When is the Best Time to Sell a House?

Selling

It’s a well-known fact: when homeowners list their home, they all want to sell quickly and for a fair price. Did you know, though, that a significant portion of a sale’s outcome is determined by the time of year?  While homes sell all year around, summer is generally considered the best time to sell a house. To learn more about why this is true (and how you can capitalize on it), read on.

Home Sales 101: The Best Time to Sell a House

If you’re serious about selling your home, it’s important to take the time of year into account. As a general rule, homes sell better during the summer. Here are a few main reasons:

  • People travel more during the summer and often have more free time to wander into open houses
  • Homes show are better during the summer, as they’re often surrounded by greenery, flower beds, and trees in full foliage
  • Moving is harder in the winter, especially in areas where snow and rain are prevalent, and many families and individuals try to plan their home sales and purchases for the warmer months
  • Home prices are higher during the summer months

Additionally, in areas that are popular vacation destinations, the population may be higher during the summer. This can result in higher traffic and more showings, which help houses sell faster.

Why You Should Avoid Selling in the Winter

While it’s completely possible to sell your home during the winter months, it’s generally more difficult and, as a result, most real estate agents recommend avoiding it if possible. Houses feel less attractive and welcoming in the winter and generally sell for less as a result. Because of this, it’s wise to spend the winter months improving your homes; via renovations or upgrades and waiting to list it until the spring or summer months.

Reaping the Rewards of Proper Sale Timing

While timing the sale of your home may seem like a small factor, it can make a huge difference in the outcome of your sale. In addition to making the sale easier, selling your home during the peak season can also fetch higher home prices and help you get into the home of your dreams as quickly as possible. If you have questions about when is the best time to sell your home, consider hiring a local real estate agent to give you guidance on your specific location and neighborhood.