Should You Stay or Should You Go? Why Waiting to Move in Madison Could Cost You More Than You Think

Let’s Talk About That 3% Mortgage Rate, Madison…

If you locked in a mortgage with a 3% rate, you’re not alone in feeling hesitant to let that go. As a local Realtor serving Madison, Waunakee, Sun Prairie, and all of Dane County, I hear this every day. And trust me, I get it.

But here’s something I always ask my clients to consider:

“What are the chances you’ll still be in your current home five years from now?”

Take a minute and think about what the next few years hold for you and your family here in South Central Wisconsin. Are you planning to grow your family? Will adult children be moving out soon? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already outgrowing your space in Waunakee, Sun Prairie, or Madison?

If nothing’s changing and you truly love where you are—staying put makes perfect sense. But if you even suspect that a move might be on the horizon, it’s worth thinking about timing. Because when it comes to home prices in Dane County, waiting may not be the savings strategy you think it is.

What the Experts Are Saying About Home Prices in Dane County

National experts, including Fannie Mae, are projecting that home prices will continue to rise through at least 2029. And while growth might not be sky-high every year, it adds up over time.

Let’s Put It in Local Terms

If you’re eyeing a home around $400,000 in Waunakee, Sun Prairie, or Madison, waiting even five years could mean that same home costs you $80,000 more. That’s not just pocket change—that’s a real impact on your budget.

And while many people are waiting for rates to drop back to 3%, industry experts agree—that’s just not realistic. Rates may tick down slightly, but they aren’t expected to return to pandemic-era lows.

So, Should You Stay or Should You Go?

The better question to ask yourself might not be why you would move, but when.

If you know a move is coming—whether that’s next year or in the next few years—it might make financial sense to start the conversation sooner rather than later.

I’m not here to tell you to move now if it’s not the right time. But as your local real estate expert and veteran-owned business owner in Dane County, I’m here to help you run the numbers and see the bigger picture.

Because waiting might cost you more in home prices and missed opportunities than you realize.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

If you’re thinking about upsizing, downsizing, or relocating in the next few years, let’s sit down and take a look at your specific goals and price points.

What price range do you want me to run these numbers for?
Let’s make sure you have the facts you need to make a smart, well-timed decision here in Madison, Waunakee, or anywhere in Dane County.

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🏡 John Reuter, Realtor | USAF (Ret.)
📧 john@integrityhomeswi.com
📞 608-669-4226
Real Broker, LLC