The real estate market has been as capricious as has the stock market, since the recession of 2008 leaving homeowners wondering when the best time to buy is. Two main factors come into play with the cost of a home. First is, of course, the price of the home, and second – the mortgage interest rate. We want to have some idea where these prices and rates are going. Unlike the stock market which changes daily, home values are are expected to increase by nearly 20 percent between now and 2018. Freddie Mac has projected that mortgage rates will be up to one full point higher by this time next year. With home values and mortgage rates moving upward, it would appear that right now is one of the best times to make that new home purchase.