The Cost of Holding Out for Next Year

“I will sell next year. The market will be better then.” It is a common refrain, especially among Jupiter homeowners sitting on appreciated properties. However, rolling the dice on a future market can come with a hefty price.

I recently spoke with a client who delayed selling for two years, waiting for a higher peak. During that time, interest rates rose and buyer budgets tightened. Yes, his home’s paper value went up slightly, but so did his expenses, two more years of taxes, maintenance, and insurance (which is not cheap in Florida). When he finally listed, he faced fewer qualified buyers, and his eventual sale price was not what he had envisioned.

Opportunity cost is real. By holding onto one property, you might miss an ideal investment elsewhere. You could have taken that equity and bought another asset, or even just earned 4.5% on a treasury bond. Instead, you carried the risks and costs of an aging home.

Timing the market is tricky. Jupiter’s demand tends to remain strong, but economic conditions change. The point is, do not assume “next year” automatically means a better deal. The best time to move up, downsize, or cash out is when it makes sense for you. Make an informed decision based on math and personal goals, not just a hunch about the calendar. For an assessment of your situation, I am just a call away.