Real Estate Blog

Should You Sell Your Home Now or Wait Until 2026?

The real estate market is always evolving, and deciding when to sell your home can be a major financial decision. As we move through 2025, homeowners are wondering whether now is the right time to list their property or if waiting until 2026 would be more beneficial.

While the national market is transitioning toward a more balanced state, many sellers still hold an advantage in key locations. So, should you sell now or wait? Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Key Factors Influencing the Housing Market in 2025

1. Rising Home Values

Home values have increased in 41 of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, though the rate of appreciation is slowing. Nationally, prices are expected to grow by 0.9% in 2025. However, what truly matters is your local market. Some areas are seeing significant gains, while others are cooling off.

Top appreciating markets include:

• San Jose (+8.1%)

• Providence (+6.7%)

• Cleveland (+6.6%)

Markets experiencing declines:

• Austin (-3.4%)

• Tampa (-2.8%)

• San Antonio (-1.8%)

If you’re in an appreciating market, it might be a great time to sell before conditions shift. If home prices are declining in your area, you may want to act fast before values drop further.

2. Homes Are Selling Quickly (In Most Areas)

The speed at which homes sell depends heavily on location. In January 2025:

• San Jose and Hartford homes went under contract in just 9 days.

• Miami and Jacksonville homes took around 65 days to sell.

• The national average was 38 days—slightly slower than last year.

A fast-moving market can benefit sellers by reducing the stress and carrying costs of an extended listing period. If homes in your area are selling quickly, you may have an advantage.

3. More Competition from Other Sellers

More homes are hitting the market, which means sellers are facing increased competition.

• Nationally, inventory increased by 17.6% year-over-year.

• Denver, Seattle, and San Francisco saw a 30-40% jump in listings.

• New York was the only major city where inventory decreased.

More inventory means buyers have more choices, which could lead to longer selling times and potentially lower offers. Selling now could help you beat the rush.

4. Volatile Mortgage Rates Impact Affordability

Interest rates remain a key factor in buyer demand. In January 2025:

• Mortgage rates rose to 7.04%, the highest since May 2024.

• Zillow predicts rates will remain volatile but could end the year around 6.4%.

Higher rates reduce affordability for buyers, which could impact how much they are willing to pay for your home. If rates drop in 2026, demand could increase—but predicting the market is never a sure bet.

5. Price Adjustments Are Common

Even in a seller’s market, pricing strategically is key.

• 23% of listings nationwide had price cuts—the highest since 2018.

• In Phoenix, 34% of homes saw price reductions, while New York had the fewest (12%).

• 1 in 4 homes sold for more than the asking price in December 2024.

Sellers should be prepared to adjust expectations and work with a real estate expert to price their home competitively.

Reasons to Sell Your Home Now

If you’re still debating whether to sell in 2025, consider these benefits:

✅ High Home Equity: Many homeowners have gained substantial equity over the past few years, making it a great time to cash out.
✅ Favorable Market Conditions: Even as the market shifts, many areas still favor sellers, reducing the need for excessive buyer concessions.
✅ Avoid Future Market Uncertainty: With fluctuating mortgage rates and increasing inventory, waiting until 2026 could mean a tougher selling environment.

Thinking of Buying, Selling, Renting, or Investing in Real Estate?

At RE/MAX Galaxy, we specialize in helping clients navigate the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. real estate markets. Whether you’re looking to sell your current home, find your dream property, or make a smart investment, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

???? Contact us today to discuss your real estate goals and take advantage of the best opportunities in the market!