Dear Monica: Like many, we want to move near our children and grandchildren and want to do this soon. How would you advise us? Grace G.

Dear Grace: We are in the first week of January and it’s not clear what the year will bring. Presently there are major storms causing flooding and other damage and slowing down property preparations. But many people think that the market probably won’t change much in the next months so they are not waiting to put their homes on the market. You may need to paint, carpet, refinish floors, landscape and make repairs, all of which take time. There will also be inspections to do and disclosures to complete. You should start the process now and by the time you are ready there will be new market data to guide you.