@David Song to his defense, what he is saying is that he’s not expecting to perfectly “time” the market to an ideal date. What’s he’s saying, for the Bay Area, is that the chance is greater that prices will go down somewhat rather than go back up this year. So might as well wait and see. Prices won’t tank here, but they may soften more, and be flat for awhile. That’s a good time to buy. Going back to the Great Recession of 2008-9- ballers brought in 2009 or 2010. But you could also get great deals in 2012, when there was already clear evidence that the worst was already behind us. I’m referring strictly to prime Bay Area markets, as I don’t closely follow others, so YMMV.
But for people buying their own home, if they find a decent deal now, and expect to hold it for 5+ years, then it may be worth to go ahead and get in the market. There are some benefits- market is more even keeled now, and rates are low. Especially if you’re looking at specific neighborhoods and specific types of homes. In the Bay Area there is often low inventory, and if you’re specific in your needs, you may want to get in when the opportunity avails itself. In 10 years time it won’t matter if you got in at bottom ore close to bottom.