June 2, 2025

Ready to Buy or Sell a Home? Here Are 5 Key Factors in Choosing the Right Agent

Navigating the real estate market without guidance is like starting an expedition without a map. Whether you're selling your cherished family home or searching for your dream property, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference.


According to a 2024 report from the National Association of Realtors, agent-represented homes sold for a median price of $435,000, compared to just $380,000 for those sold by owners alone.1

But home sellers aren’t the only ones who can benefit. A study by the Consumer Federation of America found that homebuyers can save significantly by working with an agent dedicated to their interests.2

While it’s easy to see the advantages of working with a real estate professional, it can be challenging to find the right representative whose expertise, service, and terms align with your specific needs. This comprehensive guide presents five factors to consider when choosing a real estate agent who can deliver results while streamlining the process.


Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent: What’s the Difference?


A buyer’s agent represents the interests of the homebuyer. Their role includes helping you find properties that meet your criteria, coordinating viewings, negotiating offers, and guiding you through inspections and closing. They are your advocate throughout the purchasing process.


A listing agent, on the other hand, represents the seller. They are responsible for pricing the home competitively, marketing the property, managing showings, and negotiating with buyers on your behalf. Their job is to sell your home with the best possible terms.
 
In most cases, homeowners who are selling their current property and buying a new one can work with the same agent for both transactions. This offers convenience and consistency, as your agent will have a full understanding of your timeline, financial goals, and property preferences. However, if you’re relocating to a different city or state, you may need to work with two separate agents—one to list and sell your current home and another with local expertise in your new area to assist with your purchase.


1. Credentials & Reputation


A well-qualified agent brings more than just enthusiasm; they bring training, experience, and a proven track record.


First, check that the agent holds a valid license through your state's real estate commission. Licensed real estate agents must complete state-approved education courses, pass a licensing exam, and stay current with the latest laws and market practices. They are also bound by state regulations and ethical codes, particularly if they are members of the National Association of Realtors.3


Next, inquire about the agent’s continuing education. Real estate designations and certifications indicate additional training and a commitment to excellence in specific areas of real estate.


When it comes to reputation, don’t hesitate to ask for references and check online reviews. Past clients can provide insight into the agent’s communication style, negotiation skills, and ability to manage complex transactions. Prioritize any feedback you receive from trusted family and friends.


Additionally, take time to visit the agent’s website and social media channels to see if they regularly share useful and relevant real estate information, such as market updates, home buying and selling tips, or neighborhood insights. A well-maintained online presence not only reflects their commitment to staying engaged in the industry but also shows they are a resource for their clients before, during, and after a transaction.


2. Local Market Knowledge


One of the most valuable assets a real estate agent can offer is in-depth knowledge of the local market. Whether you're buying or selling, working with someone who understands the neighborhoods, pricing trends, school districts, amenities, and zoning regulations in your target area can give you a significant edge.


A local market expert can help sellers price their home competitively, attract the right buyers, and highlight community features that add value. For buyers, a locally knowledgeable agent can identify hidden gems, alert you to upcoming developments that may impact property values, and advise on which areas offer the best long-term investment potential.


They also tend to have established relationships with local lenders, inspectors, contractors, and other professionals, which can make the entire process smoother and more efficient. When choosing your agent, ask how long they’ve worked in the area and what insights they can offer about your specific neighborhood or region.


3. Service & Value Proposition


Not all real estate agents offer the same level of service, so it’s important to understand what sets one apart from another. Take time to evaluate an agent’s unique value proposition—what they promise to deliver that others may not. This can help you choose someone whose approach and strengths align with your specific needs.

                                       

If you're selling a home, ask for a written copy of their marketing plan. What steps will they take to reach qualified buyers? Find out how they determine pricing and how actively they will communicate with you throughout the transaction.


For buyers, consider how the agent searches for properties, how quickly they can schedule showings, and whether they can help you compete in a competitive market. Do they offer guidance on financing, local insight on neighborhoods, or access to off-market listings?


An effective agent should be able to clearly articulate the value they bring, backed by experience, data, and a commitment to personalized service. Ask for a breakdown of their services upfront to ensure you understand what to expect from the partnership.


4. Terms of Representation


Before committing to an agent, it’s essential to understand the terms of your working relationship. Clarify who will be your primary contact and how and when they will communicate with you throughout the process. The best real estate agents establish clear communication protocols and consistently meet or exceed expectations throughout the relationship.


Most agents will ask you to sign a contract that outlines their duties, your obligations, and the scope of services provided. Take time to review the terms carefully and ask questions.


For sellers, the agreement may include the listing price, compensation terms, and the duration of the contract.4 Buyers typically sign a representation agreement, which confirms the agent is working in their best interest during the home search and purchase process.5


Always thoroughly review any buyer or seller agency agreement for termination clauses and commission obligations before signing. Trustworthy agents are transparent about their compensation structure and willing to explain how it aligns with your goals.


5. Ongoing Support


Exceptional agents continue to provide support long after closing. A top-tier real estate professional offers ongoing support, ensuring you have a trusted resource long after the transaction is complete.


Some agents are willing to provide post-purchase assistance, such as recommending reliable contractors, helping you understand your property tax assessments, or offering periodic home value analyses. For sellers, they may provide advice on reinvestment options or an agent referral if you’re planning to move to a new area.


This continued relationship can be especially valuable if you’re new to the area or plan to buy or sell again in the future. Ask potential agents how they stay in touch with past clients and whether they offer any resources or services to support you after closing. An agent who sees the relationship as long-term is one who genuinely values your trust and satisfaction.


READY TO MAKE YOUR MOVE? LET’S TALK.


Choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying or selling a home. The right partner can make the process easier to navigate and more rewarding, both financially and emotionally.


If you're looking for an experienced, locally knowledgeable agent who prioritizes clear communication, personalized service, and proven results, we’d love the opportunity to earn your trust.


Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today to discuss your goals, ask questions, and find out how we can help you navigate your next move with confidence. Let’s turn your real estate goals into a successful reality—together.



The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.


Sources:


1.   National Association of Realtors -
 https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/fsbos-reach-all-time-low-more-sellers-rely-on-agents

2.   Forbes -
 https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedknutson/2019/01/14/home-buyer-could-lose-big-by-not-working-with-agent-serving-them-solely-warns-consumer-federation/

3.   Investopedia -
 https://www.investopedia.com/investing/steps-becoming-real-estate-agent/

4.   National Association of Realtors -
 https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-listing-agreements

5.   National Association of Realtors - 
 https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2024-08/consumer-guide-written-buyer-agreements-2024-08-24.pdf

The True Cost of Homeownership: What You Pay Beyond the Mortgage

February 2, 2026
When most homebuyers calculate whether they can afford a new home, they focus almost exclusively on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. It's the figure lenders qualify them for, the number discussed during showings, and the benchmark used to determine budgets. The average annual cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., excluding the mortgage itself, is estimated at around $21,400 in 2025—roughly $1,800 per month.¹ When you factor in these national average ownership expenses, a $2,500 monthly mortgage can grow to over $4,000 in total housing costs. for a mortgage answers one question: "Can a bank trust you with this loan?" It doesn't answer the more important one: "Can you comfortably maintain this lifestyle?" In today's market, where nearly 45% of homeowners report post-purchase regrets (most commonly because maintenance and hidden costs were higher than expected), understanding the full financial picture before buying has never been more important.² The Predictable Ongoing Costs Property Taxes Property tax bills have been rising sharply nationwide, with the average reaching $4,271 in 2024 and many homeowners seeing increases of 16% or more. 3 Even where tax rates dip slightly, rising home values keep actual bills climbing—creating the irony that a home's appreciation increases annual expenses. Property taxes aren't truly fixed. Reassessments happen regularly, and as neighborhood values rise, so do tax bills—even when rates stay the same. Homeowners Insurance As of December 2025, the average premium for a new policy rose 8.5% year-over-year . 4 Climate disasters, higher rebuilding costs, and insurer risk recalibration continue driving these increases, and the trend shows no signs of reversing. A homeowner could see their monthly payment jump $200-300 in a single year without taking any action themselves—simply because their mortgage servicer adjusted the escrow to cover higher insurance premiums. HOA Dues About 40% of homes for sale have HOA fees, with median costs around $125 per month, though single-family homes typically range from $200-$300 monthly.⁵ These fees rarely decrease and often include special assessments that can add thousands in unexpected annual costs. Utilities In 2024, energy and utility costs averaged $4,494 annually, with internet and cable adding another $1,515. 1 Buyers moving from apartments to single-family homes often see these costs double due to increased square footage, outdoor irrigation, and climate control demands. Routine Maintenance Beyond emergencies, homes require ongoing care: lawn service, gutter cleaning, pest control, HVAC servicing, and seasonal tasks. These aren't luxuries for many households—they're practical solutions to time constraints and property upkeep. Collectively, these services can add $200-400 monthly to ownership costs. The Irregular—but Inevitable—Expenses Major System Replacements This is where many homeowners get caught off guard. Maintenance and repairs aren't a matter of "if" but "when"—and recent years have made "when" far more expensive. Home maintenance now averages around $8,800 annually, with first-year homeowners often facing even higher costs. 1,6 Major repairs aren't cheap: ● HVAC replacement: $5,000-$10,000 ● Roof replacement: $8,000-$15,000 ● Water heater: $1,200-$2,500 ● Foundation repairs: $4,000-$12,000 These aren't possibilities—they're certainties with varying timelines. Use the inspection as a planning tool. A 15-year-old water heater or aging roof signals $8,000-12,000 in likely expenses within the first few years. That's not a deal-breaker—it's a budget roadmap. Buyers who understand these timelines can plan strategically instead of scrambling when systems fail. Newer isn't maintenance-free. Newer builds offer a temporary reprieve, but systems still age, warranties expire, and eventually every home requires major capital improvements. Emergency repairs happen at the worst times. An HVAC failure during a heat wave, a burst pipe in winter, or storm damage to the roof—these scenarios happen when it's least convenient and most expensive. Without liquid reserves, a single emergency can derail finances entirely. Ownership Costs That Creep Up Over Time Here's what surprises many first-time buyers: the so-called "fixed costs" of homeownership aren't actually fixed. While a locked-rate mortgage provides payment stability, the escrowed components—taxes and insurance—can climb significantly year over year due to inflation, climate risk, and local policy changes. A mortgage payment that felt comfortable at closing can feel tight three years later, even without lifestyle changes. Picture this: a letter arrives saying the monthly payment is increasing $200 because insurance premiums rose and the property was reassessed at a higher value. No move, no refinance, no renovation—yet annual housing costs just jumped $2,400. The same gradual creep affects utilities, maintenance services, and every other aspect of homeownership. Budgeting for homeownership means expecting these costs to rise 3-5% annually. True stability requires planning for volatility. Planning Smarter: How Homeowners Can Stay Ahead The encouraging news: buyer's remorse is largely preventable. The issue isn't buying the wrong house—it's buying without adequate preparation. Create a Dedicated House Repair Fund Separate from emergency savings, this fund exists solely for home maintenance and repairs. Treat it like a non-negotiable monthly bill—set up automatic transfers so it happens without thinking about it. The old rule of saving 1% of your home's value annually? It's outdated. Plan for more—closer to 2-3% of your home's value annually, or whatever amount lets you sleep at night knowing the HVAC won't derail your budget. Don't Drain Your Savings at Closing Cash reserves protect against surprises and prevent forced debt when repairs arise. If possible, keep several thousand dollars liquid after closing rather than putting every available dollar into the down payment or upgrades. That breathing room matters more than most buyers realize. Invest in Preventative Maintenance Annual HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, and seasonal inspections catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies. A modest service call that prevents a major system failure is always worthwhile. Create a seasonal maintenance calendar: HVAC checkups in spring and fall, gutter cleaning before winter, roof inspections after major storms. Consistency prevents costly surprises. Know Your Home's Systems and Timelines Understanding when major systems were last replaced helps predict future expenses. A 12-year-old water heater isn't an emergency today, but it signals a likely expense within 2-3 years. Planning beats scrambling. When Homeownership Still Make Sense Despite the expenses, homeownership remains one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to American families—when approached correctly! Long-Term Equity Building Mortgage payments build equity with every payment. Unlike rent, ownership creates a forced savings mechanism that compounds over decades. In most markets, homes appreciate over time, multiplying the wealth-building effect. Stability and Control Homeowners control their living environment. Want to renovate the kitchen, paint the walls, landscape the yard, or install solar panels? Ownership provides autonomy that renting never will. That control has both lifestyle and financial value. Predictability vs. Rent Volatility While ownership costs rise gradually over time, rent increases can be sudden and dramatic—with national rents climbing 31% over the past five year. 7 A fixed-rate mortgage provides payment predictability that renting cannot match. Yes, taxes and insurance increase, but the principal and interest portion—typically 60-70% of the total payment—remains locked. Renters face volatility on 100% of their housing costs. Lifestyle Benefits Beyond finances, homeownership offers intangible benefits: deeper community roots, stability for families, space for hobbies, and the pride of building something that's truly yours. These benefits have real value, even if they don't appear on a balance sheet. The key is ensuring the financial foundation supports the lifestyle, not undermines it. A Better Way to Think About Affordability The true measure of affordability isn't what a lender will approve—it's what allows sleeping well at night when the water heater fails or the insurance premium spikes. The smartest buyers calculate affordability as "mortgage plus carrying costs" from the start, which might narrow the price range slightly but creates breathing room and peace of mind. Homeownership remains one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available, but only when approached with financial realism rather than maximum leverage. Having an honest conversation about what affordability truly looks like isn't about limiting dreams—it's about making sure those dreams don't become financial nightmares. Sources: 1. Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/hidden-costs-of-homeownership-study/ 2. Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/x/c84a6b9359/homeowner-regrets-survey-press-release.pdf 3. Matic: https://matic.com/blog/2026-home-insurance-predictions/ 4. NAHB: https://www.nahb.org/blog/2025/12/property-taxes-2024-residential/ 5. Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/research/homeowners-associations-2024/ 6. Inman: https://www.inman.com/2026/01/12/as-home-maintenance-costs-rise-agents-turn-to-tools-that-reduce-buyer-risk/ 7. Rentec Direct: https://www.rentecdirect.com/blog/new-data-shows-the-state-of-rent-in-2025-from-rentec-direct/ 

2026 US Housing Market Forecast: Will the Market Find Its Footing?

January 5, 2026
Will 2026 be the year buyers stop waiting? Forecasters are split, predicting anywhere from 1.7% 1 to 14% 2 growth in home sales. That 12-point gap reveals the central question facing the housing market: how much will slightly lower mortgage rates and slowly eroding lock-in effects actually unlock pent-up demand? Nearly every major forecaster agrees the market will be more active than 2025. But beyond that consensus, predictions diverge sharply on pace and scale. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) expects robust 14% sales growth. Realtor.com sees a modest 1.7% bump. Both could be right for different markets and price points. For anyone planning to buy, sell, or simply understand their home equity position in 2026, these diverging forecasts matter less than the underlying fundamentals. Mortgage rates should settle slightly lower. Inventory will improve modestly. Prices will continue rising, though more slowly than recent years. The market is thawing. More importantly, the housing market appears to be returning to the pace and rhythm of more normal conditions after the artificial volatility of the pandemic era. The 2025 Context: Why the Market Stayed Frozen The 2025 housing market disappointed. Mortgage rates remained stubbornly above 6.5%, suppressing demand and keeping transaction volumes near historic lows. 8 As of mid-2025, more than 80% of U.S. homeowners hold mortgage rates below 6%, reinforcing the lock-in effect that has kept many would-be sellers on the sidelines.³ Affordability challenges reached acute levels. The typical first-time buyer aged to 40 years old 4 , reflecting simple math that monthly payments at elevated rates and prices pushed homeownership out of reach for younger buyers. The market did not crash but did not heal either, with overall transaction volume remaining constrained. 2026 Predictions: Where Forecasters Agree and Disagree Mortgage Rates: Consensus on Modest Improvement Forecasters agree broadly on mortgage rate trajectories. Expectations cluster tightly in the 6.0% to 6.4% range, representing modest but meaningful improvement from 2025 levels.  2026 Mortgage Rate Forecasts

Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons

December 2, 2025
Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, understanding seasonal patterns has become more critical than ever. With inventory levels normalizing and market conditions continuing to evolve, knowing when to make your move can dramatically impact your outcome. Whether you're a first-time buyer watching every dollar or a seller trying to maximize your profit, the season you choose matters. The challenge? Not everyone can wait for the "perfect" time. Job relocations happen in January. A growing family needs more space in July. Retirement doesn’t wait for spring. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each season so you can make the smartest decision within your timeline. Spring: Peak Selling Season (March-May) Spring isn’t called peak season by accident. The housing market comes alive with energy that is impossible to ignore. Data shows homes listed in spring sell in as few as 33 days, compared to 49 days in winter. 1 May also offers the highest seller premium, 13.1% above market value, translating to faster sales and higher returns. 2 Buyer psychology also plays a role. Warmer weather encourages open house attendance, longer daylight allows more viewings, and families aim to move before school starts, creating urgency. Spring blooms and greenery boost curb appeal in ways winter staging cannot match. 3 The Competition Factor The trade-off is that spring’s advantages come with more competition. Sellers must make their homes stand out, pricing correctly, staging well, and marketing aggressively. Buyers benefit from the largest inventory, with new properties listed weekly, but face higher competition. In May and June, 35% of buyers pay above list price compared to 24% in January, making bidding wars common and increasing pressure to decide quickly. 4 Summer: Extended Peak Season (June-August) As spring transitions to summer, the market maintains its momentum. June often sees the highest sales volume of the year, with more than 16,500 homes selling per day. 1 The Family Timeline Summer’s appeal aligns with family schedules, as school breaks let children move without disrupting education. Warm weather and long days make moving easier and provide ample time for viewings. Outdoor spaces like pools, patios, and landscaping are at their best. Higher prices and sales activity reflect the premium buyers pay for peak-season convenience. Late Summer Shifts By August, changes appear. Unsold spring or early summer listings may become “stale,” and buyers begin settling as school starts. Competition eases slightly, though prices stay high, making it a transition month where patient buyers can benefit. A practical concern is moving costs, which peak in summer due to high demand. Nearly half of all household moves occur between June and August, increasing competition for movers and rental trucks alike. 5 Fall: Underrated Opportunity Season (September-November) Fall might be real estate's best-kept secret. While conventional wisdom suggests spring is the only time to transact, savvy buyers and sellers increasingly recognize fall's unique advantages. Less Competition, More Serious Players Data shows a large share of home sales occur in the fall, a detail often overlooked. With fewer competing sellers, listings stand out more, and active buyers tend to be serious and ready to act quickly. 3 October typically offers the best conditions for buyers. Data shows it has one of the lowest seller premiums of the year—about 8.8% above market value—as demand cools and competition eases. 2 Home prices also tend to dip slightly from summer highs, saving buyers thousands compared to peak-season purchases. 4 For first-time buyers especially, fall can be an ideal time to find value without the bidding wars of spring and summer. The Urgency Factor Fall brings natural urgency. Buyers aim to close before holidays and bad weather, while sellers may be motivated by taxes or avoiding a winter listing. Comfortable weather in many areas makes showings easier. Fall buyers are often more decisive, with fewer casual browsers and more serious purchasers ready to negotiate. Winter: Value Season (December-February) Winter gets a bad reputation in real estate, but for buyers with flexibility, it offers the year's best value proposition. The Numbers Don’t Lie The low-competition environment in winter provides the best opportunity for buyers to secure a discount. In January, only 24% of buyers pay above list price compared to 35% in May and June, which greatly reduces the chance of bidding wars. 4 This lower competition also means winter homes stay on the market longer, averaging 49 days versus 31 days during peak season, giving buyers more time, less pressure, and stronger negotiating power. 1 Motivated sellers become more flexible as the holidays pass. Moving companies also offer their lowest rates in winter. Winter’s Challenges Winter has trade-offs. Sellers face the lowest buyer traffic, holiday distractions, limited curb appeal from dormant landscaping, and shorter daylight for showings. Yet winter offers advantages. Less competition can help if you price aggressively and present well, and buyers who do visit are highly motivated, often relocating for jobs. Warm-climate markets like Florida and Arizona see smaller winter slowdowns, making location important. 1 Snow and ice create safety hazards, and cold weather makes moving harder. However, winter also reveals property truths, such as heating efficiency, drafty windows, and roof performance, which is all information savvy buyers use during inspections. Regional Differences: Not All Markets Are Equal Seasonal changes in the real estate market depend heavily on location, meaning a strategy that works in one city may fail in another. Markets in the Midwest and Northeast experience the most dramatic seasonal swings due to harsh winters, which push most activity into the short window between May and August. For example, daily home sales in the Midwest often more than double from January to June, with states like Illinois and Ohio seeing significant annual price swings. In contrast, Southern and Western markets enjoy stable, year-round activity because of mild weather. Places like California and most of the South see much less severe slowdowns in winter. The exception markets are those where mild winter weather attracts buyers, like Phoenix, Arizona , where the best selling time is late November. Understanding these local patterns is crucial, as local market dynamics always matter more than general national statistics. Feel free to reach out if you would like to know more about the specific seasonal patterns in your local area. Pricing Strategies by Season Pricing strategy must adapt to seasonal realities. What works in May fails in December, and vice versa. Spring and Summer Pricing During peak season, competitive pricing often attracts multiple offers. Pricing strategically 10–15% below comparable sales can spark competition and push final offers above list. Psychological pricing also matters; listing slightly under round numbers ($349,000 instead of $350,000) increases online visibility and appeals to buyer behavior. Emphasizing seasonal features such as outdoor spaces, natural light, and blooming gardens helps justify premium pricing. 3 Fall Reality Check As competition declines in fall, pricing should be more realistic. Listing slightly below spring comparables can help generate activity. Flexibility on price attracts serious year-end buyers eager to close before the holidays and bad weather. Recognizing buyer urgency allows you to price strategically rather than reactively. 2 Winter Aggression Winter requires more aggressive pricing to attract a smaller buyer pool. Pricing 5–10% below spring values can create immediate interest. Motivated sellers should focus on value over premium pricing. Buyers shopping in January aren’t bargain hunters, they’re seeking homes that justify moving during an inconvenient season. 1 Year-round best practices stay consistent: use a Comparative Market Analysis, consider current market conditions, account for unique property features that algorithms may overlook, and monitor comparable sales while staying open to adjustments. Buyer Offer Strategies by Season Spring and Summer Competition Peak season requires quick, confident action. Get pre-approved to show you’re a serious buyer and be ready to move fast. Consider offering above asking price when you find the right property, and use an escalation clause to outbid competitors up to your limit. Flexible closing dates also strengthen your offer. Some buyers write personal letters to create emotional connections. Fall and Winter Leverage Negotiating power shifts with the seasons. In fall and winter, when seller competition drops and buyer pools shrink, you gain leverage. You can more easily request seller concessions such as closing costs, home warranties, repairs, or even appliances and fixtures. Use inspection results to negotiate price reductions, as motivated sellers grow more flexible later in the season. You can also request longer inspection periods and winter move-in credits.¹ Year-Round Negotiation Fundamentals No matter the season, understanding the seller’s motivation is key. Support your offer with market data rather than emotion, and build rapport when possible. Stay calm and avoid emotional decisions. Have your agent handle offers and counteroffers to reduce tension. Know your limits and walk away from deals that don’t fit your goals. In buyer’s markets, be assertive; in seller’s markets, make offers strong and decisive. The fundamentals stay the same, though their intensity shifts with the season. BOTTOMLINE Seasonality creates opportunities and challenges, but personal circumstances should drive timing. Spring/early summer brings the highest prices and fastest sales. Winter offers buyers the best deals. Waiting for the “perfect” season doesn’t help if life demands action. Understanding your specific situation, timeline, and goals allows us to create a customized strategy that maximizes outcomes within your constraints. The best time to move is when it's right for you. Sources 1. National Association of REALTORS®. Navigating the Housing Market: A Seasonal Perspective. 2024. https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/navigating-the-housing-market-a-seasonal-perspective 2. Bankrate. Best Time to Sell a House. 2024 https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/best-time-to-sell-house 3. Investopedia. How Seasons Impact Real Estate More Than You Think. 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/010717/seasons-impact-real-estate-more-you-think.asp 4. Zillow https://www.zillow.com/learn/best-time-to-buy-a-house/ 5. My Moving Journey https://mymovingjourney.com/blogs/moving-in-peak-season-vs-off-season