditions, there’s a good chance listing prices will be even higher than they are now.

Plus, it’s a better time to buy a house than you may think. According to Redfin weekly housing data for the last four-week period, or Mar. 2-29, the median sale price was $391,000. This is a 2% annual increase, but that’s better than 2025 and 2024, when year-over-year sale prices were up 2.83% and 4.5%, respectively. Housing costs may still be climbing, but growth is slowing.

“If you’re buying, now is the time to get in while inventory is growing before competition and prices peak later this spring,” Ramsey wrote on Facebook.

It could be a good time to sell, too. Redfin found that properties going off the market in two weeks or less rose during the last four-week period. The share is now 42.3%, a year-over-year increase of 2.3%.

“If you’re selling, this is your moment,” Ramsey wrote. “Strong buyer demand can mean better offers if you price it right.”

But Ramsey emphasizes that you still need a plan

We’ve determined that you shouldn’t try to time the real estate market, because there are too many unknowns for you to do so effectively. But that doesn’t mean you should jump in blind, either. You need to strike a balance.

“I’ve watched this market for decades,” Ramsey wrote on Facebook. “The people who win aren’t the ones who guess. They’re the ones who have a plan.”

Ramsey emphasized the importance of hiring a good real estate agent, and I couldn’t agree more, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling. You want a real estate agent with in-depth knowledge of your local housing market.

More about real estate and the housing market:

As a homebuyer, a strong Realtor who knows your local market helps you understand your options. Is a specific neighborhood competitive among buyers right now? Not only should they know the answer, but they can help you craft a competitive offer that stands out to the seller.

As a seller, hiring an agent who’s familiar with your market gives you an edge in pricing your house appropriately, selling relatively quickly, and selecting the best offer.

Another part of your plan should be financial preparation. For example, if you have reason to believe you may be laid off soon, it might not be the time for a huge financial undertaking like buying a house.

Consider how much house you can afford, from the down payment to closing costs to monthly mortgage payments.

Tips for navigating the 2026 housing market

So, how do you go into the 2026 home-buying season with a plan? Here are a few strategies for both homebuyers and sellers. Homebuyers should consider the following:

As mentioned above, hiring the right real estate agent is crucial. They’ll help you navigate the local housing market, make a competitive offer, and even negotiate if it comes to that.
Mortgage rates are increasing, so search for ways to lower your rate. You could buy discount points or find a temporary rate buydown program. Another option is to improve your personal finances, such as boosting your credit score or paying down debt. Lenders typically reward stronger financial profiles with lower interest rates.
Shop with a few mortgage lenders to find the combination of the best mortgage rate and lowest lender fees. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage borrowers who received quotes from two lenders could have saved at least $600 per year. Those with quotes from at least four lenders could have saved $1,200 or more annually.

Here are some ways for home sellers to make the most of the current home-buying season:

Finding a strong Realtor is just as important for sellers as for buyers. They do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to pricing your home, showing it to prospective buyers, and helping you negotiate.
You don’t want to set the initial listing price too high. According to the Realtor.com March 2026 Monthly Housing Report, 16.2% of sellers cut their listing prices in March. Buyers can see that you’ve cut the price on websites like Zillow and Redfin, and this knowledge may give them more leverage.
Work with your agent on ways to sell your house relatively quickly. If your property stays on the market for a long time, you lose power in the real estate transaction.