The Questions I Get Asked the Most at the End of the Year

As the year winds down, I start hearing the same questions over and over. It makes sense — the end of the year naturally gets people thinking about what’s next. New goals, new plans, and for a lot of people, a possible move.

Here are some of the questions I get asked the most this time of year, and how I usually answer them.

“Should I wait until after the New Year to buy?”

This is probably the most common one.

A lot of people assume January is the “right” time to start looking, but waiting isn’t always the advantage people think it is. End-of-year buyers often deal with less competition, more motivated sellers, and a little more room to be diligent instead of rushed.

January usually brings more buyers back into the market, which can mean more competition right out of the gate.

“Is now a bad time to sell?”

Not necessarily.

Sellers who list at the end of the year often get more serious buyers. People who are looking around the holidays usually need to move or are actively planning for the new year — they’re not just browsing for fun.

Less inventory also means less competition from other sellers, which can help your home stand out more than it might in the spring.

“Do you think prices or rates will come down next year?”

This is the million-dollar question.

The honest answer is no one knows for sure. Rates and prices move based on a lot of factors that are outside of any one person’s control. What is controllable is your plan — your budget, your timing, and your goals.

Trying to time the market perfectly usually causes more stress than results. Having a strategy matters a lot more.

“Should I rent for another year instead?”

For some people, renting does make sense. For others, it’s just a way to stay stuck while waiting for conditions to feel “perfect.”

The better question is: What are you trying to accomplish over the next few years? Stability, flexibility, investment, space for family — those answers matter more than whether renting or buying is “better” in general.

Plus, if you are worried about saving up enough money, there are programs out there like a USDA loan that can get you into a home with 0% down. 

“What should I be doing right now if I want to move next year?”

This is my favorite question, because it means someone is thinking ahead.

Right now is a great time to:

• Check your credit and finances
• Get a realistic idea of what you can afford (Have a quick, 10 minute conversation with a lender)
• Learn what your current home might be worth (Get a freee estimate here)
• Talk through different scenarios without pressure

You don’t have to make a move today — but being prepared puts you in a much better position when the time feels right.

Final Thoughts

The end of the year isn’t about rushing into decisions. It’s about getting clarity.

If buying or selling is something you’re even thinking about for next year, now is a great time to ask questions, gather information, and build a plan — without the chaos that usually comes with the spring market.

If you’ve got questions, chances are you’re not the only one asking them. And I’m always happy to talk things through.

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