You’ve thought about selling your home—but it’s a big step. If you’re feeling unsure about whether now is the right time, you’re not alone. The truth is: there isn’t one perfect moment to sell that applies to everyone.
What helps is getting clear on your “why.” These seven discussion questions can help you sort through your needs, your finances, and your future plans—so you can make a decision with confidence.
1) Does your home still fit you and your family?
Life changes fast, and homes don’t always keep up. Maybe your household has grown. Maybe it’s shrunk. Maybe your hobbies, health needs, or routines look totally different than they did when you bought the place.
A home can start to feel too small, too large, or simply not set up for the way you live today—and that’s a valid reason to explore new options.
2) Have you made a career or lifestyle shift?
A new job, a new schedule, or even a new mindset can make your location feel less ideal than it once did. A commute that used to be “fine” can become exhausting. Or maybe your priorities have changed and you want more walkability, more quiet, more space, or more access to the city.
Lifestyle is quality of life. And quality of life matters.
3) Have kids changed your priorities?
You can love where you live and still decide it’s no longer the best fit for your children. Many families reassess what they want after circumstances change—whether that means being closer to outdoor recreation, adjusting for school needs, looking for more enrichment opportunities, or finding a setup that better supports special needs.
Sometimes the right move isn’t about a “better” neighborhood—it’s about a better match.
4) Has your income changed?
Changes in income can open doors—or create new constraints.
- A raise, promotion, or inheritance might make a home with more space or amenities feel doable.
- On the flip side, moving from two incomes to one (or facing rising expenses) might make downsizing a smart way to reduce stress and protect your finances.
Your home should support your life—not squeeze it.
5) Is the market ripe for a sale?
There’s no universal “right time to sell.” Every homeowner situation is different, and every home has its own story. That said, selling in a high-demand market can be advantageous.
A REALTOR®—a member of the National Association of REALTORS®—can help you understand your local market’s current dynamics and your home’s current market value so you can weigh your options realistically.
6) Have interest rates changed?
Interest rates impact what you can afford—whether you’re staying put or planning your next move.
When rates drop, refinancing to lower a monthly payment might make sense. A rate drop can also create an opportunity to trade up to a home you once thought was out of reach.
Even if rates are higher, the “right move” can still be right—depending on your goals and your numbers.
7) Are you ready for a turnkey home?
Some homeowners hit a point where the upkeep just isn’t worth it anymore. Maybe your home is getting expensive to maintain. Maybe the projects never end. Maybe you bought a fixer-upper and realized renovations are… not your thing.
If your home is creating constant stress, moving to something more turnkey could bring a lot of peace back into your day-to-day life. Sanity and family harmony beat living in limbo.
So… is now the right time?
Now might not be the right time to sell if you don’t have adequate equity to realize a gain, you want to keep a low interest rate, or personal factors outweigh the reasons to move.
But if you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it may be worth having a conversation with a real estate professional about options, timing, and what it would take to prepare your home for a successful sale.
A quick note on roles and professional guidance
Your real estate agent can help you navigate the purchase or sale of a home. An attorney can provide guidance on the laws in the state where you’re purchasing.
Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may use the term REALTOR®. Under the NAR’s Code of Ethics, REALTORS® must work in their client’s best interest and treat all parties fairly. For more information and consumer resources, visit facts.realtor.
Source: NAR Consumer Guide
