Why Waiting for the “Perfect Time” Costs More Than You Think

Why Waiting for the “Perfect Time” Costs More Than You Think

By Scott Goshorn

One of the most common conversations I have with clients starts the same way:

“We’re just waiting for the right time.”

I understand the instinct. Real estate decisions are big. Emotional. Financial. Personal. No one wants to make a move they regret.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned after years in this business — across different markets, cycles, and price points:

The biggest mistakes don’t come from bad markets.
They come from indecision.

Not patience.
Indecision.

There’s a difference.

Hesitation Quietly Erodes Leverage

Most people think waiting is neutral. It feels safe. Responsible. Like you’re avoiding risk.

What they don’t realize is that hesitation often has a cost — it just doesn’t show up immediately.

I’ve seen it play out countless times:

• Buyers wait for rates to drop, prices to soften, or “clarity” to arrive — and end up facing more competition, fewer options, and less negotiating power.
• Sellers wait for the market to feel perfect, only to list later when inventory increases and leverage shifts away from them.
  
  

Leverage in real estate isn’t about timing headlines.
It’s about being prepared when opportunity shows up.

And opportunity rarely announces itself in advance.

Prepared Buyers and Sellers Win in Imperfect Markets

Here’s something that might surprise you:
Some of the best deals I’ve ever negotiated happened in “uncertain” markets.

Why?

Because prepared people move differently.

Prepared buyers:

• Know their numbers
• Understand what actually matters to them
• Can act decisively without panic
  
  

Prepared sellers:

• Position their homes correctly
• Price strategically instead of emotionally
• Negotiate from strength, not hope
  
  

They’re not chasing perfection.
They’re responding to reality with a plan.

Markets are never perfect.

But preparation creates advantages in any market.

Patience vs. Avoidance (This Matters)

Patience is strategic.
Avoidance is emotional.

Patience looks like:

• Gathering information
• Clarifying priorities
• Getting financially and mentally ready
  
  

Avoidance sounds like:

• “Let’s see what happens.”
• “We’ll know when it feels right.”
• “Maybe next year will be better.”
  
  

One moves you closer to clarity.
The other keeps you stuck.

I never push clients to move before they’re ready. Ever.

But I do push for honesty — especially when “waiting” is really about fear, overwhelm, or too much outside noise.

Timing Gets the Attention. Positioning Gets the Results.

Let me be clear: timing matters.
But positioning matters more.

I’ve seen clients buy at higher rates and still win because:

• They negotiated strong terms
• Bought the right property
• Planned ahead for refinancing
  
  

I’ve seen sellers miss their window not because the market turned — but because they waited until everyone else decided to sell too.

The people who win consistently aren’t guessing the market.
They’re aligning their decisions with their life, their finances, and their long-term goals.

That’s positioning.

Final Thought

Waiting for the “perfect time” often feels responsible.

But more often than not, it costs:

• Options
• Leverage
• Momentum
  
  

Perfect timing is rare.
Smart positioning isn’t.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or even just understanding what your next move could look like, start with clarity — not a countdown.

No pressure.
No hype.
Just honest strategy and a clear plan.

And when you’re ready to talk it through, I’m here.