Is it the right time for you to sell your home?

Determining the best time to sell likely requires you to reflect on your home and lifestyle. Certain months may have stronger market activity, but what really signifies if you’re ready to sell are the following personal indicators:

Signs you’re ready

Your family has expanded, either with little ones or older relatives, and you need extra space for everyone to coexist.
You know exactly the house or location you’d move to, if the time came to sell.
Your budget has increased, either because of a new job, increased savings or other factors.
You’re craving a dedicated home office space, now that you’re officially on a “hybrid” schedule.
You’re eager to have your own bathroom space to get ready in the morning.

Signs you’re not ready

Your budget would be stretched much too thin if you upgraded to your ideal house or location.
Your work is unstable or you’re unsure if you’ll continue working from home.
You’re not sure what home features or location you’d want, even if you could move.

While the last few years of the housing market have been anything but typical, the flurry of year-round sales activity has led many sellers to wonder if there really is a “right” time or best month to sell a house.

Even though spring is still considered a great time to sell a house for many sellers, the truth is that there are advantages and disadvantages to each season. Let’s explore.

Selling your home in spring

It should come as no surprise that spring has a high volume of buyers and sellers. For sellers who desire a more traditional home transaction, spring may be the best time to list. Here are some key tips and considerations to best set yourself up for a spring home sale:

Buyer activity is highest during this season. Prepare for plenty of buyers to set their sights on your property.
Waterfront and cabin owners may benefit from a spring sale. Buyers will likely want to be in the property before summer is in full swing.
If you’re hoping to list without holding many showings, spring may not be the best option for you. Buyer interest during this time will likely drive up the desire to view the property however, the more interest you have the more competition you are likely to have - resulting in better terms and price for the seller.

Selling your home in summer

Eager buyers who didn’t find a property in spring will still be around in summer, searching for a home. Sellers should still prepare for significant buyer interest during this time, and remember these summer selling tips:

Your days on the market may need to extend longer in the summer as most buyers are busy with weddings, camping, vacations, and other summer fun so they may not be as flexible with their time to view your home.
Many summer buyers are also often exhausted if they have been shopping since spring and may be less excited. This can make scheduling a move slightly more difficult.

Selling your home in fall

Fall homebuyers tend to be highly motivated, especially here in the Midwest — they’ll want to get into their new home before the coldest days of winter. This can make fall an ideal time to sell a home, if you’re hoping for a swift sale but less traffic than in the spring. Here are some quick tips when considering a fall home sale:

Buyers may want to beat the snow and move before winter hits full swing, or to be in their new house for the holidays. Well-appointed homes should still be in demand.
Other buyers are now holding off as they balance getting kids back to school, closing up cabins, and preparing for the holidays or planning to head south for the season.
Typically, fewer homes are for sale during this season, meaning less competition for sellers. Depending on the year, fall can be a great time to sell if you have a home that suits first time buyers and those with fewer fall commitments.

Selling your home in winter

For the most part, people only buy or sell in the Minnesota winter if they have to — making winter the one season where buyers and sellers tend to hold similar motivations. Keep these winter home sale pros and cons in mind:

Only the most motivated buyers and sellers will be active during this time. When interest is initiated, it will likely result in a serious offer.
In the past, buyers may have waited until winter with the hopes of discounted home prices. However, inventory is still imbalanced, and winter buyers understand there won’t be discounts during the winter until the market balances out. Even in the winter, sellers can expect solid offers.

Tips for selling in any season

For an easy approach to showing your property to potential buyers, plan your listing around a vacation. Clean your home once, then leave town when open houses and showings are scheduled.
Do NOT open your house for showings until you are 100% ready. Buyers are the most excited in those first days and you don't want to turn off the most excited buyers with unfinished repairs or unclean kitchen and bathrooms.

Moving forward to sell your home

All in all, certain months tend to have a livelier market than others, but we recognize that many factors determine the best time for you to sell. Whether you are ready now or want help timing it just right, reach out any time to get in touch with a local selling expert who has your best interests in mind.

Is it the right time for you to sell your home?