If your next move depends on proceeds, your first decision should be about readiness.
If you need your current home to sell before the next purchase makes sense, I would start with sale readiness right now. The reason is simple recent activity in Novi, MI shows the market is active enough to reward prepared owners, but not patient with disorganized ones.
Recently, 30 homes closed in Novi, MI, 53 were pending, and the typical pending contract was reached in 9 days. I see that as a workable environment for owners planning a transition. It supports a sale-first strategy when the home is actually ready for market and the next step has already been thought through.
The price side also matters. New listings entered at a typical $499,000, while active homes sat at $481,500 and closed sales came in at $490,000. For someone downsizing, those numbers help frame both sides of the move. They give you a realistic picture of where your sale may land and what the next purchase may demand.
Get the sale side organized before you fall in love with another property. I would prepare the house, decide on an asking range, and define the move timeline before serious shopping begins. Then keep your next-home criteria tight. When your sale is the foundation, readiness is leverage.
