Is Now the Right Time to Sell?

Are you thinking about selling your home? We're here to give you tips on how to know the best time for you to list your home?

When should you sell your home?

When you are ready! This may sound silly, but are you prepared to move? Do you know where you are moving to? Make sure you have everything in order and you are ready to sell your home.

Should I sell my home now?

If you are ready, and satisfied with the current value of your home, yes! You may not get the best price or the fastest sale depending on the market in your area right now, but if that's okay with you, it's time to get started. The sooner your home is listed, the sooner the ball starts rolling.

How much should I ask for my home?

In a seller's market, it can be tempting to ask way above home value, but that's not our typical route. Asking for a higher price may limit the pool looking at your listing, and an appraisal can threaten the closing process. However, asking for the home's value can attract multiple offers, creating a competitive edge. Offers may take off contingencies and add escalation clauses and earnest money. It is usually more in your favor not to inflate your asking price.

You can find out the value of your home by talking to a listing agent. They will compare the location, size, condition, current housing market, and your goals in order to find your ideal listing price. 

How long should I wait to lower the asking price?

You will usually have the most activity on your listing in the first two weeks. You can usually re-evaluate based on feedback from showings and lack of. There isn't a magic timeline, and if you are not in a hurry to sell, you may not need to lower the price for a good amount of time. 

What does a listing agent do for me?

A listing agent does a lot. You can read all about what our listing agents do.

Paperwork can feel overwhelming, and agents are familiar with it. They can explain the legal language, guide you through the process, and most important- they market for you. 

What paperwork needs to be done to sell my home?

Unfortunately, it's not as easy as you'd hope to sell your home. There is a lot of paperwork and legality to cover between agreeing, signing, and handing over the keys. It makes a difference to have an agent on your side to navigate the legal, the negotiations, and the stress for you.

What marketing is involved to sell my home?

More than you would think! Not only are agents taking photos and writing a short description, but they also have a goal to make a buyer fall in love with your home. Getting the MLS listing allows the listed property to show up across the internet in many channels where agents and buyers alike are looking. In many cases, especially with health precautions, a video tour will highlight your property and allows potential buyers to feel the true layout of the home. Open houses haven't gone away! It can be limited to buyers and agents, but you can attract more walkthroughs by designating a time for a showing. Advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and other social channels will get in front of more people as well.

What time of year do people sell houses?

Traditionally, late spring/early summer but with the digital age, homes can sell anytime. The traditional time was created by the school year, ideal weather for traveling, and selling when people are looking. Now, buyers are much more flexible and the best time to sell is more about you and knowing if you're ready to sell.

When are people buying homes?

In today's world, all the time! The ability to locate, view, and even tour homes from your own living room has eliminated the Spring panic to attend open houses every weekend. The time of year is simply not a major factor. Keep in mind, most people are ready to move around the major holiday season, but for the right home, they can't turn it down.

What condition should my home be in to sell?

You want to make sure your home is clean. Fixing the little nicks goes a long way. Clean your windows to let in the natural light, and depersonalize your decor to allow buyers to visualize themselves living in your home.

When shouldn't I sell my house?

If you're not really ready to move, then you should rethink listing your house. Make sure your life is in a position to find and buy (and pack and move). Listing your home isn't something to do "for fun" or to "test the waters," so make sure the time is right for you.

How long are people staying in their homes?

There more people moving more frequently, so the average stay in a home is dropping. Some people stay in their homes for 30 years, while others start packing up after 2 years. Many factors come into play, but the average has shifted from over ten years to potentially less than five.