build a house. Worked out. And my parents didn't mind.
My brother tried to time the market. He sold his house so that he could flip one in my parents' neighborhood. The market changed drastically and he ended up living in the house for about 10 years before 'upgrading'. It all worked out for him as well.
(I agree with one poster — a house is more than an investment. Trying to time the market doesn't always work out the way you need it too).