Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Home? A Realtor’s Perspective on Buying vs. Waiting
Ashley Kersey • March 10, 2025
Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Home? A Realtor’s Perspective on Buying vs. Waiting
As we enter 2025, the real estate market is buzzing with questions. Should you buy a home now, or wait for the market to shift? This decision can feel overwhelming with fluctuating interest rates, rising prices, and concerns about the economy. As a real estate professional, I’m here to offer some insights into why buying now could make sense for some buyers – and why, for others, it might be better to hold off.
The Case for Buying Now
- Interest Rates are Still Relatively Low - While mortgage rates have risen compared to the record-low levels we saw a few years ago, they’re still fairly reasonable when viewed over the long term. In fact, many buyers today are enjoying rates lower than what previous generations dealt with. The important thing to keep in mind is that locking in a rate today means you avoid potentially higher rates down the road, especially if the Federal Reserve continues adjusting rates.
- Home Prices May Continue to Rise - Historically, real estate appreciates over time. While the market may fluctuate in the short term, waiting for prices to drop could lead to missed opportunities. In many markets, home prices are still on an upward trajectory, driven by demand and a lack of inventory. Buying now allows you to build equity sooner rather than waiting until prices have gone even higher.
- Tax Benefits and Equity Building - Homeownership comes with many benefits, including tax deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes. Additionally, paying down your mortgage each month increases your equity in the property, which can be a key part of long-term wealth building. If you wait too long, you’re putting off these advantages and may find yourself struggling to enter the market when it becomes even more expensive.
- The Rental Market is Competitive - If you’re currently renting, you’re probably seeing rent prices rise. Many renters are experiencing bidding wars just to secure a lease, especially in high-demand urban areas. Buying your own home means putting an end to the cycle of rent increases and having more control over your living situation.
The Case for Waiting
- Interest Rates Could Be a Dealbreaker - If you’re currently in a financial position where you’re able to wait for a potential drop in interest rates, it might be worth it. A lower interest rate means lower monthly payments and could significantly reduce the total cost of your home over time. If you're looking to maximize affordability, waiting for a rate drop could be your best move.
- Housing Inventory Might Increase - The lack of available homes has been a significant problem in many markets, contributing to rising prices and fierce competition. However, experts predict that more homes may hit the market in the coming months as sellers adjust to changing conditions. Waiting may give you access to more inventory and reduce the pressure of bidding wars.
- You Might Have More Time to Save - If you’re not in a rush, waiting could allow you to increase your down payment, improve your credit score, and further stabilize your finances. The more you can save, the less you’ll need to borrow, which means less risk and less stress down the road.
- You Could Avoid Overpaying - Some buyers feel pressure to act quickly in an environment where inventory is low. While this can lead to homes being sold for above asking price, waiting gives you more flexibility to ensure you’re getting the best value. Additionally, a market correction could occur, allowing buyers to pay a fairer price for the home they love.
The Bottom Line
The decision to buy a home isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re financially ready and the current rates work for your long-term plans, buying a home now can provide financial security and the opportunity to build equity. However, if you’re unsure about the interest rates or need more time to save, waiting might be the smarter choice.
No matter which option you decide, it’s important to work with a trusted real estate professional who understands your unique situation. We can help guide you through the pros and cons, ensure you’re making a sound financial decision, and navigate the complexities of today’s real estate market.
Ready to discuss your next move? Let’s connect and explore how we can make your homeownership dreams a reality—whether you buy now or later!
Ashley Kersey, REALTOR®
#FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #AshleyKerseyRealtor
Flag Football and Final Offers: Balancing Game Days and Showings Like a Pro On any given Saturday, my car smells faintly of turf, sweat, and fast food fries—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Between the flags tangled in the backseat, water bottles rolling around under the seats, and a laptop open in the passenger chair, my car is both a mobile locker room and a real estate command center. This is the season of life I’m in: raising a flag football player while helping clients navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Whether I’m watching my kid sprint down the field or negotiating a counteroffer in the parking lot, the game is always on—and I’m fully in it. Flag Football Taught Me to Hustle—and Be Present If you’ve ever been to a youth flag football game, you know it’s part chaos, part magic. Kids running in every direction, coaches shouting out plays, and parents doing their best to keep track of it all. It’s not unlike real estate: fast-moving, unpredictable, and full of moments that make all the stress worth it. Watching my child learn to pivot, listen, and lead on the field reminds me to do the same in business. Every game teaches resilience. Every showing teaches patience. And every phone call in between is a chance to connect, encourage, and get things done. Negotiation: On the Field and in the Office Whether it's convincing my quarterback-in-training to eat breakfast before the game or negotiating inspection repairs for a nervous buyer, it's all strategy. It’s reading people, anticipating moves, and keeping emotions in check. In both flag football and real estate, the best results come from preparation and communication. I might be huddling with my team in the kitchen at 7:00 a.m. and drawing up offer strategies with customers by 10:00 a.m.—same mindset, different field. My Car Is a Locker Room, an Office, and Sometimes a Sanctuary Let’s be honest: my car does it all. It's where I send quick emails, make deal-saving calls, debrief after practices, and scarf down lunch between showings. It’s also where I take a breath and remember why I do this. In the midst of all the movement, my car has become a symbol of balance—not because everything is perfect, but because it keeps moving forward. I used to chase the idea of “work-life balance” like it was something neat and organized. Now I know it’s more like organized chaos. And it works. For me, success isn’t about having a perfectly tidy schedule—it’s about being present where it counts. The Power of Priorities When my daughter looks up from the field and finds me on the sidelines (yes, sometimes answering a call with a clipboard in hand), I want her to know one thing: I show up. And I bring that same presence and dedication to my customers. The key? Knowing your priorities. I’ve had to get really clear about what matters most. That means saying yes to showing homes right after the final whistle blows. It means pausing a long negotiation call so I can help tie cleats or give a pre-game pep talk. It means knowing what can wait—and what can’t. Raising Winners at Home and at Work To me, “winning” isn’t just about trophies or closing gifts. It’s about raising confident kids and empowered customers. It’s about building trust, setting goals, and staying mentally tough even when things get messy. When I support my children in learning to lead, fail, try again, and celebrate the process, I’m reminded that real estate works the same way. Not every offer wins. Not every deal is smooth. But with the right mindset, both kids and customers come out stronger. Celebrating the Small Wins Sure, the big moments are fun—touchdowns and closings, new listings and new positions on the team—but it’s the small wins that keep me going. A “good job, Mom.” A customer saying “thank you, I feel seen.” A clean kitchen after a crazy week. These moments are easy to overlook, but they are everything. So, whether it’s a flag pulled on the field or a first-time homebuyer who finally feels confident, I celebrate. Because growth, success, and joy live in those in-between moments. If there’s one thing flag football has taught me as a REALTOR®, a mom, and a woman who runs on caffeine and heart—it’s this: we can do hard things, fast things, messy things... and still find meaning in all of it. Here’s to raising winners, writing offers from the bleachers, and knowing that showing up is the real victory. Let’s win—on and off the field! Rachael Martin, REALTOR® Mobile office queen. Flag football mom. Negotiator with a game plan. Let's Connect - Rachael@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #RachaelMartinRealtor
Excited to Join the REMI Realty Family! Hi friends! I’m Peyton Bass , and I’m beyond excited to officially be part of the REMI Realty team! Joining REMI feels like more than just a career move — it feels like stepping into a space where I can live out my purpose. I’m deeply rooted in faith and believe in leading with kindness, compassion, and integrity in every area of my life. Real estate isn’t just about properties to me — it’s about people, and I feel truly called to serve them well. As someone who’s always been family-focused, I know that a house becomes a home when it’s filled with love, safety, and memories. That’s why I don’t take it lightly when someone invites me into their home journey. Whether you're searching for that perfect space, selling a meaningful chapter, or just beginning to dream, I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way. And when I’m not working with customers, you’ll most likely find me hanging out with Timber — my sweet pup and sidekick. He keeps life fun and full of adventure (and yes, I’m totally obsessed with him). I’m so grateful to be part of a brokerage that values people and purpose as much as I do. Let’s chase your real estate dreams together — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of faith. With gratitude, Peyton Bass, REALTOR® Peyton@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #PeytonBassRealtor
From My Heart to Your Home: A Little About Me Hello, and thank you for taking a moment to get to know me. My name is Lee Botelho , and I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this new chapter as a real estate agent. After nearly 30 years in the mental health field, helping people navigate some of life’s most meaningful (and often challenging) journeys, I’ve found myself drawn to a new way of supporting others—by helping them find home. For me, real estate isn’t just about property. It’s about people, goals, and creating spaces where lives unfold. Over the years, I’ve seen how deeply our surroundings impact our well-being. A home is where we dream, grow, and build our futures—and I feel truly honored to be part of that process with my customers. I live in beautiful Putnam County , a community I’m proud to call my own. Serving my neighbors here is more than just business—it’s personal. I bring the same care, empathy, and insight to real estate that I brought to every conversation in my previous career. I listen carefully, advocate strongly, and always aim to make my clients feel seen and supported. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to downsize, or planning a big move, I’m here to walk beside you through every step. One of my favorite things in life is watching people achieve their goals—and I’d love to help you reach yours. Thank you again for welcoming me into this new role. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and helping you find the perfect place to call home. Warmly, Lee Botelho Your Neighbor & Real Estate Agent Lee Botelho, REALTOR® LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor
Military Mortgage Options: What Every Service Member Should Know For active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible military families, buying a home comes with unique benefits—especially when it comes to financing. I understand the challenges and sacrifices of military life, and I am here to help you navigate the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re PCS-ing across the country or settling down after retirement, here’s a guide to the top military mortgage options available to you. 1. VA Home Loans: The Cornerstone of Military Mortgages The VA loan —backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—is one of the most powerful mortgage options available to military buyers. Here’s why it stands out: No down payment required (in most cases) No private mortgage insurance (PMI) Competitive interest rates Lenient credit requirements Limited closing costs Who’s Eligible? VA loans are available to: Active-duty service members (after 90 days of continuous service) Veterans with qualifying service National Guard and Reserve members (with sufficient service) Certain surviving spouses You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply, but a VA-savvy lender can usually help you obtain it quickly. 2. VA Jumbo Loans for High-Cost Areas If you’re buying in a high-cost area or seeking a more expensive home, a VA Jumbo Loan might be the right fit. These allow eligible buyers to finance homes above the standard VA loan limit without a large down payment. The process is similar to a standard VA loan, though some lenders may require a higher credit score or additional documentation. 3. Military Housing Assistance Programs There are also various nonprofit and government-backed programs designed to assist military homebuyers: State-specific veteran housing benefits (some states offer additional tax exemptions or down payment assistance) Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) – helps cover closing costs for eligible buyers Homes for Heroes – provides savings and rebates for military personnel buying or selling a home Check with me to see which programs may be available in your area. 4. Tips for a Smooth Military Home Purchase Work with a professional – Agents, like myself, understand PCS timelines and VA loan intricacies. Get pre-approved early – This helps you move quickly in a competitive market. I can help with this by connecting you with a few of our preferred lenders. Understand your entitlements – Some buyers can reuse their VA loan benefit or have multiple VA loans under certain conditions. Be ready for PCS flexibility – Look into options that allow you to rent or refinance if you’re reassigned. Buying a home as a service member or veteran doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you have the right agent on your side. I proudly support my military customers and work with trusted lenders to ensure a smooth, affordable path to homeownership. Ready to explore your military mortgage options? Contact me today to connect with a VA loan expert and start your home search with confidence. Lee Botelho, REALTOR® LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor
