State of the Real Estate Market in Election year and beyond

[John Andrews]

Hello members! 

To preface my questions below, some important info...

My wife and I are thinking of kids in the next 1-3 years.I'm currently considering whether or not to hold onto my current property until we're busting at the seams for space, or cash out now (with lots of equity) and roll into a larger house that we can potentially live in for 20-30 years. We always consider homes that are fixer uppers...but a larger home requires a larger investment, and I'm concerned with what major swings we might see in the market in the short and longer term. 

I've been trying to get in the ear of everyone I know regarding the current real estate market (Southeast FL specifically) and get opinions on how strong it really is...and where it's going. I know that no one has a magic 8ball... but there seems to be a lot of difference in opinion on the subject. I can't seem to find any reliable news source online that I'm comfortable trusting to influence my current buy/sell decision. I feel like most media outlets (besides bigger pockets) have some kind of agenda to help line their own pockets. 

So how does everyone feel in this election year, and moving forward? 

What do you think the effects of a Hillary win will have on the market in the next 1-5 years?

What do you think the effects of a Trump win will have on the market in the next 1-5 years?

What happens to our real estate market in the next 1-5 years if the Syrian/Russian conflict escalates? 

What happens in that same time frame if Dodd-Frank goes away? 

There's a fine line between making a sound investment and buying a money pit. I'm a young guy with plenty of time left to recover from a mistake..but I don't want to make a big one. 

I also have the cost of financing in the back of my head (money's cheap right now!) and a larger property might be less attainable for us if mortgage rates jump say 2-3% over the next 5 years.

Everyone's expert unbiased opinion (not political opinions please...not trying to open that can of worms) is greatly appreciated!