A better move starts when you know how quickly current homes are actually being claimed.
If you are deciding when to start looking seriously at your next home, I would line that up with the market's current contract pace. In Novi, MI, recent numbers suggest you should prepare earlier than you think, especially if your sale needs to support the purchase cleanly.
A typical pending home in Novi, MI took 9 days to reach contract recently, and 53 properties were pending by month end. That is enough activity to tell me serious buyers are already moving with conviction. If you are planning to leave a larger house, your purchase side cannot be an afterthought.
There is still some choice in the market, with 63 active homes at month end and a typical active asking price of $481,500. I see that as workable, not comfortable. You may have options, but the best-fit homes can still disappear quickly. That is why I tell clients to define their next-home standards before their own listing creates urgency.
Start with your non-negotiables. I would identify the size, layout, and maintenance level you want next, then draw a firm line between needs and preferences. After that, get your current home ready for market so you can act without delay when a good match appears. Better timing comes from preparation, not prediction.
