When Is The Best Time of the Year To Sell?
"When is the best time to sell?" is the number one question Roger and I are asked. Most people, even most agents will say spring. But is it?
The goal of timing the market for the best season is to present a home to as many potential buyers as possible so that the sellers have the best opportunity to get the most money. It is a valid consideration. But it can be stressful.
We are seeing it already, potential clients are calling in a panic because spring is almost here, and their homes are not quite in show condition. Then the stress of getting everything done in time to hit the spring market sets in, and their move process already feels chaotic.
First, almost everyone has a little prep work they would like to do before inviting potential buyers through their home (unless you keep house like my mother). And since we are neighbors and all, the truth is Roger and I have a perpetual pile of unopened mail and various “read this later” papers sitting on the counter, too. We get it.
No move is easy, but the smoothest moves begin about 4-6 months ahead of time, but what if you decide to move in February? Is it worth a little stress to rush preparing your home in time for the spring market?
Let's take a look at the actual number of sales per month last year from the MLS, and see if there is a legitimate real estate “spring'' market.
According to the MLS, there were 561 single-family residences sold in both the village and township of Orion in 2019. Here's the gold...
Below, I've broken it down into the number of sales per month, and it might surprise you.
January - 35
February - 34
March - 55
April - 32
May - 47
June - 60
July - 49
August - 66
September - 55
October - 49
November - 42
December - 37
Were you surprised that August had the highest number of closed sales and that May rivaled September? Were you surprised December was busier than April? Don’t feel bad. Even most agents think the majority of homes sell in the spring, but you can see that’s not the case.
Selling in a slower month does require a well-planned strategy. For example, I might send my photographer for a second exterior shoot if the landscape changes significantly, but in my experience, it’s better to take our time and prepare the property correctly, than to rush it to market.
That said, there are some advantages to timing the busier season. Especially homes with water features, substantial outdoor living areas, a pool, or backing to nature where the view or outdoor use is a substantial part of the appeal, should time the market when things are in bloom, if possible.
The smoothest moves are a result of plenty of prep time. 4-6 months in advance of your target market date is not too soon to all for advice. Taking small, measured steps in preparing your home for the market makes everything smoother. That’s what we do, we help you strategize your move.
As always, if you have any questions about the market or real estate in general, we're a phone call away.
Also, we help a lot of our Keatington neighbors, so we want you to know that every call is held in strict confidence. We respect your privacy as much as we do our own.
Happy Almost Spring!
Gwen and Roger