Many people are wondering if now is the time to sell and turn around and capture the dream home they once could not afford.

The surprising fact is that this may actually be a great time move up — precisely because of the housing slowdown.  It’s true that you probably won’t get every dollar you would like when you sell your existing home, but the good news is that the larger more expensive home that you may consider purchasing is also priced lower!

Walter Maloney with the National Association of Realtors said it’s important for homeowners to do the math. “Obviously, if you’re selling for less than you could have gotten two years ago, you’re disappointed, but you really need to look at your bottom line,” he said. “Whatever you’re going to trade up to is going to sell at a discount, too. You need to look at your net.”

While the financial savings on the larger home is a major benefit, there are a number of other reasons why the soft housing market may work in your favor right now:

1. Strong buyer’s market at upper end. There is just not as much competition for more expensive homes.

2. Mortgage rates are still near historic lows.Low rates make every home more affordable, expecially the move-up.

3. Record affordability. Price declines and low interest rates have combined to offer buyers affordable homes!

4. Housing market showing signs of improvement. While no one can say for sure whether we’ve bottomed out, sales month over month have been up steadily since the beginning of the year.