Hi, John,
Personally I don't think there is a definite answer for your question. From a Realtor point of view, it is a good time to buy, interest rate is low, lots of supplies, sellers are more willing to negotiate. A lot of factors favoring a buyer, it is a good time to invest if you are serious of buying. Owning a house requires extra responsibilities, home insurance, property tax, take care of all the wear and tear, it takes effort and structure. But it is always yours, the feel of belongings that you won't have when you rent.
In our market, paying rent is higher than paying a mortgage payment, if situation allows, why would a person wants to rent than buy?... more