If you’re considering a purchase in Watch Hill real estate this year - or anywhere along the nearby shoreline from Weekapaug to Stonington - it’s natural to assume that spring is the moment to act. Historically, that’s when more homes come on the market and activity increases.

But what many buyers don’t realize is that waiting for spring often comes with trade-offs - especially in a luxury coastal market like ours, where inventory is limited and demand is driven more by lifestyle than by short-term pricing cycles.

Buying a few weeks - or even a couple of months - earlier can offer meaningful advantages: less competition, more negotiating room, and a more thoughtful, less rushed experience. Let’s walk through why that’s often the case.

1. Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates May Not Deliver the Advantage Buyers Expect

One of the most common reasons buyers delay is the hope that mortgage rates will drop further. While rates have come down from their recent highs, most forecasts suggest they are likely to remain relatively stable in the low-6% range this year (see mortgage rate forecast graphic).

That’s important context. Over the past year, rates have already declined roughly a full percentage point, improving affordability more than many buyers realize. At the same time, experts are increasingly aligned that we may be close to the “new normal” for rates in the near term.

In markets like Watch Hill and Weekapaug, where buyers are often purchasing second homes or long-term family properties, the rate itself is rarely the deciding factor. What matters more is securing the right property. Waiting for a marginal rate change can mean missing an opportunity - especially when competition increases seasonally.

As one economist recently noted, this may be close to the lowest rates fall for the foreseeable future. In other words, waiting may not improve affordability - but it can increase competition.

2. Spring Brings More Buyers - and More Pressure

There’s no question that spring is the busiest time of year in real estate. More listings appear, but so do more buyers. And with that comes faster decision-making and higher stress.

National data shows that homes take significantly longer to sell in the winter than in the spring - roughly a 20-day difference on average (see days-on-market graphic). That slower pace can actually work in a buyer’s favor.

Here in Watch Hill real estate, where quality inventory is always limited, spring competition often means multiple interested parties converging on the same small group of homes. Buying earlier allows for more time to evaluate options, conduct due diligence, and negotiate thoughtfully - rather than feeling rushed to keep up with the market.

3. Prices Tend to Rise as Demand Increases

Another reality that’s easy to overlook: prices respond to demand. As more buyers enter the market in spring and early summer, prices often adjust upward to reflect that increased competition.

National data shows that buyers who purchased earlier in the year have historically paid tens of thousands less than those who bought when prices peaked later in the season. While our local price points in Watch Hill and Weekapaug are higher than national averages, the principle still applies.

In fact, in luxury coastal markets, even small percentage changes can translate into meaningful dollar differences. Buying before competition heats up can preserve leverage and help buyers avoid paying a premium driven purely by timing.

A Watch Hill Perspective: Why the Local Market Is Different

It’s important to note that much of the data referenced here is national. Locally, the numbers tend to be higher - and the dynamics more pronounced. Inventory in Watch Hill and Weekapaug is finite. Many homes are held for generations, and new supply rarely keeps pace with demand.

Most buyers aren’t here for short-term speculation. They’re here for the coastline, the village, the community, and the memories that come with spending time in a special place. That’s why working with an experienced real estate agent in Watch Hill - someone who understands seasonal patterns, pricing nuance, and buyer behavior - is critical.

Bottom Line

Buying before spring isn’t about rushing. It’s about being ahead of the curve. For buyers who are ready, early-year purchases often mean less stress, fewer competitors, and more control over the process.

If you’re thinking about buying—or simply want to understand how timing affects Watch Hill real estate and Weekapaug real estate specifically—I welcome your feedback and questions. Conversations like these are how informed decisions get made.

Feel free to reach out anytime. I’m always happy to talk through the market and hear your perspective.