Top Reasons You Should NOT Sell Your House Right Now 

Hi, I'm Kati Spaniak, and yes—I’m a real estate agent telling you NOT to sell your home right now. That might sound strange coming from someone in my profession, but I want to be honest with you. Selling your house isn’t always the right move, and today I’m going to break down the top reasons why you should wait.

Every week, I walk into beautiful homes and sit down with wonderful homeowners. Often, after talking through their situations, I end up advising them not to sell. That’s because real estate isn’t just about dollars—it’s about your life, your goals, and your peace of mind.

1. You’re Making an Emotional Decision

If you're facing a major life change—retirement, the loss of a spouse, or becoming an empty nester—your emotions can cloud your judgment. Selling a home is a huge decision, and it should never be rushed. If you’re emotionally overwhelmed, now is probably not the best time to make a move.

Take a step back. Start preparing mentally and financially, but don’t feel pressured to jump into the market just yet.

2. You Don’t Know Where You’re Going

This is one of the biggest issues I see with sellers today. If you haven’t figured out where you're going next, selling your home can leave you feeling stuck—or worse, regretful.

In many markets like the Chicagoland area, there’s simply not enough inventory. People think they want to downsize into a low-maintenance ranch with a basement and a two-car garage—but those homes just aren’t available. Before you make any decisions, research your next move thoroughly.

Start your prep: Download my Seller’s Playbook for a complete guide on preparing your home, hiring the right agent, and timing your move.

3. You Haven’t Run the Numbers

Interest rates are much higher today than they were a few years ago. You may be sitting on a 2-3% interest rate, and if you sell and buy again, you could end up paying more each month for a smaller home.

Also, when you downsize, keep in mind that a first-floor bedroom takes up more square footage than you realize. A 2,000 sq ft ranch with a main-level bedroom can feel a lot smaller than your current two-story home.

So before you list, crunch the numbers—does this move make financial sense?

4. You Don’t Have a Buy-Sell Plan

Buying and selling at the same time is complicated and stressful. Between mortgage qualifications, closing dates, and moving logistics, it can easily spiral into chaos.

If you’re not already working with a trusted lender or agent, now’s the time to start that process—before listing your home.

5. You’re Not Really Motivated

If your mindset is, “We don’t have to sell,” that’s a red flag. Selling a home is a major commitment. It takes time, money, and emotional energy. If you’re just “testing the waters,” you likely won’t make the necessary preparations, and you may end up frustrated.

My advice? If you don’t have to sell, don’t.

When It Might Make Sense to Sell

Now, there are some good reasons to sell your home:

• Your home is too large to manage

• You can’t keep up with maintenance

• You want to be closer to grandkids or family

• You’re ready for a simpler lifestyle

• The current market is in your favor and you know exactly where you’re going

But even then—start by preparing early. Think 6 to 12 months in advance. This way, you can make informed decisions and maximize your equity.

Work With the Right Agent

The truth is, many agents won’t tell you this. They’ll pressure you to sell, even when it’s not the right time, because they need the commission.

That’s not how I work. I’ve referred out over 1,100 sellers last year alone—many of whom needed honest advice, not a sales pitch.

When interviewing agents, make sure they’ve sold at least 150 homes in the last five years. Ask them how many listings they’ve handled personally—not what their brokerage has done. Experience matters.

Ready to talk to an honest, experienced agent? Click here to find one now.

Selling your home should never be rushed or done just because the market looks hot. Ask yourself:

• Will your quality of life improve?

• Do you have a clear plan?

• Have you done your financial homework?

• Are you truly ready for the transition?

If the answer is no, hit pause. Start preparing, do your research, and when the time is right—you’ll know.

If you need help walking through your situation, reach out. I’m here to help you make the right decision, even if that means staying put.