Something happens this time every year in Lake County.

The emails start.
The “just curious” texts come in.
The quiet conversations begin.

“Michael… what do you think our house would sell for right now?”

Spring doesn’t start on the calendar. It starts in people’s heads.

The sunlight sticks around longer. The deep freeze fades. Buyers get serious. And the homeowners who were “maybe next year” start doing the math.

Here’s what I know:

The homes that win in this market aren’t the ones that rush to list.
They’re the ones that prepare early.

They understand timing.
They control presentation.
They price with intention.

And they enter the market positioned — not hopeful.

So this week, I’m going to be straightforward.

If selling in 2026 is even a 10% possibility for you, now is the time to have the strategy conversation.

Not because you need to list tomorrow.
But because the earlier we talk, the more options you have.

Most sellers think the advantage is in the market.
The real advantage is in the preparation.

If you’ve been watching the market from a distance…
If you’ve wondered what your equity looks like…
If you’ve thought, “maybe after winter…”

Let’s run the numbers.

And if hesitation has anything to do with being locked into a long listing agreement, here’s my commitment to you: I offer an Easy Exit Guarantee. If at any point you feel the partnership isn’t working, you can cancel. No pressure. No fine print games. Just accountability. You can read the details HERE.

Hit reply. We’ll start with a conversation.

~ Michael

Here’s what the data is quietly confirming. The market feels steady right now. Not overheated. Not sleepy. Just disciplined.

Homes that show well are moving. Buyers are active, but they’re thoughtful. They’re comparing, watching, and waiting for the one that feels right — and when it does, they move.

Across price points, inventory remains tight enough to keep sellers in a strong position. But the advantage doesn’t go to the rushed. It goes to the prepared.

This is a market that rewards strategy.

The right timing.
The right presentation.
The right expectations from day one.

If you’re watching from the sidelines, the data above tells the story. The question isn’t whether homes are selling.

It’s whether you’re positioned to win when you decide to.

No Pressure. No pitch. Just Clarity.