Don’t Move in 2026 Until You’ve Done These Three Things First

If 2026 is even remotely on your radar for buying or selling a home, I’m going to stop you right here- with love.

Before you scroll Zillow.
Before you call a lender.
Before you mentally redecorate someone else’s kitchen…

There are three critical things you should do first.
Skipping them can cost you time, money, leverage, and peace of mind.

Doing them? That’s how you move like a pro.

1. Get Clear on Your Why Not Just Your Wish List

Most people start with what they want:

• More space

• Less maintenance

• Better schools

• Waterfront views

• A fresh start

But the most successful moves start with why.

Ask yourself:

• What’s not working in my current home anymore?

• What do I want my life to feel like next year?

• Is this move about space, lifestyle, finances, or a new chapter?

In 2026, the market will reward intentional buyers and sellers. When your why is clear, every decision- from pricing to timing to negotiation- gets easier and more strategic.

✨ Pro tip: Your why often changes the type of home you should buy or how you should sell.

2. Know Your Numbers (Before the Market Tells Them to You)

This is the step most people delay (and regret).

Before moving in 2026, you should understand:

• What your current home is really worth (not an online estimate)

• What you’ll likely net after selling

• Your realistic buying power in today’s rate environment

• How timing impacts your bottom line

The market in 2026 will favor people who plan ahead, not react.

Whether you’re buying first, selling first, or trying to do both seamlessly, knowing your numbers early gives you:

• Confidence

• Leverage

• Better negotiating power

• Fewer surprises

This isn’t about pressure- it’s about preparation.

3. Build a Strategy, Not a Guess

Here’s the truth:
The days of “just putting it on the market” are over.

In 2026, strategy will matter more than ever.

That means:

• Choosing the right timing (not just spring vs. fall)

• Knowing which updates are worth doing—and which aren’t

• Pricing based on buyer psychology, not emotion

• Understanding how to position your home against competition

• Having a Plan A, B, and C

Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, right-sizing, relocating, or making a comeback move- your strategy should be custom to you.

And this is where having a true advisor (not just an agent) changes everything.

The Bottom Line

If 2026 is your year to move, the smartest thing you can do is start the conversation now.

Not to list tomorrow.
Not to buy impulsively.
But to create clarity, confidence, and a plan that works for your life.

The best moves don’t happen by accident.
They happen by design.

Thinking about a move in 2026? Let’s talk- no pressure, just strategy.

I help clients plan months (sometimes a year) in advance so when it’s time to move, everything feels aligned, calm, and intentional.

📲 Call or text me: 443-623-7887
💌 Email: [email protected]
🌎 Engel & Völkers Annapolis

Luxury Real Estate. Elevated Experience.
Because you deserve Moore.