Summertime (and the Sellin’ is Easier)
The busiest time for home sales is, without a doubt, the summer. In fact, the National Association of Realtors estimates that 50% of all home sales occur during the summer months! There are many reasons for this: good weather across much of the country adds automatic curb appeal and allows for easier moves, and kids being out of school makes switching residences and school systems easier.
To take advantage of this busy season, generally, the best time to list a home is April or May. According to property and real estate website Zillow, the very best window for listing a home is, specifically, early May:
“Nationally, homes sold May 1-15 sell about 18.5 days faster and for 1 percent more than the average listing. That means an average premium of $1,700 for the seller of a median home.”
According to Zillow, this window is both during the busiest time of year, when the most people are looking, and also late enough that buyers are ready to act. You can check out specific data on your market from Zillow here.
Did I Miss My Window?
Absolutely not! It’s still prime house-hunting season, and if you’re close to being able to list, this is a great time to do it. The median “days on market” nationally was just 34 in March, and in hotter markets, like San Francisco-Oakland, it was only 25.
Listing in August still gives you plenty of time to hit the sweet spot.
Listing in August still gives you plenty of time to hit the sweet spot.
What if I’m not ready?
You might be wondering, “What if I don’t have time to complete all the projects that will make my home look its best? Is it better to wait until I’m ready or to list it in that magic window?”
If you’re trying to maximize your sales price, wait! Take care of the important repairs and touch-ups first, as long as they truly are important. Don’t push back your listing three months just so that you can add a quick touch-up coat of paint inside (unless it’s truly needed).
But if it’s going to take a few months to paint, update the lawn, trim the trees and hedges, replace broken closet doors, and find a temporary home for your pets, you may be better off listing after you’ve taken care of all of this.
While some buyers will remove themselves from the market over the spring and early summer months, in a busy market, or in year-round warm weather locations like California, you’re usually better off completing all of your touch-up tasks before listing and pricing accordingly.
If on the other hand, your most important concern is selling quickly, you’ll forfeit sales price for speed by listing sooner and at a more aggressive price.
Of course, talk to your realtor about what absolutely needs to be done to stage your home before listing, and when is the right time to list in your market. But chances are good that no matter where you are, the spring and summer will get you the most home showings.
To learn more about Rancho Santa Fe homes for sale contact leading realtor K. Ann Brizolis today!
To learn more about Rancho Santa Fe homes for sale contact leading realtor K. Ann Brizolis today!