Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?
Why Southwest Florida Buyers Shouldn’t Sit on the Sidelines

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.” It rings especially true here in Southwest Florida — in places like Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice — where real estate continues to be a strong long-term investment.

Playing the Long Game in Real Estate
Homeownership isn’t just about today’s market conditions. It’s about where you’ll be in five or ten years. And historically, home prices tend to rise over time. So while it might be tempting to wait for mortgage rates to drop or for prices to fall, the reality is that trying to “time the market” is more gamble than strategy.

Here’s what many buyers don’t always realize:
Waiting could actually cost you more in the long run.

Home Prices Are Projected to Keep Rising
Each quarter, Fannie Mae surveys over 100 housing market experts, and the consensus is clear: home prices are expected to steadily increase — nationwide and locally — through at least 2029.

While the sharp spikes of the past few years are behind us, experts anticipate more balanced and sustainable growth of about 3–4% per year. This is a good sign for both the market and for buyers looking for long-term gains. Even in our coastal communities, where price growth may vary by neighborhood or season, the trend is upward. (see graph below):

Here’s What That Means for Buyers in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice:

• Next year’s home prices will be higher than this year’s.
  In a desirable market like ours, the longer you wait, the more the cost to buy increases.

• Waiting for better interest rates may backfire.
  Even if rates dip, the projected rise in home prices could cancel out any savings.

• Buying now helps you start building equity sooner.
  Equity builds wealth — and the sooner you get in the game, the greater your long-term return.

Let’s Look at the Numbers
Say you purchase a home in 2025 for $400,000. With projected appreciation, that home could be worth nearly $480,000 by 2030. That’s not just a place to live — it’s a solid step toward financial stability. (see graph below):

This is why so many Southwest Florida homeowners are happy they bought when they did. The power of time in the market is real.

What If You’re Not Ready for a Big Purchase?
There are still options. You might consider:

• Buying a smaller home or townhouse in a growing neighborhood

• Exploring alternative financing options with a local lender

• Looking into down payment assistance programs

• Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands our local market nuances

Bottom Line: It’s Not About Perfect Timing — It’s About Having a Plan
If you’ve been debating whether to buy now or wait, remember: real estate typically favors those who get in the market — not those waiting on the sidelines.

Whether you’re ready to buy now or just starting to explore your options, let’s talk. Southwest Florida real estate — especially in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice — continues to offer long-term opportunity for savvy buyers.