I’ll admit, this title is click bait! The truth of the matter is, if you need to sell your home, there are things you can do at any time of year to help facilitate a positive and timely transaction – like ensuring the price is right! There are specific times of year, however, where homes are more likely to sell faster and for more money. Let’s dive into fall and winter home sales versus spring and summer home sales to help you make an informed decision when you’re ready to sell.
Autumn Leaves Fall
We are well into fall, though Florida hasn’t quite gotten the memo! This time of year kids are back in school and families are busy prepping for the holiday season. If your home appeals most to families, now may not be the ideal time to sell. Since fall follows peak seasons, the real estate market tends to cool down. November, December, and January are slower months in real estate.
If you know me, you know I’m always going to find the silver lining! And it’s actually not hard to find here. Since less people are listing their homes in the fall and winter seasons, sellers who decide to do so have less competition. Less competition is a huge win. Also, the buyers who are searching for a home this time of year are more likely to favor closing quickly.
Florida’s vacation home market, which was my primary playground for the first 5 years of my real estate career, tends to be an exception to the rules. Snowbirds are lured in by the Sunshine State’s warm weather, enticing secondary home buyers to purchase even in traditionally slower months.
Springing into Summer
The real estate market gains momentum again in the spring with the peak season for real estate extending through summer. The advantages of selling March through August are more buyers (families looking to find a home and move in before the next school year) and higher prices (thanks to increased demand). If you’re looking to maximize your profits, this is the best time of year to sell.
In addition to seasonality, there are other factors that play a role in determining the best – and worst – time to sell a home. These factors include location, economic factors (like your home’s value, supply and demand, etc.), and personal need. There is no right or wrong time to do what’s best for you and your family. It is important, however, to make informed decisions and I hope this helped assist you in that endeavor.
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