How many times have you made a calculation based on logic and found that to be at odds with the result you were looking for? We have all made bets on the future based on hearsay and “pundits”, only to find that the result of that wager turned out to be a disaster. You can find ‘experts’ 24/7 who make predictions only to make excuses when looking back at their failed prediction. The stock market is a great example of ‘experts’ creating stories based on facts and then coming up short when results counter acts their convincing prognostication.

We as a species often base our decisions on fear rather than our real-life experiences. We have that ‘gut’ feeling that often warns us of distorting what is real verses what we are told. We look for corroboration of our tendencies rather than information that may be antithetical to those fear-based emotions.

You have heard about left brain verses right brain. The left brain is analytical and logical while the right brain is creative, emotional, and special. Our life experience will trigger one side or the other based on who we are. This concept of brain thinking styles can determine how we make our decisions and react to information.

I often meet with would-be sellers who share their most sensitive information with me as to why or why not they will decide to move to another lifestyle. In many cases, the decision-making process is tainted by these inner fears of what could go wrong rather than what would truly be their interest. I understand and empathize with everyone I meet as I have learned that what is initially said to me may be far from what lies beneath the initial reasoning told to me in our meeting. Buried deep within this reasoning may be that fear of change. Fear of the unknown. Fear of uncertainty. That is how we are wired, as in our development as humans we faced true adversity in our environment, such as being eaten by a lion!

Our fears and our individual brain play a crucial role in our decision to move or to remain in our homes. I believe Covid played a huge role in our decision-making process. Many I talk to tell me that they had plans to move prior to Covid, but after isolation and the uncertainty of the pandemic they decided to stay put. That reluctance to move has now become a sort of safe zone keeping them in their cocoon of familiarity.

Whether our reactions to new information is left brain (analytical and logical) or right brain (emotional, creative, special), the end result should always be what is best for who we are today. Not based on that tape we play over and over in our minds which may have worked in the past but now a hindrance to a better lifestyle for who we are today.

So how do our thinking processes relate to trying to time the decisions we make? Do we listen to facts or do we trust others to decide for us. Do we look for those pundits who make a living off of our fears or do we search for those professionals who are in real time in regard to services we truly need? When we hear from friends and family their take on what is going on in the real estate market, it is almost the opposite of what is actually happening in real time. We hear real estate sales are way down, and most I talk to have equated low sales count to low prices. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Sales are down to historic levels, but that is because would-be sellers have decided to stay in their homes for the reasons stated above. This has also created another issue; how can you sell your home when there are so few properties for sale to purchase.

I believe 2023 will be the year of change for those who have put off moving. Time is a constant and we are all aging in place in real time. Our physical and mental needs are changing and what has worked in the past may no longer be a possibility for the future. We can try to time the real estate market to sell high and buy low but think about it. If your home price falls, so does the condo or home you choose to purchase. Therefore, trying to time the market is irrelevant. If you are thinking of moving to a senior community, then selling now makes great sense because we are at the peak of the real estate market. We know interest rates are cutting into buyer’s purchasing power. Every time the interest rises, buyers must lower their price point when looking for their new home. So, eventually prices will fall, probably in 2023. As inventory rises, more homeowners will decide to move as options will become available. The price of your home will probably decrease but so will the home you will purchase. If you are choosing a senior community, then selling at the peak would be in your best interest.

I want to take a moment to thank all of my readers for taking the time to read the many articles I have written over the last 12 years. I will continue to bring you the facts and information you may need before making your real estate decisions in the future. If I have helped even one of you, I have changed the world for the better! I want to wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy new year. Don’t hesitate to email me or call me regarding any question you may have about the ever-changing real estate market! I am a great listener and enjoy the many people I have met over the years who have helped me to become the person I am today. Thank you for that gift.