Why Most People Are Still Glad They Bought a Home

By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read

The Short Answer

A NerdWallet survey found 74 percent of recent buyers are glad they bought their current home, and only 3 percent regret it. Home prices and equity have grown meaningfully over time, even though prices do not rise every year.

Why Most People Are Still Glad They Bought a Home
Illustration by David Parks

Buyer sentiment

NerdWallet’s survey found the vast majority of recent buyers are glad they purchased, and only a very small share say they regret it.

Share of recent buyers who are glad they bought
Graphic: Keeping Current Matters

Homeownership is a long-term play

The Federal Housing Finance Agency reports that national home prices have risen 33.4 percent over the past five years. Bankrate found homeowners gained nearly $150,000 in wealth on average over five years as equity rose in 90 percent of major metro areas.

Five-year home price growth
Graphic: Keeping Current Matters

Zoom out further

FHFA data shows national prices are up 336 percent since 1991. Prices do not rise every year, and they can dip, but historically they have risen far more over the long run.

Long-term national home price growth since 1991
Graphic: Keeping Current Matters
Quick Poll

What is your biggest question about today’s market?

Equity can fuel your next move

As you pay down your mortgage and your home appreciates, your equity can grow. When you sell, that equity can become the down payment on your next home. See What Is Home Equity and How Does It Grow?

Buy when the numbers work

This is not advice that buying is right for everyone today. The payment and the plan have to work for you. David can run the numbers with you using the mortgage calculator and a lender’s estimates.

Sources and dates

NerdWallet, FHFA, Bankrate, and Freddie Mac, as reported in October 2026. Graphics by Keeping Current Matters.

Key Takeaways
  • Buyer sentiment: NerdWallet’s survey found the vast majority of recent buyers are glad they purchased, and only a very small share say they regret it.
  • Homeownership is a long-term play: The Federal Housing Finance Agency reports that national home prices have risen 33.4 percent over the past five years.
  • Zoom out further: FHFA data shows national prices are up 336 percent since 1991.
  • Equity can fuel your next move: As you pay down your mortgage and your home appreciates, your equity can grow.

This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.

David Parks
About David Parks

David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.

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