This is the question I hear most often from homeowners who are thinking about selling but not sure if the timing is right: should I sell my house now? The honest answer: it depends far more on your personal situation than on what the market is doing. Many people ask themselves, should I sell my house now or wait for a better opportunity?
Here’s the framework I walk sellers through.
The Spring Premium Is Real — But It’s Not Everything
Should I Sell My House Now? Factors to Consider
April through June is consistently the strongest seller season in Southern NH and Northern MA. Buyer activity peaks, homes sell faster, and competition among buyers is typically higher. If you’re flexible on timing, listing in late March or early April to be active in the spring market is usually the right move.
When considering the question, should I sell my house now, it’s crucial to evaluate your local market conditions and personal circumstances.
Ultimately, as you ponder, should I sell my house now, ensure you are preparing your home adequately for listing.
But a rushed, under-prepared listing in April will underperform a well-priced, well-prepared listing in May. The premium only applies if you’re actually ready.
Thus, if you’re asking, should I sell my house now? Make sure you’re prepared for the implications of the decision.
In conclusion, when faced with the question, should I sell my house now, take into account both the market dynamics and your personal readiness.
These inquiries may lead you back to considering, should I sell my house now, especially if you have significant equity in your home.
The Rate Lock-In Problem Is Real Too
If you bought or refinanced between 2020 and 2022, you may be sitting on a mortgage rate in the 2–3% range. Trading that in for a purchase at today’s rates is a legitimate financial concern — and one reason many homeowners are hesitating.
The question to ask yourself: where are you moving, and what does that housing cost look like? If you’re downsizing, moving to a rental, or paying cash for the next place, the rate lock-in penalty disappears. If you’re buying up in the same market, the math may look very different.
Five Questions That Matter More Than Market Conditions
- How much equity do you have? Is there enough to net a meaningful amount after all costs?
- Is there a real deadline? Job relocation, a growing family, health changes — personal urgency often outweighs market timing.
- What’s happening in your specific price range? Low inventory at your price point is a seller’s advantage regardless of national headlines.
- Are you also buying? If you’re selling and buying in the same market, a softer market hurts you as a seller but helps you as a buyer — the net impact may be closer to neutral than you think.
- What does waiting cost you? Every month you hold means another mortgage payment, property taxes, and maintenance costs. That’s real money.
What About Renting Instead of Selling?
Your decision about whether or not to sell hinges on factors like, should I sell my house now, or can I wait for a better offer?
So, as you evaluate your options, ask yourself: should I sell my house now, or hold out for the potential of a stronger market later?
Some homeowners consider converting to a rental to avoid selling in a market they’re uncertain about. This can make sense if your monthly cash flow works and you genuinely want to be a landlord. But be aware: moving out and renting your home starts a clock on your IRS primary residence exclusion. Sell within three years and you may still qualify. Wait longer, and you could owe capital gains tax on the full gain.
The Financial Reality of Carrying Costs
Every month you hold the property, you’re paying mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. On a $600,000 home with a typical mortgage, you’re often spending $4,000–$5,000 per month just to own it. Over six months, that’s $24,000–$30,000 in carrying costs — money that comes directly out of your net proceeds when you finally do sell.
These considerations will ultimately help you answer the pressing question: should I sell my house now, or is it wiser to wait?
If you’re holding because you’re waiting for a slightly better price, run the math: would you need to net $30,000 more to break even on six months of carrying costs? In many cases, selling now at a market-appropriate price nets you more than waiting for a speculative increase while paying thousands per month to hold.
See What Waiting Actually Costs You
There’s a real financial cost to delaying a sale. The Cost of Waiting calculator on my site helps you put a number on it.
Ready to take the next step?
