Is now really the right time to invest in a second home? With higher interest rates, market uncertainty, and a conservative financial outlook from many financial advisors, buying a lake house might seem like a questionable move. But for savvy buyers, this market presents a rare window of opportunity—especially in sought-after areas like Lake LBJ.
Here are four compelling reasons why buying a lake house now could be one of the smartest decisions you make this year:
1. You’re Buying Lifestyle, Not Just ROI
When most people think about real estate investments, they’re focused on returns and appreciation. But a lakefront home offers more than financial potential—it offers quality of life. Think family cookouts, morning coffee on the dock, paddleboarding with your kids, and unplugged weekends under the stars.
Your financial advisor might not factor in the value of memories made, peace of mind, or the mental health benefits of nature—but those intangible returns are real. In the long run, a lake house is both a retreat and a legacy asset.
2. It’s a Buyer’s Market on a Rare Resource
Lake LBJ remains one of the most desirable lakes in Texas because it’s constant-level year-round—a rarity among Hill Country lakes. Right now, however, there’s more inventory than usual. That means buyers have more negotiating power, more options, and the ability to be choosy in a market that usually doesn’t allow it.
For anyone who’s been patiently waiting for the right moment, this is it. Inventory will tighten again, and when it does, you may regret not making your move.
3. You Can Refinance Later
Yes, interest rates are higher than they’ve been in recent years. But rates fluctuate—and you can always refinance when conditions improve. What you can’t do is go back in time and buy the perfect property once someone else has closed on it.
If you’ve found a home that checks your boxes—location, water access, view, lot size—consider locking it in now and improving your rate later. The cost of missing the right home can be greater than the short-term hit on your mortgage.
4. You’re Not Buying on a Whim
There’s a difference between making an impulsive decision and being strategic. If you’ve been watching the market, saving intentionally, and envisioning a second home for years, this isn’t a whim—it’s a well-planned goal.
While your financial advisor might default to caution, only you know the full picture: your lifestyle priorities, your long-term goals, and your desire for a place that brings your family together.
Final Thoughts
Buying a lake house is a big decision, and it’s not right for everyone. But if you’ve been dreaming about waterfront living, this may be the best moment in years to make that dream a reality. The lifestyle upside, market timing, and long-term value make a compelling case—no matter what your financial advisor says.