I've been looking at housing prices in my city for the past year, and it feels like every month there's a new record high. With interest rates climbing and inventory still tight, I'm starting to wonder: is buying a home still a smart investment, or has the dream of homeownership become more of a financial trap for the average person? My parents bought their house in the 90s for a third of what it's worth now, but they also had stable jobs and didn't have to compete with cash offers from investors. I'm torn between continuing to save for a down payment and just accepting that renting might be the more flexible, less risky choice for my generation. What's your take on this?