Fortes Seller’s Minute: The 2-Lane 2026 Plan (Timing + Redeploy)

Words I Like: Leverage loves deadlines.

If you’ve said, “Should we wait for spring… or just be done?” and “We have equity… but we don’t want to waste it,” you’re not alone.

Most forecasts for 2026 point to more activity (not a frenzy) and mortgage rates still in the 6% range, so the winners won’t be the best predictors. They’ll be the best planners.

Here’s the 2-lane play I run with sellers:

• Lane 1: Timing. Pick a decision date (14/30/60 days). Anything but “we’ll see.”

• Lane 1: Price bracket. Choose the bracket that widens the buyer pool on Day 1.

• Lane 2: Redeploy equity. Decide where your equity goes before you list (down payment, reserves, rate strategy, or flexibility).

• Lane 2: Plan B housing. Temporary rent, buy-first, sell-first—pick the least-risk lane.

• Offer plan. Clean terms + clear deadline = leverage.

Quick math (example): On an $800,000 list price, a 2% miss is $16,000—usually from indecision, not “the season.”

Home-Selling Tip: Don’t chase the calendar. Chase leverage—with a deadline and an equity plan. As promised, value in under a minute.

Want me to map your 2-lane plan? Reply “SELL.”

PS - If you find value in this and you feel compelled, please share this newsletter if you know of anyone thinking of selling that this could help.