With each passing month in 2017, experts expect it to become more difficult to buy a home. Here's why you should get started with your home search—pronto. 1. Rates are rising. In 1981, when mortgage rates hit 18% and seemed to rise every day, single-digit rates seemed like an impossible dream. 2. Inventory is shrinking. Every day you wait to start looking for a new home, you face stiffer competition for fewer homes. 3. Home prices are still rising. The good news? If you jump into the market pronto, you just might make it before those doors close.