Is Your Goal in 2026 to Sell Your Current Home and Buy a New One in Great Falls Montana, MT?

If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “I think I want to move next year, I’m just not sure how to do it,” you’re not behind. You’re actually right on time.

This is a conversation I have often with homeowners in Great Falls Montana, MT and throughout Cascade County, Great Falls MT.

The first thing I usually ask is simple.

Why are you thinking about moving?

Because once we understand that, the rest starts to fall into place.

Start with the reason, not the market

Most people don’t move because of interest rates or headlines. They move because life looks a little different than it did a few years ago.

Maybe you need more room.
Maybe you want less maintenance.
Maybe your work situation changed.
Maybe you’re ready for something that fits how you live now.

When we start with the reason, we can build a plan that actually makes sense for you.

Planning ahead changes everything

If 2026 is the year you want to make a move, you have something incredibly valuable.

Time.

Time means you can think instead of rush.
It means you can prepare instead of react.
It means you can watch what’s happening in the Great Falls MT market without feeling pressure to jump in too fast.

This is especially helpful in Cascade County, where buyer demand, seasonal patterns, and military relocation cycles connected to Malmstrom Air Force Base can influence timing.

The sell first or buy first question

This is usually the moment where people get stuck.

Should you sell your current home first, or try to buy the next one first?

There isn’t a universal answer. It comes down to what you need financially and what you’re comfortable with.

Some people want the certainty of selling first so they know exactly what they’re working with. Others have the flexibility to buy first if the right home comes along.

My job is to help you understand the trade offs so you can choose what feels right, not just what sounds good on paper.

Preparing your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming

If your goal is a 2026 move, this is the sweet spot for preparation.

You don’t need to do everything at once. You just need a plan.

That might mean spacing out small projects, prioritizing maintenance, or deciding what not to do.

In the Great Falls Montana, MT market, buyers notice when a home has been cared for. Thoughtful preparation often leads to smoother negotiations and better outcomes.

Thinking about upsizing or downsizing

Most moves come with a lifestyle shift.

Upsizing is often about space and function.
Downsizing is often about simplicity and freedom.

Both require different conversations around timing, costs, and expectations. The goal is not just moving houses, it’s making sure your next home supports how you want to live.

Cost of living and the bigger picture

One of the reasons people choose to stay in Great Falls or move here from other parts of Montana is the balance.

Housing is still relatively attainable. Commutes are reasonable. Access to outdoor recreation is easy.

When we plan a move, we talk about how the numbers fit into your everyday life, not just the purchase price.

So what’s the first step?

It’s a conversation.

We talk through why you’re thinking about moving, what you want next, and what your current home could realistically sell for in today’s market.

From there, we create a plan that feels calm, clear, and doable.