Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home? Insights From Real Estate Advisor Brad Buxton
- Shay Phillips
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
In today’s shifting housing landscape, one question continues to rise to the top for buyers across the country: “Is now a good time to buy a home?”On a recent episode of The Tahoe Real Estate Insider, host Shay Phillips sat down with Brad Buxton, Senior Real Estate Investment Advisor with Address Income, to discuss the truth behind buyer sentiment, current economic uncertainty, and how to make smart real estate decisions—no matter what the market is doing.
Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading to your next, or investing in rental properties, this conversation breaks down what the numbers, the psychology, and the real-life data are telling us right now.
What Actually Defines a Buyer’s Market?
Most people think a buyer’s market simply means “houses are cheap,” but Brad explains it's much more than that. A buyer’s market typically occurs when:
Inventory is higher than normal
Sellers begin offering concessions
Days on market increase
Prices soften or remain stagnant
Buyers have more negotiating power
Interestingly, most people don’t realize they’re in a buyer’s market until they’re deep into one. And depending on what type of real estate you're buying—primary residence, small multifamily, large multifamily, or commercial—the experience looks very different.
Why Timing Depends More on You Than the Market
One of Brad’s biggest takeaways is that the “right time to buy” is personal.
If you're stable, financially ready, and plan to own long-term, real estate historically appreciates—even for buyers who purchased at the peak of 2006. Those who could weather the 2008 downturn ultimately saw strong gains over time.
But if you're in a high-risk situation, facing job instability, or needing to stretch beyond your realistic means, even a “perfect” market won’t make buying the right choice.
Brad explains it simply:If it's right for your life and timeline, it's the right time to buy.
Local Market Insights: Reno, Tahoe & the Bay Area
Real estate markets remain hyper-local, and the podcast dives into how different regions are behaving:
Reno
Inventory is higher than it's been in years
Some sellers are offering 10–15% price concessions
Multifamily inventory has doubled, creating a standoff between buyers and sellers
Rents remain stable with a low vacancy rate under 3%
Tahoe
More price fluctuation than Reno due to luxury and second-home dynamics
Areas like Incline Village are seeing notable price adjustments
Buyer opportunities are emerging as inventory increases
Bay Area
Becoming more competitive again due to return-to-office trends
Rising demand for rentals and purchases
Prices rebounding after a dip during the pandemic
The bottom line?Each market has its own cycle, opportunities, and pressures.
How Economic Uncertainty Impacts Buyers
With headlines covering layoffs, economic slowdowns, and industry shifts, it’s easy for buyers to feel uneasy.
The podcast explains that the impact of economic uncertainty is layered:
Higher-income earners and experienced professionals may face less risk
Entry-level or early-career workers may feel the effects of cutbacks more
National trends don’t always reflect what’s happening locally
Rental markets remain stable in many regions, including Reno
Innovation and growth in sectors like AI are creating job stability in certain metros
Even in times of uncertainty, people still need housing, and real estate remains a long-term stability play.
Why Today’s Market Offers Major Opportunities for Buyers
One of the biggest advantages in today's market is buyer leverage.
Buyers now have negotiating power that was unimaginable during the pandemic frenzy.
This includes:
Seller-paid closing costs
Temporary or permanent interest rate buydowns
Price reductions
Inspection repairs covered by sellers
Builder incentives on new construction
Shay and Brad discuss how creative deal structuring can help reduce upfront costs and monthly payments, giving buyers options they haven't had in years.
What Buyers Should Focus On Right Now
If you’re considering a move, here are key tips from the episode:
Look at your financial stability
Job security, savings, and long-term plans matter more than micro-market trends.
Evaluate your time horizon
The longer you plan to own the home, the less timing affects your outcome.
Leverage today’s concessions
Use seller credits, rate buydowns, and negotiating power to improve affordability.
Get advice from trusted professionals
A lender, real estate advisor, and CPA can help you understand the full picture.
Don’t let fear make your decisions
Emotions are a real part of buying, but informed decisions lead to better outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home—whether for your family or as an investment—is an emotional and financial milestone. In this episode, Shay and Brad highlight that the best decisions come from balancing market knowledge with personal readiness.
Today’s market offers unique opportunities for buyers who are prepared and strategic. If you're considering making a move, connecting with a knowledgeable advisor can make all the difference.
Connect With Brad Buxton — Address Income
If you'd like expert guidance on buying or investing in today’s market, reach out to Brad directly:
Email: bbuxton@addressincome.com
Phone: 805-305-1591