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Home Owner Tips
Pros and Cons of Selling a House During Each Season
By Lindsay GoebelLast Updated May 11, 2021 3min read
It’s tricky to decide which time of year is best to list a house
Updated: 9/17/19
While the spring and the summer are peak seasons for both buyers and sellers, there are benefits to listing a home in the off-season instead. Fortunately for sellers and agents alike, there are always eager buyers available in every season. It’s all about understanding your community while making the biggest impact with smart marketing strategies and consistent branding.
Below is a list of pros and cons for each season
Winter
Frigid temperatures hit cities across the country and gloomy days turn to night quickly, but that shouldn’t deter sellers from listing their homes. There are specific, serious buyers seeking their perfect winter home to cozy up in and with less competition, your house will be a promising option.
Fewer homes are on the market in the winter, making competition less challenging
Companies look to hire new employees in January and February, making relocations popular in the Winter
House hunters – dressed in heavy duty boots, mittens, and thermals – are serious buyers
Cons
The days are shorter and colder
Families are budgeting and often waiting to utilize their tax return
Holidays take priority
Spring
Ah, springtime. The flowers are blossoming and allergies are in full swing. This is arguably the best season to put your house on the market. More buyers are searching for their new home, which means inventory is also peaking. It is important to have your listing stand outthis month.
Pros
More buyers start to flood the market, increasing your chances of getting top dollar
Plants begin to blossom, enhancing curb appeal and allowing important features to stand out (i.e. decks, pools, large windows)
Greater competition as inventory begins to increase
Buyers become pickier with more options available
Summer
Much like springtime, summer is peak season for buyers and sellers. In the summer, expect more showings as the days become longer. On the other hand, plan for higher expenses to maintain the home during peak show times.
Pros
Longer days allow more showings
Families are looking to close on a home before the school year begins
Better valuations from an appraiser during the on-season
Fall can be a difficult time to sell, but if done right, can really pay off. As the leaves start to change and eventually fall, serious buyers are eager to find their perfect home.
Less inventory after the peak season helps your home stand out
Serious buyers are motivated and looking to move before the holidays
Professional listing photos stand out – sunsets aremore vivid, leaves change colors
Cons
Fewer buyers makes it more difficult to turn a profit
Kids start school and families are less likely to make a move
Curb appeal diminishes quickly as trees lose their leaves
Clearly, there are upsides and downsides to selling a home during each season. Most importantly, have an in-depth understanding of your community, of the economy, and of the most recent statistics for each season.
Did you know that 95% of prospective buyers view the first exterior photo the longest when looking at a listing? Make yours stand out: