6 Things to Consider when Deciding to Sell your Property

by Mateusz Kuczera, Ing. MBA, R.E.Bkr.

Published August 28, 2025

Oh wow, the real estate market is blazing. I mean, we’re talking surface-of-the-sun hot. Hotter than a weather network meltdown alert. Hotter than the latest red-carpet disaster. Because obviously, I’m totally up to date on who’s hot in pop culture right now. You know the market is this hot now because ChatGPT told you. And Chat’s always right.

You're about to rake in serious cash. I mean, just look at your spectacular eight-hundred square foot palace in exotic Anjou, crafted with architectural genius back in 1987. And those condo fees? So low, it’s basically charity. Sure, the roof “sometimes” leaks—whatever that means—but it only affects people above you. So, really, it’s a them problem. And it’s not like anyone actually inspects buildings before buying. Don’t even worry about it. You’re practically a millionaire already.

Now, about those taxes. You might have to pay them… eventually. But who even does that anymore? It’s been what, three months? That’s nothing. And those interest charges? Adorable. It's just your bonus fourth credit card now. Cities are just out here handing out invisible money and hoping for the best. You’re basically hacking the system.

Time to do your photoshoot! Bust out that cutting-edge iPhone 8—it’s vintage now, which makes it classy. Don’t even stress about the toilet paper trail in the bathroom or the mystery hair pile in the sink. No one sees that. Ever. Lighting? Angles? Decluttering? Please. HGTV is a suggestion, not a rulebook.

Oh, and your beanie babies? YES. That’s the vibe. Definitely photograph the whole shrine. Buyers love personality. They want to feel like they’re stepping directly into someone else’s nostalgic childhood fever dream. That pink room with the rainbow of collectibles? That’s the crown jewel.

Cleaning windows? What are you, a professional stager? Repainting those chaotic walls that scream “mid-2000s identity crisis”? No thanks. And the front door that only opens with the sacred key ritual passed down through generations? That’s called character. Buyers eat that up. You are 100% ready.

Now let’s talk price. Your neighbor sold for five hundred last year, so obviously yours is worth way more. Like, let’s not even pretend otherwise. Six hundred, minimum. Honestly, six-fifty feels modest. You should probably be on “Selling Sunset” at this point.

This is it. You’re about to sell in twelve hours, buy a castle with a moat, and live the dream. Champagne’s chilling already, right?

Deciding to sell your property depends on several different personal factors. The list below is not exhaustive but provides the most important criteria when deciding to sell.

1. Personal Circumstances

Did you just get a new job? Is your second child on the way? You want your parents to live much closer to you? Are the mortgage payments too high? A significant change in your personal living situation may trigger either the need to sell, or the need to buy something new. While you might be able to keep your current property, rent it, and buy a new one, deciding whether to sell or keep it will be heavily influenced by your life circumstances.

2. Emotional readiness

There is also the attachment factor. If you have made several life-changing memories in your current house, it might be a little more difficult to let go. If it is too difficult to let go, maybe you should wait before selling. An emotional attachment that is too strong may influence your perception of the value of your house and might prevent you from reaching a compromise when negotiating with a potential buyer. While emotional attachment is normal, it can really hinder the sale of your house.

3. Market

Considering the market conditions in the sale of your property is also quite important. It will influence the pricing and marketing strategy but will also indicate how long you might need to wait before your house sells.

In the real estate sector, especially for residential properties, one way in which realtors qualify the market is whether it is balanced, a buyer’s market or a seller’s market. The market qualification relies on a simple calculation called the Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR). An SNLR of 40% or lower indicates a buyer’s market, and 60% indicates a seller’s market. Anything between those two numbers would be considered balanced.

Selling in a seller’s market brings important benefits to a seller. Because the supply is somewhat low and demand high, buyers are competing for houses. This might bring additional offers and will drive prices up. On the contrary, a buyer’s market will do the opposite. There will be a lot of supply and less demand, generating less visits and offers and potentially lower prices.

Another key indicator is Months of Inventory (MOI). An MOI of 6 months or more indicates a buyer’s market (high supply), and an MOI of 4 months or less indicates a seller’s market (low supply). Using both indicators together can provide valuable information about your decision to sell.

4. Financial Implications

The financial aspect of the decision is obviously extremely important. The price at which your house will sell, the profit you will make, the fiscal implications, and the mortgage penalties you might pay are all factors that need to be considered. Generally, if you are selling a house you have lived in since you purchased it will be exempt of taxes. It is however very important to verify with your accountant or fiscalist that this is the case. Rental properties almost always sell with fiscal (tax) implications.

Knowing what your property is worth is usually difficult if you are trying to sell alone. It is always better to reach out to a realtor or a certified valuator to get a good understanding of the property value. The professional of your choice can prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which will give you an important data point for your decision making.

5. Condition of your Property

A factor often ignored is the physical condition of your house. Are the walls blue and orange? Is the yard maintained? Are there cracks in the foundations? Was the roof redone forty years ago? All those factors, and many more, may influence the price of your property and your ability to sell it. Renovating a few specific things, or simply repainting in a more neutral color, may help you sell your property at the price you are looking for. And if you’re not sure about it, reach out to an experienced realtor or interior designer. They will be able to guide your efforts.

6. Local Trends

While a slightly less important factor, knowing what is going on in your neighborhood may help guide your decision. If a new school is being built and the lack of schools is your main reason for moving, it might make you keep your property. If on the other hand your town is getting a brand-new international airport, you might want to get out of there and let someone with a higher appreciation of jet engine noises move in.

Takeaway

To be able to decide whether to sell your property or not, one of these factors may weigh more heavily. It is, however, important to consider your personal circumstances, your emotional readiness, the market, the financial implications, the condition of your property and local trends. If you are still unsure or need guidance with any of those factors, feel free to reach out to me and it will be my pleasure to discuss during a free consultation, which includes a free house valuation.