Scores of millions of people own different types and categories of RE for lots of different reasons and purposes. A condo bought at the right time in the market cycle for my kid to live in during college can appreciate over that period of time and then be sold upon his graduation, netting back the bulk of his housing costs over those years--and of course if the timing is wrong, it can add significantly to those costs. A small apt building can be bought to fund an elderly parents living expenses during retirement, then sold after their passing to return some share of those costs.
The list goes on infinitely. There are many reasons a piece of RE is sold even though the timing is not optimal: health, divorce, death, relocation, fatigue, change in strategy, etc.
So to say that this is the best time to buy, or best time to sell seems to overlook all those components and variables. Maybe its more instructive to observe the reasons behind the advice rather than to just cut to the bottom line advice.
I am interested in knowing the "why" behind the posters opinions.
