Is 2026 the Year to Move? 5 Questions to Help You Decide

Is 2026 the Year to Move?

5 Questions to Help You Decide

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Should we move this year… or wait?” you’re not alone. With shifting interest rates, evolving market conditions, and changing personal priorities, deciding whether 2026 is the right time to move can feel overwhelming.

The good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Asking the right questions can bring clarity and help you decide whether making a move this year aligns with your goals.

Here are five key questions to help guide your decision.

1. How Have Your Needs Changed?

Life changes often drive real estate decisions more than the market itself. Maybe your family has grown, your work situation has shifted, or you’re craving less maintenance or a different lifestyle. Ask yourself:

• Does my current home still fit our daily life?
• Are we paying for space we no longer need or lacking space we do?
• Would a different location improve our quality of life?

If your home no longer supports how you live today, it may be worth exploring what’s next regardless of market headlines.

2. What Do Interest Rates Mean for Me Right Now?

Interest rates get a lot of attention and for good reason, but they don’t tell the whole story on their own. While today’s rates may be higher than the historic lows of past years, buyers have also gained:

• More negotiating power
• Less competition
• More thoughtful decision-making time

It’s also important to remember: rates can be refinanced later. The home you want may not be available forever, but your loan terms can change as the market shifts.

Rather than asking “Are rates low?”, a better question is:

Can I comfortably afford the monthly payment and does this move improve my long-term plan? A trusted lender can help you explore scenarios that fit your budget now, with flexibility for the future.

3. How Much Equity Do I Have, and How Can I Use It?

For many homeowners, this is one of the biggest opportunities heading into 2026. If you’ve owned your home for several years, there’s a strong chance you’ve built meaningful equity. That equity can often be used to:

• Help fund a down payment on your next home
• Reduce the amount you need to borrow
• Strengthen your offer in a competitive situation
• Bridge the gap between selling and buying

In some cases, homeowners are surprised by how much buying power they actually have once equity is factored in. A clear understanding of your home’s current value can open doors you may not have realized were possible.

4. Can I Take Advantage of Today’s Market Conditions?

Today’s market looks very different than it did a few years ago and that can work in your favor. Depending on your situation, 2026 may offer:

• More room for negotiation on price or terms
• Opportunities for seller credits or concessions
• The ability to purchase without rushing or waiving protections

For sellers who are also buyers, this balance can be especially powerful. While pricing remains strong in many areas, the buying side may feel less stressful than it has in years past. The key is having a strategy tailored to your goals, not trying to time the market perfectly.

5. What Does My Longer-Term Plan Look Like?

Real estate decisions are most successful when they’re aligned with the bigger picture. Consider:

• Do I see myself here in 3 years or 10?
• Is this move supporting financial stability and lifestyle goals?
• Would staying limit the opportunities I want in the future?

Sometimes the right move isn’t about urgency, it’s about positioning yourself well for what’s ahead.

There’s no universal “right” time to move, but there is a right time for you. Understanding interest rates, leveraging your home equity, and knowing how to navigate today’s market can make the decision far clearer than headlines alone.

If you’re curious about what your options look like in 2026, whether you’re ready to move now or simply want to plan ahead, having a conversation can be the easiest first step. Sometimes clarity is just one good question (and one good strategy) away.