MORTGAGE
When is the Right Time to Sell My House
EXPECTED READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
September 17, 2021
At some time or another, most homeowner asks themselves, “Should I sell my house now?” Whether you are noticing increasing property values, need to relocate for a job, or just want a change of scenery, read on to see when is the best time to put your home on the market for maximum profit and the least stress.
Best and Worst Time to Sell a House
The best time and worst time will be different for every homeowner. That’s because not only do they have to consider market conditions, but there are also life situations to consider. Let’s dig in a little to shine some light on what to consider when deciding to sell or not.
Best Time of Year to Sell a House
All across the nation, traditionally, the best time to list and sell your home is in spring and summer. But it depends on the location, climate, and market. For example, in the warmer states like California, Hawaii, and Arizona, the market is good most of the year. Other states that get snow in the winter mostly follow listing and selling in the spring and summer. That is, unless it’s a ski resort town.
Florida sees a boom in home sales in the winter when buyers want to relocate to a warmer climate. If you live near the beach, consider listing your home in the summer. Whenever the tourist season hits is a great time to put your property on the market. That’s especially true if you have a vacation home.
When there’s a shortage of inventory, no matter what season — it can be to your advantage to sell. You might get a better price, and you’ll have less competition.
Worst Time of Year To Sell House
Bad weather is a considerable deterrent to selling your home. That includes not only freezing temperatures but also sweltering heat. Unless a buyer is highly motivated, they won’t want to be uncomfortable viewing homes for sale. Plus, your landscape may not look its best in extreme weather. That’s why springtime is so popular because flowers are blooming, and lawns look lush and green.
September can be a slow month because families are trying to get their kids into school. If they were going to move, it would have been before school started. In many locations, sale prices dip in the winter. That’s especially true if a homeowner had their house listed over the summer and it didn’t sell.
The best way to know when to list your home for sale is to talk to a trusted realtor. If you don’t have one in mind, talk to several real estate agents. Ask them specific questions. For example, find out the average number of days homes are on the market. Also, ask them if it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market.
When is the best time to sell a house for you?
Selling your home or even a rental property can be very time-consuming. Not only do you need to get it looking good and ready to list, but you also have to be willing to keep everything pristine. That means keeping things picked up, pets relocated if necessary, and you have to be ready to leave for showings at a moment’s notice.
Considering all of that, don’t forget to keep in mind how listing and selling your home would work into your current lifestyle or situation. If you’re getting ready to have a child, have significant health issues, or just feel stressed overall — you might consider holding off.
But, sometimes, it’s not possible to hold off selling even if you already have your hands full with everyday life already. That’s when you need to call in the troops and get some help. If you don’t have family or friends you can lean on, get assistance from a realtor. Often, they know of people who can help you pack, declutter, and stage your home.
Interest Rates & Housing Market
Whether or not it’s the best time to sell has a lot to do with mortgage interest rates. What happens when interest is low or goes down? More borrowers can qualify for a mortgage.
And on the flip side, when rates go up — fewer borrowers are eligible, so there aren’t as many home shoppers. When rates are high, rather than a fixed-30 year loan, borrowers might get a better deal with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). But of course, interest rates don’t affect cash buyers except that it puts them in a better bargaining position.
Both buying and selling a home can be time-consuming. It’s best to plan, know the market, and make your move as soon as you can.