Home Values & Timing the Market: What Sellers & Buyers Need to Know in 2026

Home Values & Timing the Market: What Sellers & Buyers Need to Know in 2026

The question never goes away: What is my home worth, and when is the right time to sell? Everyone wants an edge—buyers and sellers alike—and I don’t blame anyone for trying. But here’s the reality I’ve learned after more than 20 years as a real estate agent in the south metro (Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, and beyond): I can give you a clear, data-driven answer on home value, but timing the market perfectly? That’s impossible. Why Timing the Real Estate Market Is So Hard It’s no different from trying to time the stock market. Too many unpredictable factors are in play: interest rates, inventory levels, economic shifts, buyer psychology, seasonal trends, and even local events. No one has a crystal ball. What we do have is reliable data to make the smartest possible decision right now. How I Determine Your Home’s Value (The Part I Can Answer)Every time I work with a seller or buyer, I pull together a current market snapshot:

Recent sold comps — Homes like yours that sold in the last 90–180 days.
Pending homes — Properties under contract that reflect current buyer demand.
Active listings — Your direct competition right now.
Coming soon — Homes about to hit the market.

I combine all of this into a realistic range of value—not a single number, because markets move. This range is typically accurate for 90 days in a stable market; in fast-moving conditions, it can shift sooner. This isn’t guesswork—it’s the clearest picture of what your home is worth today in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or wherever you’re located. The Tricky Part: Timing the Market You can’t know exactly when the peak or bottom will hit. But you can assess the current conditions and make an informed move:

Spring market in Minnesota is traditionally the busiest—more buyers, more showings, more offers. But the exact start varies every year.
- I’ve seen it kick off as early as January 2.
- I’ve seen it delay until mid-May.
Waiting for “perfect” timing can backfire. If you pass on a home you love because you’re holding out for more inventory, there’s no guarantee 10 similar homes will appear later.

Everything is a risk. The goal is to calculate and minimize that risk by gathering the right data and acting decisively when conditions align with your needs. How to Decide: The Practical Approach

Get your current home value (I’ll run the numbers for free—no obligation).
Evaluate your next purchase target (affordability, location, features).
Look at today’s market: low inventory + strong buyer demand = seller’s advantage; high inventory + cooling rates = buyer’s opportunity.
Decide your timeline: Are you in a hurry (job transfer, life event)? Or do you have flexibility to wait for the best window?

The more information you have, the clearer the path forward. If you’re wondering about home values in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or the south metro—or whether 2026 is your time to sell or buy—reach out. As a real estate agent in Lakeville MN with over 20 years helping clients time the market and maximize outcomes, I’ll give you honest, data-driven insight and a plan that fits your goals.

Curious about your home’s current value or the best time to move in 2026? Text or call me today, Tom Sommers with Coldwell Banker Realty, for a free, no-obligation market analysis. Let’s make your next step the right one.