Hi, I am Felicia Ritters of Century 21 Anita Ferri Realty in Poughkeepsie, NY. I say list in spring! Water front property is always desireable and holds it's value well. Waterfront property is unique property. They are scarce.It is not like having a home in a typical developement. Therefore, the prices tend to stay higher.I assume you are downsizing to a smaller home,perhaps not on the waterfront? You should not feel a significant loss ,if any .If you need a referrral to a Realtor,I can refer you to either a Century 21 Agent in your area, or to an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
Email: felicia.ritters@century21.com

Hi Molly,
You're not alone in determining what the future values hold for us. I also live in Strafford and find it's a very desirable town with one of the best school systems in the state. The home resales have been down this year but values have been holding pretty steady in our area. You also have a waterfront home and I'm assuming on Bow lake which is also very desirable. I wish I could advise you on what the best financial decision would be but unfortunately nobody can. I would recommend you talking to a well respected and seasoned realtor that lives in and knows Strafford well. They will be able to sit down with you and your husband and simply lay options out and also advise what you potentially could expect to get for the home now. They also would want to know if you were looking to upgrade or downgrade in price. This may make a difference on the best financial move for your family considering a slow market. Let me know if you want a good, local realtor to call. I know a few that I highly recommend. Good luck with your decision and hopefully I might have helped some.

Hi Molly - I live about 40 miles away. In our town, sales are flat but prices are up with waterfront selling briskly. Have a local realtor do a year over year analysis of actual sales to show you what is happening in your area. You might be surprised. I say give it a shot.

Molly
I understand your concern. I do not know your market, however in my market the "experts" think that we will be in the current market (strong buyer's market) for two to three years. Obviously one has a crystal ball.

My suggestion is that you and your family discuss why you are moving. What are the benefits and the drawbacks of staying and moving. Write out the pluses and minuses to figure out what really matters.

We were consuling with a client a few weeks ago and found in our first interview that she significant issues with which she was dealing. The sale of her property and purchase of a new one in a new area was just part of her dilemma. So please don't confuse the sale and purchase with the important issues. In most cases in a declining market selling now is better.

Good luck.