“Is now a good time?” is one of the most common questions in real estate—and for good reason.

With market trends always in flux, it’s natural to wonder whether you should make a move now or wait. The answer? It depends. While the housing market does matter, the right time to buy or sell often has more to do with your personal situation than it does with interest rates or home prices.

Signs to buy

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make, which can make it easy to second-guess when to dive in. Maybe you want to hold off and see if rates come down or if more houses go up for sale. Ultimately, though, the most important factor to consider is your own readiness. Here are a few indicators that now might be the right time to pull the trigger.

You’re financially prepared
If you have a steady income, a solid credit score, and enough savings for a down payment and closing costs, you’re in a strong position. Lenders may offer you better loan terms—including a lower interest rate than the current average—and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you are buying within your means.

You’re ready to settle in
Generally, buying makes more sense than renting if you expect to be in the home for five years or more. That gives you time to build equity and ride out market shifts—plus, you’ll avoid moving costs again anytime soon. All this could help you save more and enable you to move into a different home, city, or state in the future should you wish.

Rent is rising in your area
Should you find that rental prices keep going up near you, locking in a fixed-rate mortgage can give you financial stability. Instead of worrying about rent increases or changes in your agreement, you’ll have predictable monthly payments and a long-term investment.

Signs to sell

Similarly, selling your home is a personal decision that will depend on a variety of factors, including the market. But rather than wait for it to improve, consider the following to help determine whether you should move forward anyway.

You’ve built equity
As home values rise and you continue to pay down your mortgage, you build equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. If this number has grown enough, you’ll likely be able to sell for a profit. You can then use those funds as you like, such as by putting them toward the purchase of your next home.

Your needs have changed
Perhaps you need more space for a growing family or less space now that the kids are out of the house. You could also be wanting to live closer to work or start fresh in a new neighborhood. Whatever the case, shifts in priorities like these are often an indication that selling is the right step to improve your lifestyle, even if the market isn’t perfect.

There’s low inventory in your area
When fewer homes are for sale, buyers have fewer options, which can work in your favor. A well-priced listing in a competitive environment may attract multiple strong offers and sell quickly.

Watch the market—but don’t wait forever

It’s easy to get caught up in trying to “time the market,” but the truth is, even experts can’t predict exactly what will happen next. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, focus on what you can control by:

• Knowing your numbers: Get preapproved for a mortgage if you’re buying, giving you a solid idea of your budget. Likewise, have your home evaluated by a real estate agent to estimate a good price if you’re selling.
• Talking to a local expert: What’s happening nationally may not reflect what’s happening in your neighborhood, and a knowledgeable agent can help you interpret trends and make smart decisions.

The housing market is always shifting, but the best time to make a move isn’t just about interest rate or price trends—it’s about your life, your goals, and your timeline. When you’re prepared financially and working with the right professionals, you can feel confident buying or selling no matter what the headlines say.