Is This the Year You Buy or Sell? The Right Questions to Ask Before Deciding

Written by Gillian Gooch • January 15, 2026

At the start of every year, I hear the same question: “Do you think this is the year I should buy or sell?”

The honest answer is that the calendar alone doesn’t decide that. The right questions do.

Before focusing on rates, prices, or market headlines, it’s important to look inward. What has changed in your life? What feels stable — and what feels stretched?

One thing I share often is that uncertainty doesn’t mean you’re unprepared. It usually means you care about making the right decision. That pause — that moment of questioning — is where wisdom often begins.

Real estate decisions work best when they’re rooted in readiness, not pressure. That readiness might be financial, emotional, or practical. Sometimes it’s all three.

Selling makes sense when it aligns with your goals, not when fear pushes you. Buying makes sense when it fits your lifestyle, not when comparison creeps in.

Faith gives us permission to pause and reflect instead of rushing to keep up. Wisdom often shows up quietly when we take the time to listen.

If you’re unsure whether this is your year, that doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re being thoughtful — and that’s a strong place to start.

In faith and service,
Gillian Gooch, Realtor®
Gillian Gooch Properties.