When Is the Best Time of the Year to Sell?

There Are Pros and Cons to Every Season

Ask a group of realtors when they think the best time to sell a home is, and you’ll probably receive mixed responses. Seasons can affect the selling process by adding specific challenges depending on your listing, but location can have just as much effect.

As a seller, you want to put your home on the market at the best possible time to receive the best possible offers, but there isn’t always a perfect time, per se. Sometimes the best hour to list your home can depend on your specific needs instead of focusing on which season you’re in.

Below are examples of how season and location can affect the home’s sale positively or negatively to help you navigate future listings.

Selling in Summer

The summer months are great for putting your property on the market because there is a statistically significant uptick in sales. The months of May, June, and August account for 40% of annual home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors.

These months have the sunniest weather, which means buyers are more likely to be out and about shopping around. There isn’t any rain, snow, or cold weather to keep people away. However, keep in mind that summer isn’t great everywhere.

In desert states like Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas, summer months are known for sweltering heat, which could hinder potential buyers’ traffic. However, summer is milder in places like the east coast, which may push interested parties out in droves.

Selling a House in Fall

The months of September, October, and November make way for crisp weather and colorful foliage. This time can be great to list your property because there is an appealing backdrop, and your home may sell for a higher listing price. While homes sell more quickly and abundantly during the summer months, homes listed in the fall can potentially sell for a higher average price.

Property inventories begin to fall after the summer months, so there is less competition, and you may receive higher offers. The downside to selling in the fall is that more outdoor maintenance is involved with raking leaves and ensuring the curb appeal remains inviting.

Selling a Home in Winter

For several reasons, the slowest selling season is the winter months of November, December, and January. Kids are on breaks from school, the holidays make life busy, and people are planning vacations during this time, so they are less focused on moving from their properties.

However, that’s not to say you can’t list your home during this time to see what happens. Winter home buyers tend to be more committed to finding a place than in other months, which means you may get more serious offers than expected.

On top of that, there is much less competition which can give you a leg up on pricing.

However, the weather may significantly deter buyers from attending viewings depending on where you live. Big snow storms or cold spells could lengthen the time your home sits on the market, which isn’t ideal. Maintaining curb appeal during these months can also be challenging because the trees are barren and the skies are gray.

Selling in Spring

Warming spring temperatures tend to bring people out of their winter hibernations, ready to find new homes.

February and March see the highest uptick in home sales compared to their previous winter months, which rise steadily as the seasons continue. With daylight hours lasting longer, the world starts looking brighter and better, which can frame your property in a flattering light.

Keep in mind that everyone wants to start selling around this time, which means scheduling contractors or home repair companies when you need pre-selling help could be difficult.

List Your Home During Any Season With Realtor in Encinitas Linda Moore

There is no wrong time to put your home up for sale. If you want to move somewhere new, the time to start looking is now. Contact Realtor Linda Moore for help selling your property today!