September has arrived. The kids are back in school, summer vacations are wrapping up, and suddenly the end of the year does not feel very far away.
If moving has been on your mind, you might be thinking you have already missed your opportunity for 2026.
But have you?
There is still time between now and the holidays, and depending on your situation, you could potentially buy or sell a home and be settled into your new place before the end of the year.
The key is knowing what needs to happen and getting started now.
September Is Not Too Late to Make a Move
Spring gets most of the attention in real estate, but people buy and sell homes throughout the year.
Jobs change. Families grow. Empty nesters decide it is time to downsize. First time buyers become ready. Sometimes you simply realize your current home is no longer the right fit.
Those decisions do not always happen according to the traditional spring real estate calendar.
If you would like to make a move before the holidays or the end of the year, September is a good time to explore whether that goal is realistic.
If You Are Buying, Start With the Numbers
Before spending your weekend touring homes, your first step should be understanding what you can comfortably afford.
Talk with a trusted lender about financing, your potential monthly payment, estimated closing costs, and what you may need for a down payment.
A preapproval can also put you in a much better position when the right property comes along.
Once you understand the numbers, you can focus your home search on properties that actually fit your budget and goals.
If You Are Selling, Preparation Does Not Have to Take Months
One reason homeowners delay selling is because they assume their home needs weeks or months of work before it can go on the market.
That is not always the case.
You may need less preparation than you think.
Start by walking through your home with your real estate agent. Together, you can identify which projects are worth tackling and which ones probably will not make enough difference to justify the time or expense.
Decluttering, cleaning, completing a few minor repairs, and improving curb appeal can sometimes make a significant difference without turning your house into a construction zone.
What If You Need to Sell Before You Buy?
This is where having a plan becomes especially important.
Many homeowners are not simply buying or selling. They need to do both.
Questions quickly start piling up:
Should you sell first?
Can you buy before selling?
How much equity do you have available?
Where will you live if the timing does not line up perfectly?
There is no single answer that works for everyone. Your finances, local market conditions, available inventory, and comfort with risk all matter.
Working through those scenarios before putting a sign in the yard can make the entire process much easier.
There Can Be Advantages to a Fall Move
The fall market can feel different from the busy spring season.
Some buyers and sellers who remain active later in the year have specific reasons for moving and may be working toward a particular timeline.
That does not automatically mean less competition or better deals. Real estate conditions can vary dramatically by town, neighborhood, price range, and even property type.
It does mean you should not assume you missed your opportunity simply because spring is over.
Don’t Let the Holidays Make the Decision for You
The idea of moving during the holiday season may sound intimidating.
Nobody dreams of packing dishes while simultaneously trying to figure out where the Thanksgiving roasting pan went.
But if moving would put you in a better home, better location, or better financial position, waiting several more months simply because of the calendar may not be necessary.
The better question is whether moving now makes sense for you.
Start With a Simple Plan
You do not have to decide today that you are definitely moving.
Start by gathering information.
Find out what your current home may be worth. Understand how much equity you have. Talk with a lender about your buying power. Look at what homes are available in the communities where you would like to live.
Once you have those answers, you can decide whether moving before the holidays is realistic or whether waiting makes more sense.
Could You Be Home for the Holidays?
Possibly.
Every transaction and timeline is different, but September is certainly not too late to start the conversation.
If you have been thinking about buying, selling, or doing both before the end of the year, reach out. I would be happy to help you understand the local market, explore your options, and create a realistic plan based on your goals.
Even if the answer is ultimately to wait, you will head into the new year knowing exactly what your next move should be.
If you would like to discuss strategy, please contact me anytime!
| DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP |
| REALTOR®, CRS, SRES |
| m: 617-285-7300 t: 781-860-7300 e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com |
| 1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421
|
