When Is the Right Time to Sell? The Risk of Waiting Too Long

Recently, I came across a fascinating piece of research from Harvard and UCLA psychologists titled The Peculiar Longevity of Things Not So Bad.

At its core is something called the Region-Beta Paradox – a concept that challenges how we think about discomfort, decision-making, and change.

In simple terms, the research found this:

People tend to act quickly to resolve intensely negative situations, but tolerate moderately unsatisfying ones for far longer.

And when I read that, I couldn’t help but think – this plays out in property decisions all the time.

Why Pressure Creates Progress

The biggest property decisions are often driven by clear triggers:

• A growing family needing more space
• A lifestyle change or relocation
• Financial or personal pressure

These moments force action. And while they can feel overwhelming, they often lead to clear decisions and strong outcomes, because people commit to moving forward.

The Trap of “Good Enough”

Where people tend to get stuck is not when things are bad, but when they’re fine.

• The house still works… just
• The layout isn’t ideal… but manageable
• The timing isn’t perfect… but maybe next year

This is the real risk.

Because when something is “good enough,” there’s no urgency to act. So decisions get delayed. And before you know it, years have passed.

Waiting Has a Cost

Many people focus on timing the market perfectly.

But in reality, the bigger cost is often waiting too long:

• Missed opportunities
• Holding costs increasing
• Lifestyle changes delayed

The market will always move, but so does your life.

Action Creates Clarity

One of the most important takeaways from the research is this:

We don’t just experience situations - we respond to them.

Taking action, whether that’s getting an appraisal, exploring options, or simply starting a conversation, creates clarity.

You don’t need to have all the answers.

You just need to start.

A Simple Question

If nothing changed for the next few years, would you be happy with that?

If not, it might be time to explore what’s next.

Final Thought

The worst situations often force change.

But the comfortable ones can quietly hold you back.

In property, the right move rarely starts with certainty – it starts with a decision to act.