Short answer: It depends on your goals, your home's value, and what's happening in your local market.

If you're wondering whether now is the right time to sell your home on the Central Coast, the answer isn't the same for everyone. The best time to sell is when the market and your personal situation align.

Here are four questions to ask yourself:

1. Has Your Home Increased in Value?

Many Monterey County homeowners have built significant equity over the past several years. If your home's value has grown, selling now could provide funds for your next home, retirement, or other financial goals.

2. Are You Ready for Your Next Move?

Ask yourself:

• Do you need more space?
• Are you looking to downsize?
• Are you relocating?
• Is maintaining your current home becoming too much?

Your lifestyle often matters more than trying to perfectly time the market. Which is very difficult to do. 

3. What Is Happening in Your Neighborhood?

Real estate is hyperlocal.

One neighborhood may have multiple offers and limited inventory, while another has more homes competing for buyers. Looking at Monterey County as a whole doesn't tell the complete story.

That's why neighborhood-specific data is much more valuable than national headlines. I send out a quarterly newsletter with stats for each city in Monterey County. If you are not currently receiving my newsletter and you would like to, please comment here, indicate your preference for email or paper mail, and provide me with your address. I will then add yo to the list.

4. What Would Waiting Cost or Gain?

Waiting could mean:

• More appreciation.
• More competition.
• Changes in mortgage rates.
• Seasonal shifts in buyer demand.
• Higher insurance, maintenance, or property tax expenses.

No one can predict the market with certainty, but you can make an informed decision based on today's facts.

The Bottom Line

Instead of asking, "Is now a good time to sell?" try asking:

"Does selling now help me reach my financial and personal goals?"

Once you know what you want to accomplish, it's much easier to determine whether this market works in your favor.

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.