When is the best time to list?

As Realtors we are often asked "when is the best time to put my property on the market?"

The best answer is "When it works into your plans" . There are always buyers looking to buy and sellers looking to sell.

The highest number of houses are on the market in the spring from early February to the end of June. If you are on the market at that time there is more competition or choice for the buyer. These sellers are usually looking to have their house sold in the spring so they can be settled by mid year when kids are out of school and people are on summer vacation.

The summer usually has a less number of buyers as they are busy with vacations and family. There are still lots of houses on the market at this time and with less buyers the competition is very strong from a sellers point of view.

The fall, September until the end of November, usually sees more buyers back in the market as they want to get moved and settled before year end. This time of the year the number of houses on the market begins to decline in early November.

December and January are the months when there is the least amount of competition from a sellers point of view as the number of properties on the market is lowest for the year. It is also when a lot of homes are decorated for the festive season and show very well. Festive lights and seasonally baking may invoke strong emotions from a buyer. Purchasing a home is about a little logic and a lot of emotion.

Most critical for you as a seller is to choose when works best for you, make your home shine and price it right. There are always buyers out there looking for the "perfect" home. Regardless of the time of year, that house may be yours.