Better Questions, Wiser Decisions: Life Over Market Timing

By far the most common question I receive daily is whether it's a "good" or "bad" time to buy or sell real estate. This is a fine conversation starter, but if you want to move beyond mere small talk and actually consider the larger implications of your housing decisions, the question of timing is ultimately irrelevant to you. The underlying assumption with that question is that you must succeed in "timing the market." I believe this thinking is misguided.

Life Carries On — Regardless of Market Conditions

No matter the market, life carries on. Babies are born, jobs are begun and ended, people get married or divorced, money is made and lost, we get injured, perhaps sick, and eventually we go to meet our Maker. All of these major life events inform our housing decisions to a much greater degree than any market conditions at the time they occur.

Ask a Better Question

A better question to ask is whether it's a good (or not-so-good) time for you to buy or sell based on your own life circumstances, financial or otherwise. For example, it's entirely possible to make an unwise purchase in a market generally favorable to buyers. A similar mistake could be made when selling.

You Can't Time the Market — But You Can Be Wise

Trying to "time the market" is speculation at best. No amount of research or money can allow someone to predict the future of the real estate market with accuracy, especially short-term; there are simply too many factors involved. While you can't time the market, you can make wise, durable decisions that will age remarkably well over your life. Instead of trying to predict the future, wise decisions often come from building in flexibility: owning something you can afford, with room for life's uncertainties.

Better Questions to Ask Yourself

Don't make your housing decisions based merely on the headlines or the well-meaning advice from a friend or family member. First consider your own situation, priorities, and goals. Then take your notes to someone who understands what is currently happening in the market and find out if what you are trying to accomplish is feasible. Instead of asking whether the market is "good" or "bad," consider these better questions: What's driving your housing decision right now: market headlines, or real changes in your life? If you waited two or three more years, what might it cost you in rent, stress, or missed opportunities? Does your current housing situation support your goals for family, work, or health, or hold you back?

Douglas County Mid-Season Update

The majority of buying and selling occurs in Douglas County from mid-April to the end of October. November through March are the quieter months primarily due to the weather, shorter daylight hours, and busy school schedules. We are nearing the end of the 2025 season, and so far, the year is shaping up to be very similar to last year in terms of total transactions. Last year 958 sales occurred in Douglas County from January through September 2024. Comparing year-to-date this year, we are at 927 sales. As mortgage rates have remained steady until dropping in the last few weeks, we may see a strong surge this next early spring as buyers come out of the winter chill and find mortgage rates at more affordable levels.