When Is the Best Time to Start a Relationship With a Realtor

A Personal Note From Hazel Smith

One of the questions I hear most often sounds simple on the surface
“When should I call a Realtor if I’m thinking about selling my home”

My answer is always gentle and honest
The best time is earlier than you think

Not because you need to list right away
But because selling a home is not just a transaction
It is a life transition
And transitions deserve time care and a trusted relationship

I have spent many years guiding homeowners throughout Bucks County through this moment and what I have learned is this
The smoothest most successful sales begin with a relationship not a rush

Let me walk you through what that looks like and why timing matters

One Year or More Before Selling

The Most Peaceful Place to Begin

If you know in your heart that a move may be a year or more away this is actually a wonderful time to reach out

At this stage there is no pressure
No urgency
Just conversation

This is where I love to begin with my clients

We talk about
What your next chapter looks like
Whether downsizing makes sense
What changes might increase value and what is not worth your energy
How the Bucks County market is trending and what that may mean for you

You are not committing to anything
You are simply gathering information and clarity

This is also where trust begins
I take the time to truly understand you your home and your goals
That understanding becomes the foundation for everything we do later

Six to Nine Months Before Selling

Where Planning Becomes Empowering

This is the timing many of my clients say felt just right

You have intention
But you also still have breathing room

During this phase I help you create a clear thoughtful plan
One that works with your life not against it

That often includes
A realistic understanding of your home’s value
Guidance on preparing your home without overdoing it
Trusted local resources if you need help with updates or organization
A timeline that feels comfortable and manageable

There is no scrambling
There is no guessing

You feel informed and prepared and that confidence carries through the entire process

Three to Four Months Before Selling

Confidence Comes From Preparation

By the time we are a few months away from listing the work has already been done

Your home is not rushed to market
It is presented intentionally

Because we planned ahead
Pricing is thoughtful
Presentation is polished
Marketing is aligned

Most importantly you feel ready

My role here is to guide support and protect your best interests
You know what to expect
You know your options
You are never navigating decisions alone

One to Two Months Before Selling

Possible But Often More Stressful

Of course it is still possible to start working together close to your listing date
And I will always meet my clients where they are

But this is when things can feel compressed
Decisions come faster
Emotions can feel heavier

Starting earlier allows us to avoid that pressure whenever possible
And in my experience homeowners enjoy the process much more when they feel calm and prepared

Why the Relationship Matters Most

Selling your home is personal
There are memories in the walls
Life chapters tied to every room

That is why I believe so strongly in relationship based real estate

I want my clients to feel heard understood and supported long before the sale begins
When that trust is in place everything flows more smoothly

Many of my clients become friends
And many come back to me years later for their next move

That is never by accident
It starts with listening and building a relationship first

So When Is the Best Time to Call Me

If the thought of selling your home has crossed your mind
That is the right time

There is no obligation
No pressure
Just a conversation

Whether your move is months away or still a year or more out I am always happy to talk things through answer questions and help you feel grounded in your decision

In Bucks County every home and every story is different
My job is to guide you with care clarity and experience every step of the way

Whenever you are ready to talk
I am here to listen