5 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Making a Move
There’s a question I hear constantly, and it’s probably crossed your mind too: “Is now really a good time to move, or should I wait?”
With interest rates higher than we've seen in recent years, economic uncertainty lingering, and real estate headlines changing weekly, it's no wonder many homeowners are feeling hesitant. But here's the truth: timing the market is only one piece of the puzzle. The bigger factor—often overlooked—is how well a move aligns with your life, your needs, and your long-term goals.
Whether you’re considering selling, buying, or just evaluating what’s next, here are five honest questions to help you decide if now is the right time to make a move.
1. Is your current home still the right fit?
Sometimes the answer is obvious. You’ve outgrown the space, your needs have changed, or the layout no longer works for your lifestyle. Other times, it’s a subtle shift—a desire for less maintenance, fewer stairs, more natural light, or a location that better suits your daily rhythm.
When your home starts to feel like it's working against you instead of for you, it may be time to explore what something different could offer.
2. Would a different home improve your day-to-day life?
It’s easy to focus on market numbers, but your quality of life matters too. Could a different location shorten your commute? Would a newer home save on repairs? Is outdoor space or an extra bedroom becoming more important as your family evolves?
If a move could significantly improve how you live day-to-day, that value may outweigh the cost of waiting for ideal market conditions.
3. What’s the cost of staying where you are?
Many people evaluate the cost of buying or selling—but forget to measure the cost of doing nothing.
Waiting could mean:
Delaying opportunities to build equity in a new home
Spending more on maintenance or inefficient utilities
Missing a window to downsize or cash out at a strong value
In some cases, staying put might cost more over time than making a move now.
4. How long do you plan to be in your next home?
If you plan to stay for 5+ years, short-term rate fluctuations become less critical. In that time, you may be able to refinance, grow your equity, and settle into a home that truly fits.
But if your next move is short-term or transitional, that should factor into how you approach the purchase or sale—possibly opting for flexibility, location, or lifestyle over long-term appreciation.
5. Do you have clarity on your numbers—not just your emotions?
Real estate decisions often stir up emotion: excitement, fear, attachment, and stress. That’s normal. But grounding those emotions in clear financials can bring confidence to your decision.
Ask yourself:
What would my new payment look like?
How much equity do I have now?
What would I walk away with if I sold today?
What timeline would feel realistic and comfortable?
When you have answers to those questions, the decision gets easier—even if the answer is to wait.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “Should I move now?”
But the best decisions I’ve seen come from homeowners who take the time to reflect, ask better questions, and make a move that aligns with their life—not just the market.
Whether your next step is six weeks away or six months out, gaining clarity now gives you the ability to act with confidence when the time comes.