We all want to get things right. The perfect timing, the ideal moment. And when it comes to buying or selling a home, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea that there’s some magical window of opportunity. A time when the market is just perfect, the interest rates are low, the inventory is plentiful, and you’re ready to go. But here’s the thing: that “perfect moment”? It doesn’t really exist.

It’s like waiting for the stars to align—sometimes they do, but most of the time, they don’t. Life doesn’t wait for the market to settle, and neither should you. The reality is that the best time to buy or sell is when it works for you, not when you think it’s “perfect” according to market trends. Let’s dive into why waiting for that perfect moment could actually be holding you back.

The “Perfect Time” Is Different for Everyone 

Here’s the truth: the perfect time to buy or sell is personal. It’s not about what the market’s doing—it’s about your goals and your life. Maybe you’re ready to downsize, upsize, or relocate. Maybe you’re starting a new job, or your family is growing. Your life is constantly evolving, and your home should evolve with it. Trying to time the market around trends or speculation can be exhausting and leave you second-guessing every decision.

If you’re a buyer, maybe you’re thinking, “I’ll wait for interest rates to drop more.” But while you’re waiting, prices might continue to rise. Or maybe you’re a seller, sitting on a house you’ve outgrown, thinking, “I’ll sell when the market peaks,” but that might never happen. The truth is, waiting might cost you more than acting now.

Take, for example, a young couple excited about buying their first home. They found a charming starter home that ticked all their boxes—great location, within budget, and close to family. But they hesitated, thinking they could snag an even better deal if rates dropped just a little further. Six months later, interest rates had indeed dipped slightly, but the housing market had also heated up. The price of their dream home increased significantly, and by the time they were ready to act, they were outbid by another buyer. Their hesitation cost them time, money, and the home they loved.

If you’re ready to buy, ask yourself: Does this home fit my life right now? Am I financially ready? If the answer is yes, then it might just be the perfect time for you, no matter what the market’s doing. And for sellers—are you ready to move on to the next chapter? Do you want to downsize or relocate? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to make a move, market conditions be damned.

Timing the Market is Like Chasing a Unicorn 

Real estate is always changing, which makes it easy to think there’s a “best” moment. But market trends aren’t as predictable as we’d like them to be. Prices rise and fall, interest rates fluctuate, and inventory changes every season. Trying to time that? It’s a gamble. It’s like chasing after a unicorn—you might find it, but the chances of it happening just how you expect are slim to none.

If you’re a buyer, waiting for the perfect moment might mean missing out on your dream home because someone else decided to act sooner. And if you’re a seller, waiting for the market to hit the exact peak might leave you stuck with a home that’s harder to sell.

Consider a retired couple who wanted to downsize but decided to wait until the market hit its “peak” before selling their four-bedroom family home. When the market was hot, their real estate agent advised them that it was an excellent time to list. But they held out, hoping for an even better deal. A few months later, the market cooled. Buyers were more cautious, and interest rates rose, leading to a slowdown in demand. Their home eventually sold, but it sat on the market for much longer than they expected, and they had to accept an offer far below what they could have received earlier. Their decision to wait cost them both financially and emotionally as they delayed moving on to the simpler lifestyle they’d been dreaming of.

The market will never be “perfect,” but your goals? Those are what matter most. Instead of stressing over market conditions, focus on you. What’s your timeline? What are your goals? What does your future look like? If you have clarity on those questions, then you’re ready to make the right move, no matter what the market’s doing.

Long-Term Thinking Outweighs Short-Term Market Moves 

Here’s the thing: real estate is a long-term game. If you’re buying a home to live in for a few years, a short-term market fluctuation likely won’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Home values tend to increase over time, especially in desirable locations like Los Angeles. So, if you’re planning to stick around for a while, a little market dip or rise won’t have the lasting impact you might think.

For sellers, the same principle applies. If you’ve owned your home for a while and have built up equity, you’re likely in a good position to sell, no matter what the market is doing. Trying to time the peak of the market might seem like a good idea, but it can also mean missing out on the right opportunity for you. The right time to sell is when you’re ready to move on—whether that’s now or in a few months.

The “Perfect Moment” Might Be Costing You More Than You Think 

Here’s a tough pill to swallow: waiting for the perfect moment to buy or sell could actually be costing you more than just time. For buyers, waiting for a better deal might mean higher prices down the road, or even missing out on a home you love because someone else moved quicker. For sellers, the longer you wait to sell, the more you risk maintenance costs, rising property taxes, and just the stress of keeping a home that no longer fits your needs.

Waiting for the market to shift in your favor is a gamble. Sometimes it works, but often, it doesn’t. Instead of focusing on the perfect timing, focus on your needs and goals. Once you’re clear on those, it’s easier to make an informed decision and act.

So, When is the Right Time?

The right time to buy or sell is not when the market “says” it’s right—it’s when you say it’s right. It’s when you feel ready, when your goals are in alignment with your decisions, and when your life is moving in the direction that makes a change in your housing situation necessary.

I know it can be tempting to wait for the perfect market conditions, but in reality, they don’t exist. Your next chapter is ready for you now, so why wait for the market to tell you when it’s time?

You’ve got this. And if you’re ready to make a move—whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options—I’m here to help you navigate the process. Together, we’ll figure out what’s right for you.

Ready to talk about your next move? Let’s make it happen. No market timing stress, just a solid plan for what comes next.