When Is the Right Time to Move? (Spoiler: It’s Probably Not What the Headlines Say)

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me,

“Should I wait until the market improves?”

…I’d probably be writing this blog from a beach somewhere.

It’s a fair question. A smart question, even. But it’s also a little misleading.

Because while market conditions matter, they are not the ultimate decision-maker when it comes to moving.

Let’s talk about what really determines the right time to buy or sell.

Life Doesn’t Run on Market Cycles

Most people don’t move because a graph told them to.

They move because:

• Their family is growing (or shrinking)

• Stairs suddenly feel less charming than they used to

• A job changes or a commute becomes unbearable

• A relationship begins, ends, or evolves

• They’re craving a different lifestyle or community

Life changes show up on their own schedule — and they rarely check in with interest rates first.

If your home no longer fits your life, waiting indefinitely for “perfect conditions” can mean spending years in a space that simply doesn’t work anymore.

You’re Not Just a Seller… You’re Also a Buyer

This is one of the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle.

When prices are high:

✔ You typically sell for more

✖ You also buy for more

When prices soften:

✔ You may sell for a bit less

✔ You often gain negotiating power as a buyer

Markets don’t move in isolation — they move in balance.

The goal isn’t to “win” the market.

The goal is to move well within it.

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Trying to perfectly time real estate is a bit like trying to perfectly time the stock market.

People try.

Very few succeed.

Most just get stressed.

Real estate tends to reward consistency and long-term ownership more than short-term predictions.

Over time:

• Homes generally appreciate

• Mortgages get paid down

• Equity builds

• Rent keeps rising (rude, but true)

The bigger risk is often waiting too long and missing opportunities that could have improved your life sooner.

The Best Indicator: Will This Move Improve Your Life?

Instead of asking,

“Is now a good market?”

Try asking:

• Will this move make day-to-day life easier?

• Will it reduce stress or improve functionality?

• Does it support where I want to be in 3–5 years?

• Is it financially manageable with proper planning?

If most of those answers are yes, you’re probably closer to your right time than you think.

Yes — Market Conditions Still Matter (Just Not Alone)

Of course we still look at:

• Interest rates

• Inventory

• Pricing trends

• Days on market

But we use that information to shape strategy, not to put your life on pause.

A strong plan can exist in almost any market.

A frozen decision usually just creates frustration.

One Size Fits None

Every household has different:

• Income structures

• Equity positions

• Comfort with risk

• Timelines

• Goals

Which means advice you see online (or hear at a dinner party) may be wildly irrelevant to your situation.

Personalized advice always beats generic headlines.

Final Thought

There is no universal “perfect time” to move.

There is only the right time for you.

And that time is when a move aligns with your life, your goals, and a well-thought-out plan.

If you’ve been quietly wondering whether a move might make sense — even if it’s a “someday” thought — I’m always happy to talk through options, numbers, and possibilities.

No pressure.

No hype.

Just clarity.