If you’ve ever sold a home, you probably know that the entire process can feel like it depends on luck.
Listing your home at the right time can net you hordes of interested buyers and thousands of dollars more. Listing during the wrong time of year, on the other hand, can mean a lower sale price and endless weeks on the market.
But how can you tell when it’s time to sell? If you’re not sure of the best and worst time to sell a house—in 2022 and beyond—we’re here to help. Here are our tips on timing your listing to make the most of your investment.
The Worst Time to Sell a House
If you find yourself struggling to sell your property in the cooler months, you may be wondering, “Is winter the worst time to sell a house? Should I just sell my house as is for a faster sale?”
Unfortunately, it’s true: in general, the worst time of year to sell a house are the winter months. This is the case for several reasons.
First, the winter weather can do a number on your yard, landscaping, and curb appeal. After all, homes with bare trees and brown plants don’t have the same aesthetic appeal as homes with a flourishing garden!
In addition, if time is an issue, you may be out of luck in the winter months. Cold, freezing weather can make some people less willing to head outside and hunt for their dream home, leading to a slower sale process than you might have during other seasons. That’s without mentioning the shorter days!
Moreover, the busy holiday season can distract even motivated buyers from their search, so it’s worth factoring this into your plans as well.
However, it’s worth noting that the selling difficulty may depend on where you live. In areas with more temperate climates, the cold weather will have less of a dampening effect on the housing market—though you’ll still have the holiday season to contend with.
The Best Time to Sell a House
As you might expect, the warm months are a safe bet when it comes to home sales.
Spring and summer bring longer days and more time for buyers to search for homes. In addition, green and flourishing plants can add to your curb appeal, and more predictable weather can make it easier to set up your showings. Don’t forget to factor in tax refunds as well, as many buyers will feel as if they have some extra money to burn!
What’s more, many buyers with families are trying to find a home before school starts, making them very motivated.
In general, May is the best month to list your home. Later in the year, the sale process can get complicated with summer trips, but sellers who list in May often end up selling up to two weeks sooner and for $40,000 more than those who list during other months.
Get Your Timing Right
Now that you know the best and worst times to sell a house, it’s time to start planning your sale. If you can afford to wait a while for the perfect moment, you can earn a higher profit and sell faster, so it’s worth delaying your listing if you’re selling through the traditional process. Whatever you decide, make sure to consider your local market circumstances as well!
Want more of the essential guides you need to make key decisions in life? Check out our other posts to learn more.
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