Timing the Market: Why Most Sellers Get It Wrong (And How to Get It Right)

Written By Reese Porter

Most sellers think timing the market is all about the big stuff—interest rates, the economy, and federal policies. They watch the news, wait for the “perfect” moment, and end up frustrated when things don’t go according to plan.

But here’s the reality: Your life decisions dictate when you sell, not the market. Moving for a new job, needing more space, or downsizing doesn’t wait for interest rates to drop or the economy to boom.

So, how do you make the most of the timing you’re dealt? You focus on what you can control. And that’s where Micro Timing comes in.

Macro Timing vs. Micro Timing

First, let’s clear this up.

Macro Timing is all about the big stuff—interest rates, federal policies, economic ups and downs, and even global events like wars or elections. The problem? You can’t control any of this. And honestly, by the time the news reports on these trends, the market’s usually already adjusted.

On the other hand, Micro Timing is about the small but powerful details. These are things you can control and use to your advantage, like:

  • Day of the Week: Listings that go live on Thursdays get more weekend traffic.

  • Seasonality: Spring is hot, but early Fall often brings serious buyers who need to move before the holidays.

  • Holidays & Long Weekends: Avoid listing before Memorial Day or Labor Day—buyers are distracted.

  • Local Events: If there’s a big community event, leverage that traffic or avoid competing with it.

  • Weather Patterns: A sunny weekend forecast can bring out more buyers for open houses.

Think of it like this: Most people overestimate how much they can take advantage of macro-timing but underestimate how much they can gain from micro-timing.

Why Micro Timing Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be real—interest rates matter, but they don’t make or break your sale. Your buyer’s life decisions drive their need to move, just like yours do. So, the trick isn’t to wait for the perfect economic moment. It’s to sell when it’s right for you and maximize your outcome with strategic micro-timing.

For example:

  • If you need to sell because of a job change, don’t wait for the economy to “get better.” List on a Thursday to capture weekend house hunters.

  • Selling in Fall? Aim for early September to catch buyers before holiday distractions.

  • If you’ve got a flexible timeline, capitalize on local events to increase visibility.

These small, calculated decisions can lead to faster sales and higher offers—without needing a crystal ball to predict the market.

The Bottom Line

Here’s the takeaway: Life decisions determine when you need to sell. Micro timing determines how well you sell. You don’t control the market, but you can absolutely control your strategy.

So, if you’re thinking about selling but unsure about timing, don’t stress over economic headlines. Instead, let’s chat about how to maximize your outcome with smart micro-timing moves.

Reese Porter