It's been asked so often in the past year, it's become a cliche: Is it finally time to buy a house?

Now, maybe, the answer is yes.

Average home prices in the United States are now stabilizing after more than two years of decline, which means buyers can lock in a good deal before prices rise significantly. Last week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency reported that prices increased 1 percent between April and May. On Tuesday, the more widely watched S&P/Case-Shiller index confirmed it, posting the first rise in its 20-city survey in 34 months.

Mortgage rates are low. Housing affordability is near record levels. And sentiment among housing experts is turning more bullish.