The right move comes down to pace, available choices, and how closely recent sales tracked asking price.
If you are trying to decide whether it is worth shopping now or better to hold off, I would focus on selection and pricing discipline instead of waiting for perfect conditions. In Pontiac, MI, there were 107 active listings recently, and recent offers closed at 97.8% of asking, so there are choices on the market but not much room for sloppy decision-making.
A typical sold home in Pontiac, MI closed at $139,900 over the previous 30 days, and a typical sale took 44 days. Supply stood at 2.43 months, which kept the market in seller territory. That tells me you can buy here, but you need to stay realistic on value and move with purpose when a property actually fits.
The selection is there, but it is uneven. Recent active listings carried a typical asking price of $145,000, while new listings came on at a typical asking price of $160,000, and 61 new properties hit the market over the same period. My advice is to treat Pontiac, MI like a market where comparison matters more than speed alone. A house that looks attractive at first glance still has to make sense against recent closings, especially when sold prices are coming in just under asking rather than far above it.
Set your price ceiling before you tour. Compare every target home to the recent typical sold price, not just the seller's asking number. Keep your search tight and your paperwork ready so you can act when the right fit shows up. If you need to sell before you buy, I would line up that timing first so your next move stays practical.
