Is It Time to Sell or Stay Put? Here’s How to Know for Sure

by Joe Johnbosco

The decision to sell your home—or stay put—is deeply personal, yet influenced by many external factors. With home values at record highs in some areas and interest rates fluctuating, homeowners are asking the big question: "Is now the right time to sell, or should I wait it out?" Here's how to know for sure.

1. Check Your Home’s Current Market Value

Understanding your home’s equity position is step one. If your home’s value has appreciated significantly, you may be sitting on thousands—or hundreds of thousands—of dollars in equity.

Pro tip: Request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) or get a custom Home Value Report from a local agent (Zillow estimates are helpful but not always accurate: www.zillow.com).
According to ATTOM Data Solutions, 48% of mortgaged residential properties in the U.S. were considered equity-rich in Q1 2025 (attomdata.com), meaning their owners owed less than 50% of their home’s value.

For Dominant personalities, this is all about strategic advantage: if you’re ready to make your next power move, your equity could fund a larger home, a new investment, or help you downsize and invest the rest.

2. Evaluate Your Lifestyle Needs

Are you craving more space? Or maybe you’re now an empty nester looking to simplify? Life transitions are one of the most common motivations to move.

Influential types often dream about lifestyle upgrades—a home that inspires, entertains, or supports hobbies and personal growth.
If your current home is no longer aligned with your values, routines, or long-term goals, that’s a major sign it's time to consider selling.

Ask yourself:

Has your household grown or shrunk?
Are you working remotely and needing an office or more flexible space?
Is your home near the places you value most—work, family, friends, nature?

3. Run the Numbers on Selling vs. Staying

This step is critical for Compliant personalities who want to make data-backed decisions.

Selling may be smart if:

You can sell high and buy smart in a different market or state.
You’re looking to avoid major upcoming maintenance expenses.
Your mortgage is higher than current rent or potential mortgage elsewhere.

Staying may be wise if:

You refinanced at a historically low interest rate (say, below 4%).
Your property tax base is locked in at a lower rate (especially in places like California with Prop 13).

Use online calculators or consult a financial advisor to compare:

Selling costs (commissions, closing costs, repairs)
New mortgage interest rates
Moving and relocation costs
Long-term equity growth in your current home

4. Study the Local Market

The decision to sell is often about timing the market—but real estate is hyper-local.

Ask your agent:

What is the current absorption rate (how fast homes are selling)?
Are home prices rising, leveling off, or declining in your zip code?
How long are homes like yours staying on the market?

For Steady personalities, this provides reassurance and stability. If the market is stable or favoring sellers, now may be the time to list with confidence.

According to Redfin (www.redfin.com), homes in desirable suburban neighborhoods are still selling within 20–30 days on average, as of April 2025, especially those in good condition and priced right.

5. Consider Emotional Readiness

Beyond the numbers and logic, your emotional attachment matters. Selling a home is a major life change.

Ask yourself:

Am I emotionally ready to let go of this home?
Do I have clarity about what I want next?
Will staying cause frustration or missed opportunities?

Selling should feel empowering, not forced. If you’re undecided, a strategy session with a seasoned real estate professional can help bring clarity.

Final Word: You Don’t Have to Decide Alone

Whether you're leaning toward selling or staying, having options backed by facts and expert insight is empowering. As your trusted real estate advisor, I’ll provide clarity, strategy, and support every step of the way.

✅ Let’s Find Out Together:

Request a no-pressure Home Sale Readiness Consultation today.
I’ll help you evaluate your current position and future potential—no strings attached.