Here’s What You Need to Know

If you're thinking about upsizing—maybe for more space, a growing family, or to move into a better school district—it’s completely normal to have a number in mind for what you’d like to get for your current home. Most homeowners do. But here’s the honest truth: the market determines your home’s value, not your personal expectations.

That can be a hard pill to swallow, especially if you’ve made improvements over the years or have a strong emotional connection to your home. But when it comes to real estate, market conditions are the real deciding factor.

It’s Not Just About What You Sell For—It’s About the Spread

One of the biggest misconceptions sellers have is focusing solely on the sale price of their current home. While getting top dollar is great, what really matters is the “spread”—the difference between what you sell for and what you pay for your next property.

Let’s say the market has cooled slightly. Yes, you might sell for a little less than what you were hoping. But that dream home with the extra bedroom, finished basement, or access to top-rated schools? It’s probably listed for less now too. Lower prices work in your favour on both sides of the deal—and in many cases, upsizing in a balanced or cooler market can actually make better financial sense than trying to make a move in a hot, competitive one.

The Risk of Fixating on One Number

Holding out for a specific number can lead to missed opportunities. Real estate is all about timing, and if you wait too long for the “perfect price,” you could miss your window to upsize while the math is still in your favour.

And if interest rates shift or inventory tightens again? You may find yourself in a market where it costs more to buy your next home—even if your current one finally sells for what you wanted.

Let’s Run the Numbers

If you’re on the fence and wondering if now is the right time to move up, let’s look at the full picture—not just your home's value, but also what’s out there for you to move into. I can help you calculate your spread and see whether it makes sense to make a move now or wait.