If you're like most buyers, you probably have an ideal timeline in mind.  Maybe you are planning to move to the area in six months. Maybe you want to wait until you are closer to the end of your lease.
Maybe you were thinking next spring would be the right time.

But... oops... 

Then *that* house came on the market.

It has the right layout, location, the price is reasonable, and it has everything you want in a new home.

Suddenly, you start to wonder if you should be willing to adjust your carefully planned timeline. 

This happens more often than you might expect.

It makes sense to figure out what your ideal timing would be... but it is also helpful to recognize that the market (when any particular seller is ready to sell) does not always align perfectly with your plans.

In a smaller market like Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, inventory (particularly in any given price range or location) can be limited and you might not see any options for long stretches of time.

Being willing to be flexible on timing does not mean you should rush into something unprepared... but we should be monitoring the market, have your financing lined up, understand your budget, and be willing to at least think about moving (buying) sooner if the right opportunity appears.

Have a plan.  Be willing to be flexible.