Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

So we were going to wait until the new year to list however DH thinks he would rather list it come the fall. I didnt think this was the best time, but he from a market standpoint- economy, interest rates, comps we have available right now in my area, he thinks that this is a good time (well the fall, Sept-Oct). I said let's wait until March.

How many people are really house hunting after kids go back to school? That is my only concern, otherwise I am all for listing bc we know where we want to move now.

We would still need to have the realtor come down to see the house, sign paperwork, we have not done that yet...so thats why it wouldnt be for a month or so.

TIA!

Message edited 8/9/2013 7:15:04 AM.

Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

Dh and I started looking in October. For people without kids I really do t think time of year mattrs

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

Message edited 8/9/2013 9:04:59 AM.

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

We had a realtor come in and her advice was to either list now - early August- or wait until late January/February.

However we are thinking of going up in October. I agree with PP, people without school aged kids dont care about the time of year. It also gives us a few months to test the waters and see what happens. Then if we need to do some updates or change pricing, by february (when apparently the people are seriously looking - according the the realtor) hopefully if we haven't sold yet, we will sell quickly because all factors will be perfect.

I will say DH and I are still on the fence about moving so that may be why we are taking this approach as well. We live in Smithtown and want to stay in our area/SD, so if we dont get the right price or find a new home we are happy to stay and further renovate our current house.

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

There are always buyers, no matter when you list. Houses come on the market 12 months out of the year and sell.

But traditionally, early fall (after Labor Day) and early spring are very busy times in real estate. A lot of people list then, and there is a lot of buyer activity. (Late summer and holidays/Dec/Jan tend to be slower times).

So I actually think that fall is a great time to list.

And I do think it will be very busy given that there continues to be a pent up demand and buyers are realizing that rates won't stay this low forever and there is a real risk of them continuing to rise.

Personally, I always advise sellers that they should put their home on the market when they want to sell and not try to shoot for some ideal time of year. A lot of that is really just a myth. Even in the dead of winter/over the holidays, for example, there is an upside for sellers in that there are usually fewer homes coming on the market so there is less competition for buyers' attention. So you can really make a case for listing any time of year.

And if rates go up significantly by next year, buyers who could buy your home now or this fall may not even be able to afford it anymore, so it would be a shrinking pool of qualified buyers. So there's that risk of waiting!

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

I've sold houses on christmas eve- the market never stops

I believe the fall can be better b/c most sellers will wait till the spring or after the holidays- so there is less competition

also some sellers want to be closing by the end of the year- so it's a good time to buy as well

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

We are looking for a house (no school age children). If you live in our target areas, please list your house!

Personally, I think you have to do what is best for you and your family. You only need 1 buyer to fall in love with your home and make an offer. If putting on the market now means you have more time, you can be more choosy about the offers you take. I don't think the market will change significantly between now and the spring but that is not something you can control or predict!

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

Posted by queensgal

We are looking for a house (no school age children). If you live in our target areas, please list your house!

Personally, I think you have to do what is best for you and your family. You only need 1 buyer to fall in love with your home and make an offer. If putting on the market now means you have more time, you can be more choosy about the offers you take. I don't think the market will change significantly between now and the spring but that is not something you can control or predict!

Re: Contemplating listing my home sooner that we thought...question about Fall Listings

My son will be starting Kindergarten next year and I would love to get him settled into a neighborhood before new year. I would list NOW...since it is slim pickings out there