People often ask “When is the best time to list my home for sale?” My answer to that is “Whenever you are ready.”
Too many people try to analyze and predict the best time to list their house. The truth is, there really is no best time/worst time. Some people think it is best to list in the spring when there is more activity and there are more buyers out looking but that is also what most other home sellers also think so there are lots of other houses for those buyers to choose from. More competition for you house. Yes, good houses sell faster in the spring but so will the nice house you are trying to buy. You could get multiple offers on the home you are selling then be competing with other buyers for the house you want to purchase.
It is commonly thought that around Christmas is not a good time to list. While it is true that sales activity drops off considerably in December there are still buyers looking, just not as many. You would get less potential buyers through your house, but any that did come you can bet they are ready to buy. And there are less houses for buyers to choose from. On a personal note, some years ago I was a ready and willing buyer right around Christmas time and I remember being annoyed that there was nothing for sale when I was ready to buy.
Some people want to make changes or improvements to their house such as painting, landscaping, flooring etc before they list. Doing such things are generally a good idea to make your house more salable but once they are complete, get your house for sale! Whatever the time of year it is.
Also, prices do not fluctuate that much based on seasonality. House prices generally do not drop in the winter as many people think. You are not going to make a bunch more money by waiting until the spring.
People should base their decision on personal matters such as, when the new job starts, retirement, when the kids finish school or financial problems etc. Or they see a house they fall in love with. Those are real life reasons.
There are always ready sellers and buyers out there looking to make a change in their housing, so really, don't make a decision to move based on the real estate market, make it based on when YOU are ready to move.
James Myers is a Realtor in Barrie, Ontario, Canada specializing in helping home sellers and buyers achieve their real estate dreams.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/James_D_Myers/1959511
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