When someone sells a house, they want to get as much money as they can while selling as quickly as possible. In order to achieve this, the home sale needs to be done strategically -- and at the right time. Placing a home on the market during a bad season or time of year can result in lower offers, less interest, and a longer window to sell. So when is the best time to sell a house? Is there a magical day or month to list your home? Let’s see what the experts have to say.
It All Depends on Your Market
The best answer is that there is no easy answer. Home markets vary so widely that it is impossible to give universal advice on it. A time of year that works for one town might be inconvenient for another town just a few counties over. Your best bet as a home seller is to look at your specific market. For example, consider two home sellers who are looking to list their homes in the winter. February in Minnesota is often cold and snowy. This limits curb appeal and likely reduces the number of showings as buyers don’t want to look at homes. However, February in Florida is mild. Many people from out-of-state move to the area during this time, meaning the housing market is likely stronger. The markets are drastically different. That being said, there are a few national trends that address when is the best time to sell a house. You can focus on these as long as you keep in mind that your region might have different needs or behavioral patterns.
Spring Is an Optimal Time to List Your House
Spring is often considered the best season to sell a house. Homebuyers have just paid their taxes and are enjoying their refunds, giving them a little more cash to afford a down payment. This means more buyers are in the market, driving up demand for hours – and oftentimes, house prices. However, this increased demand is often met with more supply. Many homeowners list their houses in the spring in order to take advantage of curb appeal. Many also waited until after the holiday season to sell and are now ready to list their homes. Spring is different for every state. Some regions experience spring temperatures in March, which others need to wait until May. Knowing when your region starts warming up can help you choose the best time.
Keep the School Year in Mind
As you look into listing your home, keep an eye on the school calendar. Many families try to have their housing situation in place before the school year starts in order to avoid pulling their kids out of school mid-year. Even if a family is just moving down the road, they could be moving out of their child’s designated school. For many areas, one of the best times to sell a house is over the summer. Not only do you have family-focused buyers with a set deadline, but you also have longer, lighter days. This helps with showings and gives you the opportunity to present your home in the best light.
Avoid the Holidays and Late Fall Months
If there is a time that you want to avoid, consider holding off on selling your house during fall or winter. Many people are attached to their homes during the holidays and aren’t looking to move until the new year. The holiday season is also known for being busy, so you may have a harder time enticing buyers who are otherwise occupied. The fall and winter months also lack the curb appeal of the spring and summer. While there is a window of bright crunchy leaves, it quickly turns into dead grass and barren trees. Many homeowners wait until everything is in bloom in the spring before listing their homes. That being said, you may find that with a smaller supply of houses, your home is higher in demand. If everyone in your area waits to list their homes until spring, then buyers might focus on what your home has to offer.
Find a Realtor® Who Knows the Best Time to Sell a House
There is good news if you are looking at the calendar and wondering when you should list your house – you don’t have to be a real estate expert. There are plenty of real estate professionals who can research the market for you. These people know the market and can tell you the best time to sell a house. To sell your house for the highest price and in the shortest amount of time, find a local Realtor® who knows how to market your home in your unique region. Use Effective Agents to find a real estate agent who knows when is the best time to sell. Give our system a try and find a Realtor® who meets your specific needs. Photo credit: krystal-black-RfQbkG3QHg4-unsplash
