Choosing the best time to sell your house
There are many beliefs about the ideal time to sell your home. In the spring, which is the busiest time? In the fall or winter, when buyers are more serious?
While it would be convenient to have a clear answer, there is no "perfect time" to sell your property. The real estate market is active all year round. Each season has its advantages, and other factors, such as economic trends and your personal situation, must be taken into account when deciding when to sell your house.
In this article, we'll show you what to look out for to help you determine the best time to list your property for sale.
What month is ideal to sell your house?
While there is no perfect season for selling your property, each time of year comes with its advantages.
The dynamism of spring
The renewal season is a very interesting time to put your house up for sale with a dynamic market and the return of warm weather.
1. A more active real estate market
Spring is the time of year when the real estate market is most active. In fact, spring is considered the peak season for the real estate market.
2. The return of warm weather
The return of warm weather, longer days and greener scenery all have a positive effect on people’s morale who are more motivated and ready for change (such as buying a house).
3. Ideal conditions for moving
It’s all the more advantageous to move during the summer, before the arrival of colder temperatures.
The practicality of summer
Summer brings its share of benefits with its beautiful long days and a slowdown in the daily routine.
1. Time and flexibility
During the vacation season, sellers have more time to dedicate to selling. In the same sense, buyers have more flexibility for visits.
2.Ideal conditions for visits
Longer hours of sunshine bring greater dynamism and allows to feature the natural light during evening.
3. Enhancement of outdoor spaces
It is during the summer that backyards are at their best with beautiful greenery, an inviting patio set, a beautiful swimming pool and lush vegetation.
The charm of fall
Fall is a time when the real estate market is active and offers interesting opportunities to sell your house.
1. Less competition
Spring is the busiest season, which also means more competition. In the fall, although the market remains very dynamic, competition is less intense.
2. Motivated buyers
A great advantage of selling your house in the fall is the seriousness of buyers, who wish to find their dream house before the end of the year.
3. The most beautiful season of the year
Fall colours certainly bring a touch of magic to real estate photos and curb appeal of the house.
The advantages of winter
Selling your home during winter can be a challenge, but it also has its strengths and benefits.
1. Determined buyers
Winter particularly attracts first-time buyers who are not renewing their lease, and those who want to move in the spring and take advantage of the summer to settle in.
2. A warm atmosphere for visits
The cold season allows to emphasize home comfort and makes visits more convivial.
3. Less competition
Same as in the fall, competition is lower in the winter than in peak season, which can help you better position yourself to sell.
Economic situation and real estate market conditions
Assessing the best time to sell your property means taking context into account. Economic developments, interest rate changes and the availability of housing on the market are examples of factors that influence the real estate market.
For example, when interest rates are low, more households take advantage of the opportunity to buy while high rates can put off many.
Without a crystal ball, however, it's impossible to predict beyond doubt how the market will evolve. So, maintaining a good understanding of the market you are in is essential to guide you in your decisions, but shouldn't hold you back if you're ready to sell now.
Your personal situation
The best time to sell your home is not dictated by the calendar, but by your own reality. A change in your situation or needs could influence your decision to list your home as soon as possible, for example.
Beyond the strengths of each season and market trends, make sure you choose to sell your home at a time that best suits your needs.
How to prepare for the sale of your house
The key point to remember for selling your home is to choose the best time for you. When you are ready to sell, even if you have chosen the "perfect time", you must still prepare yourself in order to put all the chances on your side to sell quickly.
- Clean up and declutter
- Maintain the exterior of the property, whatever the season
- Carry out minor and major repairs that might repel buyers
- Highlight the property’s features
- Use professional photos for the real estate ad
- Set a realistic sale price
- Maximize property visibility
- Be flexible for visits
- Have all necessary documents on hand
- Be ready for negotiations
Bonus: Work with a real estate broker.
The personalized support and expertise of your real estate broker are essential for successfully selling your property at any time of the year.
