Housing prices in Philadelphia have jumped by about 13 percent, from April to June 2015 to April to June 2016, Philly.com reported. What’s that mean for you? It means that the city is experiencing a seller’s market, with more people wanting to buy homes in the area than there are homes available for sale.

News that the city’s a seller’s market might make you think you’re ready to sell your own home in Philly. But before you start preparing for an open house or showings, it’s important to make sure that you’re really ready to sell and move on to the next phase in your life.

You’ve Outgrown Your Home

One sign that you’re ready to put your home on the market is that you no longer fit in the house. Perhaps a one-bedroom met your needs perfectly a decade ago, but now more people live in the home and you want some privacy. You might not have cooked much when you bought the home, but have become a gourmet amateur chef in the intervening years, and your current kitchen just isn’t cutting it. If your home no longer meets your needs or fits your lifestyle, it’s time to move on.

Your Commute is Wearing On You

Sometimes, the house you live in is fine, but the location is bringing you down. If you’ve changed jobs since buying the house, and now work outside of the city, it can be difficult getting to work each day. It might be that moving to a different neighborhood or section of the city would put you much closer to work, eliminating the need to drive or take SEPTA there. If you feel like you’re spending more time in the car than at your home, you’re likely ready to sell.

You’ve Talked to a Real Estate Agent or Two

A real estate agent can be a great asset as you navigate your way through the selling process. An agent can give you an idea of the value of your home and how much you might get for it if you put it on the market. Your agent can also recommend alterations or repairs to boost the value of your home and its appeal.

You’ve Begun Making Small Repairs

You’re probably ready to sell your home if you’ve started to make small adjustments or repairs around the house. Perhaps you finally repainted a room or have changed the fixtures in the kitchen and bath to give the rooms a bit of extra oomph. Once you start packing up your odds and ends and thinking about the best way to stage your home, you know you’re ready to let go.

You Know Where You’re Headed Next

You don’t necessarily need to have your next home lined up before you sell your current one, but it does help if you have a general idea of where you’d like to go next. Looking at homes for sale in your desired neighborhood or town, making a plan for storing your belongings, and knowing whether you’d rather rent or buy next are all important things to do before you list your home for sale.

For your home sale to succeed, you have to really want to and be ready to part with your house. There’s no need to rush putting your home on the market. Wait until you know it’s the right time and that you’re ready to move on.

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