Homebuyer Sees What The House Sold For 5 Years Ago And Can't Believe Today's Price: 'Does Anybody Else Have Trouble Swallowing These Prices'

A Reddit user trying to buy a home opened up about the frustration of seeing how much the same house sold for just five years ago. The post struck a nerve, sparking a wave of responses from people venting about the state of the housing market.

Housing Sticker Shock Is Hitting Everyone

The original poster explained in the r/RealEstate subreddit that they were finally ready to buy after years of renting, largely due to an ongoing lawsuit involving a prior land purchase. They had bought acreage that turned out to be a landfill—something that wasn't disclosed at the time of sale, prompting the legal battle.

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They now found a nearly perfect home for their situation but were shocked to see that the price had nearly doubled since it last sold.

“It just pains me to see a house be so up in value just a few years ago and makes me question everything,” they wrote.

That comment captured a widespread feeling. Many others shared that they, too, had a tough time seeing homes that sold for far less not that long ago now being listed at eye-popping prices.

One person responded, “I struggled with it for many years and it just got worse. I finally just bought another house and try not to think about it.”

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People Feel Left Behind By The Market

Many Redditors pointed to inflation, low pandemic-era interest rates, and wage stagnation as key reasons prices have surged. Some mentioned the psychological concept of “anchoring,” where people get stuck on past prices and can't adjust to current values.

“You aren't trying to buy a house five years ago, so no point looking at that and wishing,” one person wrote. “Buy a house you can afford when it fits your life.”

Still, plenty sympathized with OP's situation. Some described feeling priced out altogether, especially younger or first-time buyers.

“There are two classes of people,” one person wrote. “Pre-pandemic buyers, who essentially won the lottery, and those who didn't own before the pandemic, who were basically left for dead.”

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Buy Now Or Wait It Out?

The thread revealed a split in thinking. Some say now is the best time to buy since no one can time the market. Others believe prices will eventually come down, especially in areas where homes are sitting longer.

“Housing may ebb and flatten, but it rarely goes back down,” one person noted.

A few people also raised concerns about corporate investors buying homes in bulk and turning them into rentals, putting even more pressure on everyday buyers.

“It's not just houses, it's everything,” someone else added. Groceries, cars, insurance. The dollar just doesn't go as far anymore.

Still, despite the frustration, many advised the OP to focus less on past prices and more on whether the current home meets their needs and budget.

As one commenter put it: If it checks the boxes and you can afford it, go for it. There's always going to be a reason to wait.

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