To List or Not to List: How to Decide if It’s Time to Sell Your San Jose Home

So… you’ve been thinking about selling your home.

You catch yourself browsing Zillow at midnight. You’ve mentally moved your couch into that one dreamy living room you saw online. Maybe you’ve even asked a friend, “What do you think my place is worth right now?”

But then the questions flood in:
Where would I go? Would I get a good price? What if I sell too soon—or too late?

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. There’s a huge group of homeowners right now who are thinking about selling, but stuck in the limbo between “maybe” and “let’s do it.”

This post is for you—the curious, the cautious, and the quietly calculating. Let’s walk through what to consider when you’re not sure if now is the right time to list.

Start with Your Why

Before you get caught up in interest rates, buyer trends, and market forecasts, take a breath and ask yourself:
Why are you thinking about selling?

  • Is it to upsize, downsize, or relocate?

  • Is your home starting to feel too big, too small, or just not right anymore?

  • Is there an opportunity in the market (or your life) that makes you wonder if now is the moment to move?

Understanding your why brings clarity. When you're connected to the bigger picture, it’s easier to make decisions that align with your life—not just the market headlines.

What’s Happening in the Market Right Now?

Let’s talk 2025.

We’re in a “selective market.” Homes that are well-prepped, well-priced, and in solid locations? Still selling fast and strong. But buyers are more discerning now. They’re not throwing money at every listing.

That means strategy matters more than ever. You can’t just slap a “for sale” sign in the yard and expect a bidding war.

But here's the upside:
Inventory is still relatively low in many areas. And if your home fills a need—like a move-in ready home in a great school district, or something turnkey near major employers—you could attract strong offers.

Pro Insight: We’re seeing a growing group of buyers who sat out during the frenzy and are now re-entering the market with solid financing and long-term goals. They’re serious—and they’re looking for homes like yours.

What Are Your Options If You’re Not Ready to List Yet?

You don’t have to rush. But you can prepare behind the scenes so when the time is right, you're ready to move quickly and confidently.

Here’s how:

1. Get a Home Value Check-In

Not a Zestimate. A real, data-backed analysis from a local ag who knows your neighborhood and current buyer behavior. This gives you a realistic sense of what your home could sell for today—and what might change in 3–6 months.

2. Do a Mini Home Audit

Walk through your house like a buyer. What needs refreshing? What projects have been sitting undone? A little prep now can save you time and stress later.

  • Fresh paint

  • Decluttering

  • Curb appeal touch-ups

  • Minor fixes (leaky faucet, squeaky door, burnt-out bulbs)

3. Explore Renting or Refinancing

Not quite ready to sell, but your current home isn’t working for you? Renting it out could generate income while you make your next move. Or maybe a refinance could free up cash for upgrades or debt consolidation.

This is where talking to a lender and a realtor at the same time is a power move.

The Emotional Side: Don’t Ignore It

Selling isn’t just a financial decision—it’s an emotional one. Your home holds memories, routines, and comfort. It’s okay to feel hesitant. But also ask yourself:

  • Is this home still serving you?

  • Are you holding onto it out of comfort, or because it still aligns with your lifestyle?

  • Would change be freeing, exciting, or necessary?

Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t letting go—it’s realizing you’ve already outgrown it.

How to Know You’re Ready

You might be ready to list if:

  • You’ve already been mentally moved out for a while

  • You’re financially and logistically prepared to move

  • You’ve found where you want to go next (or at least have a solid game plan)

  • Your current home is costing more than it’s giving back—financially, emotionally, or physically

Still unsure? That’s okay. It’s not a light switch—it’s a process.

Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Decide Alone

If you’re on the fence, here’s what I want you to know: There’s value in exploring, even if you don’t take action right away. You can get clarity, run numbers, and make a game plan—all before committing to a timeline.

If you’re even thinking about selling in the next year, let’s chat.
No pressure. No pushiness. Just honest insight, market context, and a custom plan that fits your life.

Because whether you’re one conversation away from listing—or just beginning to explore—your next move deserves to be thoughtful, supported, and aligned with what really matters to you.

Stephen Husted