I Missed the Top of the Market — Should I Sell or Wait It Out?

⏳ 1. Understand the Real Estate Cycle—And Your Own Timeline

Real estate follows cycles—typically 8 to 12 years from peak to bottom and back to peak again. Historically, after a high point in the market:

We see 2–3 years of correction or decline.

Followed by a few years of plateauing at the bottom.

Then several years of appreciation leading back to a new high.

The next peak is usually higher than the last one. That’s encouraging—but the big question is:

How old will you be in 10 years?

If you’re hoping the market will bounce back next year, that’s unlikely. These things take time. So ask yourself:

Can you afford to wait?

Do you want to wait?

Or can you rent this home out and move forward while the cycle plays out?

🏡 2. What Stage of Life Are You In?

This is a personal one.

If you’re living in your starter home and life is changing—new children, a new partner, new job—then ask yourself:

Can your current home accommodate the next 1, 3, or 10 years of your life?

Yes, you may have missed selling at the very top. But how does that loss compare to the lifestyle gains you could make by moving into the right home now?

Are you going to let a market moment dictate the course of your next decade?

Tap the Link Below

💸 3. What Are You Really Losing?

Let’s say you “missed” an extra $20K, $30K, or even $50K in potential sale price. That can sting—but put it in perspective:

What is the cost of not making the move your life needs?

Could you build stronger memories somewhere new?

Will your kids benefit from a better layout, location, or school?

Would your daily life feel more aligned with who you are now?

Sometimes, holding out for more money costs you more life.

⚖️ 4. Compare What You “Lost” With What You’ll Save

The market doesn’t just affect what you sell for—it also impacts what you buy.

If you’re upsizing, chances are:

You “lost” some value on your current home…

But the home you want is now significantly cheaper than last year.

You may be saving more on your purchase than you lost on your sale.

If you’re downsizing, the savings might not completely balance out—but the move could still make financial sense if it reduces your monthly costs or aligns with your long-term lifestyle.