Change in Home-Selling Seasons Means A Change In Tactics

This is the time of year when people are thinking about starting school and getting ready for the holidays. But the holiday season also marks the end of the home-buying season. Traditionally, that season runs from around the beginning of March until the end of October. These, however, are not traditional times, and you should talk with your Realtor about how to proceed.

Some buyers may decide that the kids can share a room for another year, or that they can drive an extra 15 or 20 minutes to work until spring. You’ll probably lose those buyers. On the other hand, the buyer who is more highly motivated will still be in the market and may want to be settled by the time the snow flies. We’re talking ‘quality’ instead of ‘quantity’ after October.

A discussion with a Realtor will help you decide whether to take a break from the market, adjust pricing, change marketing strategy or do nothing. Your case will be different from everyone else’s.

If you’re a buyer, you also should discuss your house-hunting strategy with your real estate counselor. It’s possible to find some good buys off season, but that perfect home you saw might come off the market if you wait. And don’t forget the standard rules of house-hunting: He who hesitates might lose if someone makes an offer first.

There’s an old saying among real estate people: There is no bad time to buy the right home. That remains very true. The changing season requires some discussion about strategy, but it’s not a time to abandon hope, slash prices or shop for fire sales. It’s a time for a realistic assessment of where you are in the market and what it will take get you where you want to be.

As always, my team and I are here to answer any questions.