Home Buying TipsHome Selling Tips February 3, 2026

When is the Right Time to Move? 5 Signs You Might Be Ready

How Do I Know When It’s the Right Time to Move?

Thinking about buying or selling, but not sure if the timing is right? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from clients — and the answer isn’t just about market conditions. It’s about your life, goals, and plans.

Here are a few signs it might be the right time to make a move:

1. Your Current Home No Longer Fits

Maybe your family is growing, or maybe you’ve become an empty nester. Maybe you’re craving a home office, a yard, or just a different layout. If your current home isn’t working for your lifestyle anymore, that’s a strong signal to consider a change.

2. You’re Ready to Stop Renting (or Sell and Downsize)

Owning a home can offer stability, equity, and freedom to make a place your own. If you’re renting but feel financially ready to put down roots, it’s worth exploring. On the flip side, if you’re a longtime homeowner ready to simplify, selling could open up new possibilities.

3. Your Finances Are in a Good Place

Have you saved for a down payment? Is your credit in decent shape? Do you have some financial breathing room? You don’t need to have everything perfect, but a solid foundation can make the process much smoother.

4. There’s a Life Change on the Horizon

Job change, new relationship, kids starting school, retirement — big transitions often lead to big questions about where and how you want to live. If something new is ahead, it’s a great time to talk about how your home should support that change.

5. You Keep Wondering “What If…”

If you find yourself browsing listings, calculating home values, or dreaming about a different lifestyle, that curiosity matters. Sometimes a move starts with just a feeling — and a little exploration can help you figure out if it’s just a passing thought or something worth acting on.


Don’t Try to Time the Market — Focus on Your Timing
There’s a lot of talk about interest rates, home prices, and whether now is the “right time” to buy or sell. But here’s the truth: the market may never be perfect — and trying to time it often means missing out.

The better question is: Is the timing right for you? If your lifestyle has changed, your needs have shifted, or your current space just isn’t working anymore, that’s reason enough to start exploring your options.

The National Association of Realtors even notes that the majority of moves are driven by life changes — not just market trends. Source


Bottom line: No one can predict the market perfectly, but if your current home no longer fits your life, that’s reason enough to explore your next step. If you’re even thinking about a change this year, let’s talk it through. No pressure, just a conversation. I’m here to help you explore the possibilities — and support you if and when you decide to take the next step.