If you're the type of person who follows the housing market and mortgage lending practices, you've probably discovered that for the last several years, now is the best time to purchase a house. It seems that news agencies, government officials, bankers, and real estate agents have been saying for the longest time that it's always best to buy a house right now. But is that always true? When is the best time to purchase a house? Asking that question is like asking what is the best thing to have for supper. It all depends on your “yardstick.”