Is 2026 the Right Year to Move?

How Midwest Homeowners Are Thinking About Timing

January is when most Midwest homeowners pause—not to rush, but to get clear.

At Noll Team Real Estate, we’re starting 2026 with thoughtful conversations from people asking a simple question:
“Is this the year we make a move—or do we stay put?”

There’s no one size fits all answer, but there are clear patterns among homeowners who feel confident in their decisions.

Midwest Timing Is About Life, Not Headlines

In the Midwest, real estate decisions are rarely driven by hype. They’re shaped by:

  • Family and career changes

  • Lifestyle needs

  • Space, functionality, and location

  • Long-term financial planning

The most confident moves happen when housing aligns with life, not when someone tries to time the market perfectly.

What We’re Seeing as 2026 Begins

Planning has replaced pressure.
Homeowners are starting conversations earlier and asking smarter questions:

  • What options do we have?

  • What would preparation look like?

  • What does a move-up actually cost?

Equity is creating flexibility.
Many homeowners have more equity than they realize, opening doors to upgrading, downsizing, or simply having choices.

Lifestyle fit matters more than ever.
Buyers are prioritizing how a home functions—workspaces, outdoor living, privacy, and layouts—over just square footage or trends.

A Better Question to Ask This Year

Instead of asking:
“Is 2026 the right year to move?”

Ask:
“What clarity would help us make a confident decision—now or later?”

Clarity might mean understanding your home’s value, exploring options, or knowing what preparation would involve, even if you don’t plan to move soon.

Why January Is the Right Time to Talk

January offers space to think without pressure. There’s less noise, more time to plan, and freedom to explore options calmly, whether a move happens this year or not.

Our Role: Advisor First

At Noll Team Real Estate, our role isn’t to push timelines. It’s to help homeowners understand their options so they can make decisions that feel steady and informed. Sometimes that leads to a move. Sometimes it leads to confidence staying put. Both are wins.

Thinking About 2026?

If a move has crossed your mind—even quietly—we’re always happy to talk. No pressure. Just clarity.

Lindsay Noll