“Real estate agents always say it’s a good time to buy.”
I was working with a client yesterday, Sarah, who is interested in buying an investment property and she asked if it’s a good time to buy or if she should wait.
A crucial aspect of my job as a Realtor, and one part that I absolutely LOVE, is to provide my clients with education and insight, helping them to understand market trends and data along with their budget and goals– so that they can evaluate whether or not the numbers work for them at a specific property. 

Let’s go back to what Sarah said, “Real estate agents always say it’s a good time to buy.”


==> Do the numbers align with the her goals and the market (meaning can we find a property at the price + condition that works in a geographical area that’s suitable for her)?


One metric to consider is the median sale price in Rhode Island. Here’s a snapshot of market grown for single family homes since 2014, the year that I obtained my real estate license.

Appreciation over the past ten years in Rhode Island.
2022 to 2023, prices went up around 6%.
What do you think is going to happen in 2024?
In my market report I just finished that I’ll be posting tomorrow, I project that prices will go up around 7% in 2024. However, if interest rates go below 6% I believe that prices would go up even more (so be careful what you wish for buyers!).
There are several metrics I look at in addition to the median sale price to determine that projection–in addition to the insight of industry experts that I learn from.
The overall trend is that prices will continue to go up. But that still doesn’t automatically mean it’s a good time to buy–for you. In order to figure that out you have to dive into the numbers rather than an arbitrary date or opinion about the market. Need help–that’s what I do! If you don’t follow me on YouTube search for my name and find me (the algorithm works best if you organically find me rather than including a link).
Edit to Add: An update!
Single Family home prices in Rhode Island went up 6.9% from 2023 to 2024 and the median sale price landed at $420k
Single Family home prices in Rhode Island went up 8% from 2024 to 2025 and the median sale price landed at $450k (with a peak month at $480k)
2025 projection: we will see similar growth this year with 7-10%