By Jason Boice, REALTOR®, eXp Realty — Published on June 18, 2026

When people think about moving, they often focus on mortgage rates, home prices, or what the real estate market is doing.

But in my experience, most moves are not driven by market conditions.

They're driven by life.

A growing family needs more space.

A new job changes the daily commute.

Children are starting kindergarten or graduating high school.

Retirement is approaching.

An aging parent needs assistance.

These life events often have a far greater impact on moving decisions than anything happening in the housing market.

The homeowners who have the smoothest moves are usually not the ones who perfectly time the market.

They're the ones who plan ahead.

TL;DR

Most moves happen because of life changes, not market conditions.

Common reasons people move include:

• Growing families

• School transitions

• Job changes

• Retirement

• Downsizing

• Caring for aging parents

• Lifestyle changes

 The best time to move is usually when the move aligns with your personal goals—not when the market appears perfect.

Why Life Events Drive Most Real Estate Decisions

Many homeowners spend months waiting for:

• Lower interest rates

• Higher home prices

• More inventory

• Better market conditions

But life rarely waits.

The reality is that most real estate decisions are made because something significant changes in a person's life.

Common examples include:

Growing Families

A family that once fit comfortably in a starter home may suddenly need:

• Additional bedrooms

• More living space

• Larger yards

• Better school options

Empty Nesters

After children leave home, many homeowners begin evaluating whether they still need:

• Large homes

• Multiple levels

• Extensive maintenance responsibilities

Career Changes

A new job can completely change:

• Commuting needs

• Work-from-home requirements

• Preferred location

Retirement

Retirees often begin prioritizing:

• Simpler living

• Lower maintenance

• Single-level homes

• Proximity to family

These decisions tend to matter far more than trying to perfectly predict the market.

Why School Calendars Matter So Much

For families with school-aged children, timing often revolves around the academic calendar.

Many parents prefer moving during the summer because:

• School is not in session

• Children avoid mid-year disruptions

• Families have more flexibility

• Enrollment transitions are easier

As a result, spring is often one of the busiest seasons in real estate.

Many families list their homes during the spring in hopes of:

• Selling before summer

• Buying before the next school year begins

• Completing the move before classes start

This seasonal pattern creates increased activity among both buyers and sellers.

Summer Isn't the Only Time to Move

Many homeowners assume they must move during the summer.

That simply isn't true.

In fact, moving during the:

Fall

Can sometimes mean:

• Less buyer competition

• More negotiating opportunities

• Serious, motivated buyers

Winter

Often brings:

• Fewer listings

• Less competition

• Highly motivated participants

While spring and summer are traditionally busy, successful moves happen throughout the year.

The right timing depends on your personal situation—not just the season.

Most Moves Take Longer Than Expected

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating how long the process actually takes.

A typical move may involve:

• Preparing the home for sale

• Decluttering

• Completing repairs

• Professional photography

• Listing preparation

• Marketing

• Showings

• Negotiations

• Inspections

• Financing

• Appraisals

• Closing

• Finding a replacement home

From start to finish, the process can easily take several months.

That's why planning ahead is so important.

Why Early Planning Creates More Options

The homeowners who experience the least stress are usually the ones who start planning before they need to move.

Early planning provides:

• More time to prepare the home

• Better pricing decisions

• More financing options

• Greater flexibility

• Less pressure

It also allows families to evaluate different strategies for coordinating the sale of their current home with the purchase of the next one.

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make

Many people wait until a life event is already happening before they begin planning.

At that point:

• Timelines become compressed

• Decisions become emotional

• Options become limited

The better approach is to start planning before the move becomes urgent.

That doesn't mean listing immediately.

It simply means understanding your options early.

So… When Is the Best Time to Move?

The best time to move is not necessarily when:

• Interest rates are lowest

• Inventory is highest

• Prices are peaking

The best time to move is when the move supports your:

• Family goals

• Financial goals

• Career goals

• Lifestyle goals

Real estate markets will continue to change.

Life will continue to happen.

The homeowners who tend to have the smoothest transitions are the ones who begin planning before they actually need to move.

East of the River Market Snapshot – Past Week

Hebron, Andover, Marlborough, Colchester, East Hampton & Portland

Single-Family Homes

• 7 homes sold

• Average sale price: $509,343

• Average sale-to-list ratio: 106%

• Average days on market: 11 days

• Median days on market: 5 days

Condos

• 0 sold

Results vary significantly based on:

• Price point

• Condition

• Presentation

• Pricing strategy

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you're considering moving because of:

• A growing family

• Retirement

• School changes

• A job transition

• Downsizing

The first step is understanding your options.

Call or text 860-452-3153 for a no-pressure conversation about timing, preparation, and what today's market means for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to move?

The best time depends on your goals. Many families prefer summer because school is out, but successful moves happen throughout the year.

Should I wait for lower interest rates before moving?

Not necessarily. Life events often have a bigger impact on moving decisions than short-term interest rate fluctuations.

How long does it typically take to sell and buy a home?

From preparation to closing, the process can easily take several months depending on market conditions and personal circumstances.

Is spring the best time to sell?

Spring is traditionally one of the busiest seasons, but properly priced homes can sell successfully year-round.

How early should I start planning a move?

Ideally several months before you expect to move. Early planning creates more flexibility and reduces stress.

About the Author

Jason Boice is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty serving Hebron, Andover, Marlborough, Colchester, East Hampton, Portland, Tolland, and surrounding Connecticut towns.

Jason specializes in helping homeowners navigate major life transitions, including upsizing, downsizing, relocation, retirement moves, and coordinating the sale and purchase of homes simultaneously.

 Call or Text: 860-452-3153