If you’re planning a home sale, you have a lot to think about, and perhaps the biggest question is when to get started. This is an important question because you cannot necessarily list your home as soon as you decide to sell. At a minimum, you will need to have your home cleaned, staged, and photographed prior to listing. It is also worth noting that you don’t want your home to spend too much time on the market, as this gives off the impression that it may be undesirable for prospective buyers. When you’re considering the best time to sell your home, keep the following insights in mind.
Best time of year to sell a house nationwide
Most of the U.S. has a seasonal climate, so Spring and Summer tend to be the best seasons for selling. Looking at a chart of data sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, it is clear that the number of houses sold in the U.S. peaks during the warmer months each year. Sales commonly peak early on, in March or April, although at times, buying activity may continue to increase through mid-summer. The Fall and Winter bring on a clear decrease in home sales, and this dip occurs independently of whether sales are up or down for the year. It is also worth noting that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has published a report suggesting that Friday is the best day of the week for home sales, based on comparing the sale prices of homes listed on different days.
Best time to sell a house in your area
If you’re living in the northeastern U.S., the rules that apply to selling in a seasonal climate certainly apply to you. Whereas home buyers in some regions have more flexibility, New Jersey residents will mostly be looking to move in the Spring or Summer.
Considering each season
Seasonal variations in the real estate market are some of the most well-documented and well-understood fluctuations that occur. The logic is simple: it’s easier and more convenient to move when the weather is warm. Since moving isn’t always fun, many people choose to make their move when the weather is nice.
Selling a house in the Spring
Spring kicks off the selling season. If you can get your home listed in the early spring, then you’ll be ready for the rush into the market that tends to occur annually in the Spring season. However, if you don’t make it, there will still be time as long as the weather holds up.
Selling a house in the Summer
If you don’t get to listing in the Spring, the Summer is still a great time to sell. The weather is still good, and people are still trying to move before the cold sets in. In some years, sales may actually peak in the Summer instead of Spring. In either season, your home’s curb appeal will likely be at its finest.
Selling a house in the Fall
Fall is generally when home-selling activity tends to drop off somewhat. However, the real estate market doesn’t hibernate. People are still buying and selling homes in the Fall, but the earlier you can list, the better.
Selling a house in the Winter
Winter may be the slowest season for the real estate market, but you can still sell if it’s the best time for you personally. If you have some flexibility, you could also consider using the Winter as an opportunity to solidify your plans and get ready for a sale in the Spring. If you have any doubts, talk to a realtor about your plans. Keep in mind that some years are better than others for selling a home. More homes may sell in December during a good year for the real estate market than in March of a slow year for the real estate market. Your realtor can help you to understand where the market is at the moment.
How to know if it’s the right time for you
It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of the dynamics of the real estate market. You know that homes may sell easier in certain seasons and even on certain days of the week. However, the fact is that property owners are buying, selling, renting, and investing 365 days a year. As such, your attention would be better spent focusing on selling at the right time for you personally.
Your lifestyle requires a move
If you’ve recently had a change in your finances, your family, or your personal life, it may be the best time to sell your home now. If you need more space or a change of location in the near future, it may be more worthwhile to complete your move now than to wait for the unpredictable real estate market.
Improvements and repairs are complete
If you’ve made improvements or repairs to your home, you’re likely to see a return on those investments when you sell your home. The more up-to-date and move-in-ready your home is, the faster it will sell at any time of the year. Your realtor can help you to decide if the time is right and plan accordingly.
It makes sense financially
Your home is an investment, and there may come a time when that investment has matured to satisfaction. In other cases, you may be looking to downsize or change locations in order to save money. Whether it’s because of taxes, mortgage rates, HOA fees, or something else, your personal finances will be among the top factors that determine the best time to sell your home.
The bottom line
The real estate market consists of the individual buying, selling, renting, and moving decisions of many different people, so the market is driven largely by human behavior. Is it really more difficult to hire movers or decorate a new home in the winter? Not really, but the fact remains that people buy and sell more homes when the weather is nice. Buying activity also increases during a hot market and at any time when economic conditions are favorable to home buying. However, the bottom line is that you can still sell your home any day, any season, and any year that works best for you. Your personal priorities are more important than what is going on in the market, especially if you know the right steps to take when selling a home.
Still thinking of selling your home?
When you’re getting ready to sell your home, your investments in cleaning, staging, and photographing your home properly will go a long way toward helping you to sell it. It is also important to work with a real estate agent who knows your personal goals and your area.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to start the process of selling your home, you don’t have to wait until the real estate market is perfect. While it’s important to understand the normal seasonal fluctuations of the market, the right realtor can help you to sell your home at any time, whenever you’re ready. Ana Moniz is an experienced agent with listings throughout the premier neighborhoods of New Jersey. You can reach out to Ana any time with questions about selling your home, and if you’re ready, you can start right away. She has worked with buyers and sellers in every season and under a variety of market conditions. Contact Ana Moniz to see if now is the best time to sell your home.
Don’t miss this absolutely fabulous Real Estate Market in Northern Bergen County!
NOW is the right time to SELL!
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Ana Moniz, ABR
Broker Associate Lifetime Member of the NJAR™ Distinguished Sales Club Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 50 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
cell- 201-247-6341 | office – (201) 930-8820 Ext. 3078
www.AnaMonizRealEstate.com | AnaMonizRealEstate@gmail.com I AnaMonizLuxuryHomes.com
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