7 Questions to Ask Before Moving in 2026

The end of the year has a way of slowing everything down.

And for a lot of people, that creates space for a question that's been sitting in the background for a while:

"Should we make a move next year… or stay put?"

If that thought has crossed your mind—even casually—you don't need to decide anything right now. But asking the right questions can give you clarity without pressure, especially considering the current state of housing markets and the ongoing great housing reset.

Below are seven simple questions to walk through before making any real estate decision in 2026.

1. What's Actually Driving the Thought of Moving?

Most people don't think about moving "randomly." Something usually triggers it.

Ask yourself:

• Are we reacting to a lifestyle change (space, location, family needs)?

• Is this more about finances or monthly costs, particularly in light of the housing affordability crisis?

• Are we feeling stuck or just curious about options in the current housing market?

One of the most important distinctions is whether this thought is coming from discomfort or opportunity. Those lead to very different decisions, timelines, and outcomes.

2. Is This a Timing Question… or a Readiness Question?

A lot of people frame their decision as "Should we wait?" A better question is "What would need to feel clearer before we move?"

Consider:

• Are the timing parameters about the market or about uncertainty in our own situation?

• Are we waiting for a specific milestone (job change, school year, savings goal)?

• If nothing changed for another year, how would that affect our plans for moving in 2026?

The goal here isn't urgency. It's understanding what's actually missing.

3. What Are We Most Afraid Might Go Wrong?

Uncertainty often hides behind vague hesitation.

Try naming it:

• What specifically worries us about moving?

• Is it financial risk, regret, disruption, or the unknown?

• If we knew how to protect against that risk, such as understanding loan-to-value ratios, would this feel different?

Most hesitation isn't about the market. It's about unanswered questions.

4. If We Wait, What Are We Hoping Will Change?

Waiting feels safe, but it's still a decision.

Ask yourself:

• Are we waiting for rates, prices, or confidence in the housing markets to improve?

• If those things don't change the way we expect, how long would we keep waiting?

• What's the tradeoff of staying exactly where we are for another year, considering the ongoing housing reset?

There's no right or wrong answer here, only awareness.

5. What Outcome Matters More to Us?

Whether buying or selling, every move comes down to priorities.

Ask yourself:

• Are we more focused on monthly comfort or long-term equity?

• Is flexibility more important than maximizing price?

• Are we trying to minimize stress, maximize opportunity, or something else in the context of current homebuying affordability?

There's no universally "right" answer. But clarity here makes every future decision easier and less emotional.

6. What Would Make This Feel Like a Smart Decision in Hindsight?

Instead of predicting the market, try flipping the question.

Imagine it's late 2026 and you're looking back. What would make you say, "I'm glad we handled it that way"?

Ask yourself:

• What would make us feel confident in how we handled this move in 2026?

• Would we regret rushing—or regret not preparing?

• What version of this decision would feel intentional instead of reactive, considering the great housing reset?

Most good outcomes come from preparation, not perfect timing.

7. What Information Would Reduce Guesswork Right Now?

You don't need all the answers to move forward. You just need fewer unknowns.

Helpful clarity often comes from:

• Understanding your real buying or selling range in the current housing markets

• Knowing what options actually exist (not just headlines)

• Having a rough plan, even if it's a year out

• Getting a comparative market analysis to understand property values

• Exploring potential closing cost assistance programs

Final Thought

You don't need to commit to anything before you're ready.

But if a move is even loosely on your 2026 radar, the smartest first step isn't browsing listings or watching headlines; it's getting clear on what actually matters to you in the context of the current housing affordability crisis.

And if you ever want help talking through these questions with real numbers and no pressure, that's a conversation worth having. We can discuss the housing markets, the ongoing housing reset, and how it all relates to your personal moving plans for 2026.