DEAR ESTHER >> We have been working all summer to prepare our home to sell and plan to list it sometime in the fall. However, my sister told me we should wait until the spring because that’s the time most people buy. What do you suggest?
It is generally understood in real estate that spring is the best time to sell, but that does not necessarily mean you should wait until spring to list your home. In fact, because many are waiting, there are more homes for sale in the spring and the competition is greater. If, as you said, your home is ready to put on the market, then I would consider doing that early in September after folks are back from summer vacations and life is less busy for prospective buyers.
Next to spring, fall is the busiest real estate season. Autumn offers certain benefits to home buyers, including year-end tax breaks (both mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible from gross income) and pleasant weather conditions for moving. Buying a house before the deep freeze of winter sets in is very appealing to most. Moving is hard enough without dealing with icy roads, snow storms or sweltering summer heat.
It is important to meet with a good real estate agent to discuss how to best stage your home, price it correctly and market it well. Her expertise will have you packing and moving on before the long, dreary winter.
If you have real estate questions, feel free to contact me, Esther Prosser, Stoltzfus Realtors, 484-269-7153 or email esther@stoltzfus.com.
