Trying to time the market perfectly often costs far more than people realize...

One of the most common questions sellers ask is whether they should wait for the “right” time to list, or "when is the right time to list?".

The truth is, most people are not actually asking about timing. They are asking about certainty... (I wish we had a magic ball so we could provide that level of certainty!)

They want to know they will not leave money on the table. They want to feel confident that they are making a smart decision. And they want reassurance that they are not listing at the wrong moment.

Here is what often gets missed.

There is no perfect time that applies to every home, every seller, or every situation. The market is only one part of the equation. Motivation, property type, location, condition, and buyer demand all matter just as much. The market can fluctuate so quickly, due to others motivations too. 

Waiting for the market to peak can sometimes mean missing strong buyer activity that already exists. Buyers do not move in perfect sync with headlines. They move when life tells them it is time. They move when they have the money saved, and the pre-approval in place. They move with their jobs, and life changes. They move as their target lifestyle moves. 

What sellers often underestimate is how preparation and strategy impact results more than timing alone. A well-prepared home, priced correctly in alignment with market value, and marketed thoughtfully, can perform very well in a variety of market conditions.

Another common misconception is that holding off automatically leads to better outcomes. In reality, waiting can introduce new competition, changing buyer behaviour, or shifts in lending conditions that were not anticipated.

Sometimes sellers can chase a downward market, and end up with a much lower price, by not believing market value is applicable to their home, because it can be hard to see the true value of our own homes, that we cherish.

The best timing decision is not based on fear or speculation. It is based on clarity... and motive.

Understanding your goals, your flexibility, and how your specific property fits into current demand, allows you to make a confident choice instead of a reactive one.

This is where working with a Realtor who understands the local market, and one who will be honest with you, becomes invaluable. Not someone who promises perfect timing, but someone who helps you understand your options and the trade-offs involved. Not someone who will agree to test the market at a price above market value, in a market that prices are declining, or when there are exact comparable sales at a much lower price. 

Selling your home is not about guessing the market. It is about making an informed decision that aligns with your life, your plans, and your comfort level... and co-creating an effective strategy with your Real Estate Agent, to sell within these factors. 

When sellers stop chasing the perfect moment and start focusing on the right strategy, with the right Realtor, the process becomes far less stressful — and often more successful.

It is never too early to call your favourite Realtor to chat about your next move.
Give me a call, maybe that will be me!

Let’s chat about your goals, and how I could help you.

Contact Ashley Wilson, Real Estate Agent – Real Broker Campbell River
250.288.1236 | hi@campbellriver.life