Why Sell Now in the Fall?

The primary reason why an owner should sell real estate is because it is the right time for their particular situation. In any given market at any given time there are buyers ready, willing and able to purchase real estate. However, many Sellers want to “time the market” thinking that if they do so they will optimize what they will realize on the sale of their home. As a professional Realtor®, I’m frequently asked the question: “Why sell in the fall? Should I wait until the spring?”

This past week I listed a home in McLean, Virginia for $970,000. When I met with the owners they asked me whether I thought they should wait until spring. I shared with them that the spring is not necessarily the “perfect” time to sell real estate. One of the challenges of the spring market is there is typically a lot more inventory coming on the market, thus more competition. Thus one of the corresponding benefits can be less competition.

The Virginia area is just as gorgeous in the fall as in the spring. This time of year the trees are just ripe with fall colors of red, oranges and yellows – the setting is just captivating. Further, because appraisers must select comparables from the previous 6 months, those coming from the stronger spring and summer markets often are of better values. Waiting until the spring means comparables often reflect softer winter month values.

From personal experience, the last personal home my husband and I purchased was during the weekend before Thanksgiving and because we ratified on a contract on that town home, we put our single family home on the market the day before Thanksgiving. The timing worked out great for our family as my husband was able to take time off of work during the holidays to handle the details of packing, moving and getting set up in our new home.

The good news for my clients in McLean, VA is that they listened to me as a professional Realtor®. The home came on the market on a Thursday priced correctly for the market relative to the condition. A very strong offer was received just before the public open house on Sunday and was fully ratified by that night – all in less than one week. So yes Sellers, fall can be a very good time to sell real estate. Good houses priced correctly for the market sell in all seasons.

How to know whether to sell now? The best guidance is obtained from a professional Realtor® that is actively involved in your marketplace. If you are in the Northern Virginia, Washington DC or suburban Maryland area, please contact Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy with the Huckaby Briscoe Conroy Realty Group, Keller Williams Realty at 703-734-0192 or Homes@HBCGroupKW.com as we would be delighted to be of assistance. Or visit our website for more information at www.HBCGroupKW.com.