Many agree that summer is arguably the best time of the year to sell a home. And even detractors must admit it’s the busiest time to list. In fact, the most popular home-selling months are May, June, July, and August. The average number of transactions during this four-month period is 2.1 million. This accounts for 40 percent of total annual sales volume. Among these four months, the peak month of home selling activity is in June. So, if you’re considering listing your house during the Dog Days, consider this list of pros and cons which may help you decide:
Pros
- Warm weather
Which makes for well-attended open houses. - School is out
So, people are generally more open to the idea of relocating. - Show Off in the Sun
Just make sure you clean your windows inside and out, mow and edge the lawn at least two times each week, water daily and prune overgrown trees and foliage. Make the most of the season by bringing the outdoors in. Cut fresh flowers and display for maximum visual appeal and fragrant scent. - More daylight hours for showings
Most homes earn better appraisal evaluations during peak sales times. Since summer is busy for appraisers, lenders, escrow agencies and house hunters, appraisers tend to value properties higher than they would during off-peak times. What’s more, with more homes on the market, your appraiser may be able to find more suitable comps than when the pickings are slim.
Cons
Of course, this all leads to more competition for homes. But let’s face it; 2021 is a seller’s market. So, weigh the competition against what you will gain by listing right alongside your neighbors.
- Everything heats up
If your A/C is on the fritz or your house features a wall unit or whole-house fan instead of central air, the heat could discourage buyers. To guard against this, open plenty of windows and turn on every ceiling fan in sight. - People go out of town
Buyers may not be considering a move while they’re actively booking, packing, and anticipating as well as enjoying their vacations. This is particularly true on the heels of 2020, when few of us emerged from our locked down homes to travel. - Parents are busy taking care of their families which may impede their desire to house-hunt.
To compensate, offer flexible show times. In fact, with COVID-19, virtual tours are all the rage. Ask your realtor about them. - You may need to work to get your house to stand out among the crowd, or it could get lost in the shuffle.
To avoid this, maximize curb appeal and stage your home to sell. When competition is stiff, details matter more than ever.
Bottom Line
It only takes one buyer to sell your home. Since you can’t possibly know in advance when that perfect prospect will be in the market, you might as well list the house, condo or townhome at a time that makes the most sense to you. Certain universal rules apply whenever you decide to sell:
- Location Matters
- Kitchens & Bathrooms Sell Homes
- Homes sell if the price is right.
ABOUT EASTLAND ESCROWS IN COVINA, CALIFORNIA
If you’re considering buying or selling a home, please consider calling Eastland Escrows, Inc. to manage the escrow account. We are an independent escrow company based in Covina, CA serving Southern California since 1973. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we pride ourselves in working like a dog on behalf of all our clients! We have closed thousands of escrow transactions from real estate sales and refinances to business sales.
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