Should You Buy, Sell or Wait? Here's What to Consider

It’s one of the most common questions I hear: When is the best time to sell?

The answer isn’t always the spring. It's not black & white, but there are* some key things to think about — especially with how today’s market is behaving. So, let’s unpack what’s going on and what it might mean for you.

High Prices + High Rates = Mixed Bag

Let’s start with the big picture:

Home prices have been pushed ever higher, which is great news for sellers. In fact, the national median price hit an all-time high last summer at $426,900. That dropped a bit over the winter (as expected), but January 2025 still posted the highest January median ever* at $396,900. So, yes — prices are holding strong.

The downside? Mortgage rates are still hovering around 7%, which means some buyers are sitting on the sidelines, waiting for better affordability. High prices plus high rates make it tough for aspiring buyers to make the math work.

While sellers are getting strong offers in many areas, the buyer pool isn’t as deep as it could be. It’s a weird moment in the market.

What Are People Saying?

According to Fannie Mae’s latest survey, about 63% of Americans think now is a good time to sell. That’s a pretty confident number — and it matches what I’m seeing on the ground here locally. But real estate is hyper-local, so what’s true in one part of the country might not be true here in central Indiana. Some areas are still seeing price growth and strong demand. Others are a little slower, waiting for rates to drop and buyers to re-engage.

When Is Usually the Best Time to Sell?

In general, late spring and early summer tend to be the most active time of year to sell — especially in Central Indiana. Longer days, better weather, and buyers who want to get settled before the new school year. So if you're thinking* about selling, getting your house ready now could put you in a great position.

That said, there are plenty of other factors that might make selling smart for you right now* — no matter the season:

• Inventory is low. Fewer homes for sale means less competition and more attention on your home.

• You’re ready to downsize. If you’re looking for less space, fewer stairs, or lower monthly costs, selling now might be the move.

• You need to move. If you’re relocating for work, retirement, or just want a change, it could be time.

• You want to cash out equity. Many homeowners have gained significant value over the last few years. That equity could help you buy your next place — or simply pad your savings.

When Should You Wait to Sell?

There are also some situations where holding off might be the better play:

• If you recently refinanced. If you’ve got a great rate locked in, it might not make sense to sell and lose that low payment.

• If your house needs work. Big repairs or updates? It might be worth fixing a few things before you list so you can get top dollar.

• If you’re upgrading. Moving to a bigger or more expensive home? High rates could make that jump more expensive than you’d like.

• If you don’t have a plan. Don’t list just to "see what happens." Have a clear idea of where you’re going next — and how selling fits into that.

What About Commissions?

You may have heard that sellers no longer have to automatically cover the buyer’s agent commission. New rules that took effect last summer changed how commissions are structured. Now, the buyer's agent fees are negotiable, part of the purchase agreement. In a high-demand situations, buyers might cover their own agent’s commission, which could save sellers a significant amount. Not so much in lesser demand situations. It’s something to talk about with your agent, so it’s clear how things will work up front.

Bottom Line

There’s no universal right or wrong answer here. It depends on your* goals, your* finances, and your* timeline.

If you’re thinking about selling this year — or even just starting to explore it — I’d love to help you walk through your options and look at what’s happening in your specific neighborhood. Sometimes, a quick chat is all it takes to bring clarity to help you make the best decisions for yourself.

Shoot me a message or give me a call. Whether you’re ready to list or just testing the waters, I’m here to help you make a smart move.  — JL