Over the last few years the real estate industry has seen some dire predictions, even from so-called experts! And while our little slice of heaven here in Idaho is not an entirely safe haven from national averages by and large the predictions for hard times proved to be untrue. The real estate market in Idaho is thriving and buyers as well as sellers are finding a place in the market. So, let's put away the market myths...

Here's the reality: home prices actually increased more than usual last year, exceeding the average annual gains of the past 35 years, as reported by Brian D. Luke, Head of Commodities at S&P Dow Jones Indices.

Look at the incredible track record in the graph below! It shows data from Freddie Mac on how home prices have steadily risen since 1980.

Here's the key takeaway: homeownership historically builds wealth. As an article from Forbes points out, the U.S. real estate market has a proven track record of increasing value over time.

In fact, the only decline happened during the 2008 housing crisis (shown in red). But the market today is completely different! There's a shortage of available homes, and existing homeowners are in a strong financial position with significant equity. This means there's no risk of a wave of foreclosures driving prices down.

Imagine owning something that typically gains value year after year. That's the power of homeownership! As your home appreciates, so does your net worth.

Ready to join the smart investors who are building wealth through homeownership? If you're financially stable and prepared for the responsibilities, buying a home could be the perfect move for you.

Connect with Garden Valley Properties today! We can help you achieve your goals and find the perfect home in our vibrant market!