Haute Residence experts weigh in on the best time to put your house on the market.
Jacopo Iasiello, Brickell, Miami, FL
Yes, there are generally better times to put a house on the market than others, but the "best time" can vary depending on various factors such as location, market trends, economic conditions, and local seasonality. However, some general guidelines can be considered:
Spring and Summer: The period from late spring to early summer (April to June) is often considered one of the best times to list a house. The weather is usually more favorable, and many potential buyers are actively looking as they aim to move during the warmer months.
Avoid the Holidays: It's generally not advisable to list a house during major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, as people are preoccupied with celebrations and vacations.
School Year: In many areas, families prefer to move during the summer months to avoid disrupting their children's school year. Listing a house in late spring can cater to families looking to settle before the next school year.
Local Market Trends: Real estate markets can vary widely by location and can even differ from year to year. It's important to consult with your local real estate professionals (Miami), I have up-to-date information on market conditions and trends.
Economic Conditions: The overall economic situation, such as interest rates and employment levels, can impact the housing market's activity. When interest rates are low and the job market is strong, it can be a favorable time to list a house.
Supply and Demand: Keep an eye on the supply and demand dynamics in your local market. Listing when there's less competition and more demand can work to your advantage.
Renovation and Curb Appeal: If your house needs repairs or improvements, it's a good idea to address those before listing. Enhancing curb appeal and making necessary renovations can make your house more attractive to potential buyers regardless of the time of year.
Ultimately, the decision of when to list your house should be based on a combination of local market conditions, your personal circumstances, and any advice you receive from real estate professionals. It's important to keep in mind that while there may be statistically better times to list, the right time for you will depend on your specific situation and goals.
Moriah Taliaferro, Sarasota, FL
The best time to put a house on the market is when it has been prepared properly so that it shows optimally and when the sellers are prepared with realistic expectations. Of course, timing the market is important, especially in markets like Sarasota where the number of residents fluctuates significantly between seasons. But even at the height of the market, if a property hasn't been well prepared, it's not the right time to list. For sellers, it's important to understand that the best time to think about listing a property is well in advance of when it actually goes on the market. In terms of ‘timing the market,’ there’s no doubt that Sarasota’s best time to sell is during the fourth and first quarters when our population is at its peak and there are visitors eager to escape colder climates for our tropical shores. But that doesn’t mean that sellers can’t be successful in our summer months. In fact, my record-setting sale of the EPOCH Grand Penthouse closed this summer as the highest-priced home sale in Downtown Sarasota’s history. In addition to timing the market for access to the most potential buyers, I advise sellers to consider their own calendars so that they are well prepared for any outcome and can move on with ease.
Miguel A. Rodriguez, West Palm Beach, FL
There sure is! While spring and summer traditionally attract buyers due to weather and school breaks, South Florida's steady demand offers flexibility. Avoid major holidays and hurricane seasons, prioritize your property's appeal, and track local trends. Remember, the right time is when your property shines and the market aligns. Seek guidance from your local expert for strategic decisions.
In the East Bay, Piedmont, Oakland, and Berkeley, our market is usually strongest for a seller in the first two quarters. Mid-January kicks off our strongest market as the holiday season is always quiet. It is important to avoid holiday weeks and long weekends, throughout the year, as we live in an affluent area and buyers vacation. In recent years, graduations were occurring in June and now they happen as early as May, even April. In order to bring as many buyers into a listing we shoot for the months when buyers are around and in town. Once summer comes, they are off traveling again. The fall market is good, but not as strong as it once was, prior to the recession of 2008-2009. In the end, a great home, properly prepared and staged for market and priced right will do well, any time of year.
Priscilla Haisley, Miami Shores, FL
Every situation is unique and it will also depend on what you will be doing next. In terms of replacement is not a particular time, because when you sell for more, you will be also buying for more. However, the Miami single-family homes market is very low on inventory still. We have buyers waiting for homes to come on the market. That’s definitely the right time to sell if you are on the fence and get top dollar on your property!
Alexandra Bonte & James Filipidis, Lisbon, Portugal
There are certain times of the year that are generally considered better for putting a house on the market, but the "best time" can vary depending on the local real estate market, as well as the type of property. For example, it depends if it's a coastal property, if it is at a summer holiday destination, or if it's an all-year.
Typically, the best time to put a property on the market is spring. Around April and May, people are looking for properties. The period between late spring and early summer can also be a good time to list a house. Families often prefer to move during the spring and summer months to avoid disrupting the school year. Around July and August, it usually goes a bit quieter and then in September the market becomes more active again, so it is also a good time to put properties on the market.
Another aspect is the impact of seasonal factors. For instance, a house with a garden or a pool might be more appealing during the warmer seasons. Listing the property when these features are in full bloom can be advantageous.
Usually, periods to avoid would be during the summer holidays, as well as during the winter holidays. People are usually not fully focused on buying a property and usually just looking.
Given the South Florida area in general is considered to be a destination City, we actually have two BEST times, in my opinion, to place a Florida Home on the market.
The first is approximately January 10 -15th. The Holidays are over, and people who have been thinking about moving can begin to focus.
The second time is just after Memorial Day. Parents of school-age children who are looking to move want to make sure they have found, purchased, and moved into their new home at least a month before the new school year starts.
If you are a SELLER who is thinking about putting your home on the market, you don't want to wait until one or two weeks before you want it to 'hit the market.' You want to sign a contract with a 'List in the MLS by xyz date' This will allow you to do a buyer's inspection to discover what needs to be fixed and fix it so a buyer doesn't try to negotiate down your price.
Planning in advance will also allow you to declutter and actually remove at least one-third of your furnishings and personal items so the home shows bigger.
And, of course, you will want to stage the home and create curb appeal.
Having a professional Real Estate Wealth Advisor can make the difference in Tens of Thousands to Millions of Dollars earned on the sale of your home.
The AMS team – by Ani Sanchez & Yedri Villafane, Coconut Grove, FL
Yes, When listing your property, it's essential to factor in specific considerations.
In Miami, the appealing winter climate draws "snowbirds," leading to increased demand for homes in those months—making it a favorable time to list. Additionally, be mindful of significant local events, festivals, or conventions, as they can impact housing demand and guide your timing.
Remaining informed about market trends, current inventory levels, and buyer preferences is also crucial. Like any real estate market, this knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions. It's essential to recognize that while these guidelines offer valuable insights, each situation is unique and warrants personalized attention.
