Timing is everything… except when it isn’t

Spring is traditionally the season when the real estate market kicks into high gear. This seems driven by a few factors. Some buyers time their real estate purchases to the school calendar and to be settled in a new home before September, now is the time to be seriously looking. Many people dislike the idea of moving in the cold and slush and who can blame them? Sellers want their homes to look the best and what enhances curb appeal more than healthy landscaping?

There are many factors, other than the calendar that impact the timing of real estate transactions. First time home buyers are often motivated by their apartment lease. Some buyers line up their move with the start of a new job. Still other buyers are looking for a new home and want to sell their existing one, which results in a conversation about what will be harder - finding a new house or selling their current one. Lately the harder part, by far, has been finding the right home to purchase so the search takes priority.

Home sellers also have factors that impact their timing. Some are moving locally, some out of the area. Others are selling an investment property or a family member’s home. Some are selling a vacant house, while many plan to live in the home until the sale closes. We see houses in all stages of readiness - there are some listing appointments we go on where we could easily take photos the same day and others where we know the sellers have much decluttering to accomplish and many repairs to tackle before listing.

The reality is real estate sales happen all year because life happens all year. While some buyers and sellers plan around the calendar, many base their timing on life transitions, whether it be a job transfer, marriage, divorce or death. Like everything else, some real estate transactions are planned and some are more spontaneous. So while we can expect more houses to hit the market as the weather warms that doesn’t mean this is the only time for home sales to occur. If you aren’t ready to list until September or you don’t find the right house to buy until October, that will be fine.