Not Moving Yet? How Smart 2026 Buyers & Sellers Are Preparing Early

For many homeowners and buyers, the idea of a move starts quietly...
It might show up as a conversation over dinner, a feeling that your space no longer fits the way you live, or a passing thought like, “Maybe next year.”

If you are thinking about a move in 2026, even loosely, you are not alone. And while it may feel early, this is often the most valuable time to start planning.

Planning Is Not the Same as Committing

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that talking to a real estate agent means you are ready to list or buy right away. In reality, planning is simply about gathering information so you can make confident decisions when the time is right.

Early planning can include:

• Understanding your current home’s value and equity
• Talking through ideal timing scenarios
• Exploring neighborhoods, price ranges, or downsizing options
• Identifying steps that could improve your position before a move

There is no obligation. Just clarity.

Why Waiting Often Creates More Stress

When people wait until they “have to” move, decisions tend to feel rushed. That is when timelines get tight, emotions run high, and options feel limited.

Starting earlier allows you to:

• Move on your timeline, not the market’s
• Make strategic updates instead of last-minute fixes
• Coordinate a sale and purchase more smoothly
• Avoid pressure-driven decisions

In our experience, the most successful moves are rarely last-minute ones.

Three Questions Worth Thinking About Now

If 2026 is even a possibility, these questions are a helpful place to start:

1. Does your current home still support your lifestyle?
2. If you moved, what would you want to be different?
3. Would selling first or buying first feel more comfortable for you?

You do not need all the answers today. You just need a starting point.

What Early Conversations Actually Look Like

When clients reach out early, the focus is usually on strategy, not sales.

We talk through:

• Market conditions and how they affect your specific situation
• Multiple timing scenarios and their pros and cons
• How to prepare financially and emotionally for a move
• Whether staying put longer might make sense

Sometimes the outcome is a clear plan. Other times, it is simply peace of mind knowing your options. Both are wins!

Looking Ahead With Confidence

Real estate decisions are big ones, and they deserve time and thoughtful guidance. If you are considering a move in 2026, now is a smart time to start the conversation. Whether that means running numbers, exploring possibilities, or simply asking questions, our team is here to help you think it through.

If your plans take you beyond Connecticut, we are happy to connect you with a trusted agent through our worldwide referral network! When the time comes to make a move, you will be glad you gave yourself the gift of preparation.