The Best Time to Buy and/or Sell a Home?
The perfect time to make a move is when you need, for only a fool times the market.
And furthermore, keep in mind that the market you sell in will also be the one in which you purchase. Do I wish I could go back in time to before I was born to buy up half of Garden Oaks for $30,000 a pop? Or maybe go back in time and buy land outside of Aspen in the 1980’s? UM YAH. Home prices are higher now than they’ve ever been, and will continue to keep creeping up. Are you not kicking yourself for buying in the Fall of 2019? Or 2018? Or even in 2015 or 2008?
I’ve said it for years. If you need to move, move. If you don’t have to move, then don’t.
If you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And, while things like mortgage rates are a key part of your decision on what you’ll buy next, it’s important to not lose sight of the reason you want to make a change in the first place.
It’s true mortgage rates have climbed from the record lows we saw in recent years, and that has an impact on affordability. With rates where they are right now, some homeowners are deciding they’ll wait to sell because they don’t want to move and have a higher mortgage rate on their next home. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist atRealtor.com, explains :
“ … Homeowners who locked in a 30 year fixed rate at 2-3% don’t necessarily want to give that up in exchange for a rate in the 6-7% range. ”
But your lifestyle and your changing needs should matter more. Here are a few of the most common reasons people choose to sell today. Any one of these may be more important than keeping your current mortgage rate.
As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist atZonda, says in a recent tweet :
“First-time and move-up buyers are both active . . .the latter driven by life changes. Divorce, marriage, new higher paid job, and existing home unsuitable all referenced.”
Relocation
Some of the things that can motivate a move to a new area include changing jobs, a desire to be closer to friends and loved ones, wanting to live in a dream location, or just looking for a change in scenery.
For example, if you live in suburbia and just landed your dream job in a big city, you may be thinking about selling your current home and moving to the city for work.
Upgrading
Many homeowners decide to sell to move into a larger home. This is especially common when there’s a need for more room to entertain, a home office or gym, or additional bedrooms to accommodate a growing number of loved ones.
For example, if you’re living in a condo and decide it’s time to seek out a home with more space, or if your household is growing, it may be time to find a home that better fits those needs.
Downsizing
With inflation driving up everyday expenses, homeowners may also decide to sell to reduce maintenance and costs. Or, they may sell because someone’s moved out of the home recently and there’s now more space than needed. It could also be that they’ve recently retired or are ready for a change.
For example, you’ve just kicked off your retirement and you want to move to somewhere you can enjoy the warm weather and have less house to maintain. Your new lifestyle may be better suited for a different home.
Change in Relationship Status
Divorce, separation, or marriage are other common reasons individuals sell to buy different homes.
For example, if you’ve recently separated, it may be difficult to still live under one roof. Selling and downsizing may be better options.
Health Concerns
If a homeowner faces mobility challenges or health issues that require specific living arrangements or modifications, they might sell their current home to find one that works better for them.
For example, you may be looking to sell your home and use the proceeds to help pay for a unit in an assisted-living facility.
With higher mortgage rates, there are some affordability challenges right now – but your needs and your lifestyle matter too. As a recent article fromBankrate says :
“Deciding whether it’s the right time to sell your home is a very personal decision. There are numerous important questions to consider, both financial and lifestyle-based, before putting your home on the market. . . .
Your future plans and goals should be a significant part of the equation . . .”
Relentless, and Loving Houston Since 1987.
