By Juliana Driscoll, REALTOR® – Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty Inc., Brokerage

January always brings a lot of quiet thinking.

The holidays are over, routines are settling back in, and for many people, thoughts about home start creeping in — Are we in the right place? Do we need more space? Could we afford something different? Should we stay put for now?

If you’ve already been thinking about affordability or exploring different neighbourhoods in North Bay & the surrounding area, the next question is usually the hardest one to answer:

Should we actually make a move in 2026… or is this a year to prepare and wait?

There’s no universal right answer. But there are some helpful ways to think it through without pressure or panic.

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First, a reminder: January is for clarity, not rushing

Despite what you might hear online, January is not about making fast real estate decisions.

It’s about:

• Getting honest about your finances
• Thinking through lifestyle changes
• Understanding your options
• Deciding what feels sustainable, not just possible

Some of the smartest buyers and sellers I work with spend months in this “thinking stage” — and that’s not wasted time. That’s preparation.

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Signs 2026 might be a good year for you to buy or sell

You don’t need everything to be perfect, but these are signs you’re likely in a stable position:

• Your income feels predictable enough to plan around
• You’ve run the numbers and feel comfortable (not stretched)
• Your current home no longer fits your lifestyle — space, location, or upkeep
• You’ve been watching listings casually and noticing patterns
• You’re thinking in terms of years, not quick wins

For sellers, this might look like:

• Feeling ready to downsize or upsize
• Wanting less maintenance or a different layout
• Planning ahead instead of reacting later

If your motivation is tied to real life — not just headlines — that’s usually a good sign.

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Signs waiting could be the smarter move

Waiting isn’t failure. In many cases, it’s strategy.

You may want to pause if:

• Your income or job situation feels uncertain
• You’re expecting a big life change (new job, new baby, separation, relocation)
• You’re still unsure where you’d want to live
• You’d be relying on “everything going right” financially

There’s nothing wrong with spending 2026 getting more organized, saving more, or simply learning the market without pressure to act.

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Three valid paths in 2026

Most people fall into one of these categories:

1. Ready to Buy or Sell

You’ve done the homework and feel confident moving forward.

2. Prepare & Watch

You’re not acting yet, but you’re:

• Improving credit
• Saving
• Watching neighbourhoods
• Learning what you like (and don’t)

3. Stay Put — Intentionally

You’re choosing stability for now, and that decision feels calm, not stressful.

All three are reasonable. The key is choosing deliberately instead of reacting emotionally.

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A North Bay reality check

In North Bay, the market often rewards people who plan ahead quietly.

Winter tends to be a thinking season, not a bidding-war season. Spring brings more listings and more competition. Some buyers do better by being ready early. Some sellers benefit from preparing well in advance instead of rushing.

The advantage usually goes to the people who understand their numbers, their neighbourhood preferences, and their timeline — not the ones chasing trends.

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If you’re unsure, that’s actually a good place to be

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m not ready yet, but I’m curious,” you’re doing it right.

You don’t need to decide today.
You don’t need to commit.
You don’t need to rush.

You just need information, clarity, and a plan that fits your life.

If you want to talk things through — numbers, neighbourhoods, timelines, or even just what to watch this year — I’m always happy to have that conversation, no pressure attached.

Sometimes the smartest move in real estate is knowing when not to move quite yet.