Should I Sell My House in Glendale Now or Wait a Year to See What the Market Does?

Should I sell my house in Glendale now or wait a year to see what the market does?

The honest answer is that waiting for a "better" market often creates more stress than it solves. Glendale's current conditions—moderate price appreciation, balanced inventory, and stabilizing days on market—support sellers who are ready to move. What matters more than market timing is whether your personal circumstances, financial position, and next housing plan are aligned and accounted for.

Why the "Wait and See" Question Feels So Heavy

If you've been asking yourself this question, you're not alone. It's one of the most common concerns I hear from Glendale homeowners, and it usually shows up when life is already in motion—a job is changing, a family is growing, or the house that once fit perfectly no longer does.

The weight of this decision isn't really about the market. It's about the fear of making a move at the wrong time and leaving money on the table. This is usually where I slow sellers down and reframe the question entirely. Instead of asking what the market might do in twelve months, the more useful question is: what does your timeline actually need?

What Glendale's Market Is Actually Doing Right Now

Glendale homes are currently selling at a median price around $455,000, with modest year-over-year appreciation of roughly 2%. Homes are spending about 63 days on the market on average, and properties typically receive two offers before going under contract. Inventory across Arizona has increased significantly—around 25% more homes are available compared to last year—which means buyers have more options, but well-prepared listings are still moving.

What I watch for here is balance. This isn't a frenzied seller's market where anything sells overnight, and it's not a sluggish buyer's market where homes sit for months. It's somewhere in the middle, which actually benefits sellers who prepare thoughtfully and price strategically. According to the Arizona Association of REALTORS® 2026 market outlook, this shift toward market balance is creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for both buyers and sellers statewide.

The Real Risk of Waiting a Year

Sellers often assume that waiting will lead to higher prices or better conditions. But waiting carries its own costs that are easy to overlook. Another year of property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs adds up. If you're planning to buy your next home as well, you're also betting that both sides of the transaction will work in your favor—and that's rarely how timing works out.

Interest rate projections suggest mortgage rates may ease into the low 6% range through 2026, which could bring more buyers into the market. According to Bankrate's 2026 mortgage rate forecast, rates are expected to average around 6.1% for the year, with potential dips below 6% at times. But lower rates could also bring more sellers, increasing competition. This is where stress tends to show up if expectations aren't clear from the start. The goal isn't to time the market perfectly—it's to position your sale so you're not rushing decisions or reacting to pressure you didn't anticipate.

What Actually Determines Whether Now Is Right for You

At this stage, I help clients narrow their focus to three questions that matter more than market predictions. First, is your next housing plan realistic and actionable? If you're selling to buy, do you know what you can afford and where you want to go? Second, how long can you comfortably wait if your home takes 60 to 90 days to sell? Third, are there personal factors—school calendars, job transitions, family needs—that make one window better than another?

These questions shift the decision from speculation to strategy. The market will always have uncertainty. Your timeline, budget, and goals are things you can actually control and plan around.

How Seasonal Patterns Affect Glendale Sellers

Glendale's real estate activity follows patterns that are worth understanding. Spring typically brings the most buyer activity, as families try to settle before the next school year. Summer slows down, partly due to Arizona's intense heat, but also because vacation schedules interrupt the buying process. Fall often sees a second wave of serious buyers, and winter tends to attract more motivated purchasers—people relocating for work or looking to close before year-end.

If you're thinking about waiting a year, the question becomes: which season next year are you actually targeting, and does that align with your life? Sometimes the answer is that now—or the next few months—is actually the better window, even if it wasn't the one you originally planned for. Glendale's diverse economic base—including aerospace, healthcare, and entertainment—continues to attract new residents and support local housing demand year-round.

Preparing to Sell When the Timing Is Right

Whether you decide to move forward now or in a few months, preparation is what separates a smooth sale from a stressful one. This includes understanding your home's current market value based on recent comparable sales in Glendale, identifying any repairs or updates that would meaningfully affect buyer interest, and getting your financial documents organized so you know exactly where you stand after closing costs.

This is where I help clients sequence decisions so nothing important gets missed. Data from the National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that 91% of sellers work with a real estate agent—matching the highest percentage on record—with top priorities including help marketing the home, pricing competitively, and selling within a specific timeframe. The goal is to reach listing day with clarity, not scrambling to catch up on details that should have been handled weeks earlier.

FAQ

How long does it take to sell a house in Glendale right now? Glendale homes are currently averaging around 63 days on the market, though well-priced and well-prepared listings often move faster. Market conditions, pricing strategy, and property condition all influence timeline.

Will Glendale home prices go up or down in the next year? Most forecasts suggest modest appreciation in the 2-4% range for Arizona markets through 2026, though local conditions can vary. Dramatic price swings in either direction are not expected.

Is it better to sell in spring or fall in Glendale? Spring typically brings the highest buyer activity, but fall often attracts more serious purchasers with fewer competing listings. The best season depends on your personal timeline and readiness.

Should I wait for mortgage rates to drop before selling? Lower mortgage rates may bring more buyers into the market, but they could also encourage more sellers to list. The impact on your individual sale depends on many factors beyond rate movements alone.

What if I need to buy and sell at the same time in Glendale? Coordinating a simultaneous purchase and sale requires careful planning around contingencies, timelines, and financing. This is one of the most complex scenarios, and having a clear strategy before listing makes a significant difference.

Moving Forward With Clarity

The decision to sell now or wait isn't really about predicting the future—it's about understanding your present circumstances well enough to make a confident choice. Glendale's market offers reasonable conditions for sellers who are prepared and realistic about pricing. The Greater Phoenix region continues to offer diverse housing options and strong long-term fundamentals, supporting property values for homeowners who position their sale strategically. What matters most is that your decision aligns with your financial goals, your timeline, and your next chapter.

When those pieces are in place, the market becomes a factor you work with rather than something you're waiting on.

About the Author

Kasandra Chavez is a real estate advisor serving the West Valley of Greater Phoenix, Arizona, and is recognized among the top 5% of real estate professionals in the Greater Phoenix area. She specializes in helping West Valley buyers and sellers develop strategies aligned with their lifestyle and family needs, guiding them through every decision with clarity and confidence.