The Right Time of the Year to Sell

Many people who wish to sell their home have to face the question of when is the right time of the year to do so. The truth is that there is no clear answer to this question because the answer depends on too many factors and all of them are of a subjective nature. People who are looking to buy a home do so based on many factors. Are they being relocated due to a job transfer? Have they been waiting for their home to sell?  The only clear trend is that during spring and summer the number of homes sold is higher.

There are, however, other factors to consider. Do you want to sell in a busy market or a slow market? A busy market means there will be a lot more competition. If you feel that you home may not position well to stand heavy competition then it would be better to wait till the market slows down a bit. If, on the other hand, you position your home so that it is competitive in the market then time of year is less of a consideration.

While seasonal trends are important they not the most important thing. The most compelling factor in selling a home are your own needs. There has to be a reason why you are selling your home and there is probably a deadline by which you have to have done so. Focus on those rather than on the time of the year. Also pay attention to current market conditions. You may not be able to wait for early spring for the market to get busy, so do not damage your position by waiting for months.

Apart from current market conditions you should also understand where the market is going. This involves a bit of research to figure out future trends from past ones. Though you cannot accurately predict the future of the market you can get a reasonably close picture. Talk to your real estate agent. They have the expertise you need to help make a well-informed decision. If the market is beginning to slow down and turn into a buyer's market then obviously you are better off the sooner you sell your home. Waiting in a slowing market will only lower the market value of your home. If your home is in an area of rising property values, price your home to reflect the direction of the market. Again, talk to your real estate agent for advice and guidance.

There are many factors to consider when selling your home. The time of year is less important than making sure your home is priced correctly and marketed properly.

Remember that you only need one buyer!

Chris is a Realtor with EXIT Realty Associates
www.YourWashingtonRealtor.com
www.RealBellingham.com
www.WhatcomShortSale.Com