Answers by Diane Breard

Great question and very common. A general rule of thumb is to stay in a home at least 3–5 years to offset closing costs, commissions, and build some equity. That said, it really depends on your local market and how much your home has appreciated. Since you’ve already been there about three years and made extra payments, you may be in a better position than you think. The key is to look at your current home value, what you still owe, and estimated selling costs to see what you’d net. The best next step is to run the numbers. You might have enough equity for your next purchase without needing to wait—and if not, you’ll at least know exactly where you stand.

You can take your own photos, but it’s usually not the best place to save money. Photos are the first thing buyers see, and poor lighting or angles can make your home look smaller or less appealing—leading to fewer showings and weaker offers. Professional photos help your home stand out and often lead to better results. For most listings, the small cost is worth it.