When is the best time to sell a home?

by Brian Huie on 1/16/2024

Typically, the prime seasons for selling a home revolve around spring and summer. Determining the best time hinges on three crucial factors: seasonality, market conditions, and individual circumstances.

In Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest, the weather is most favorable from spring through fall, making these months ideal for attracting active potential buyers. It's vital to consider how your property presents in extreme weather – if your home lacks A/C or sufficient heating, choose a season that avoids discomfort for potential buyers. BH Group can assist in finding solutions to potential issues. If your property is family-oriented, keep in mind that families, often major players in bidding wars, prefer moving in the summer to minimize disruptions to the school year.

However, local real estate market trends, which can fluctuate weekly and vary by submarket (e.g., rural houses outside Duvall, suburban townhomes in Bothell, Seattle Uptown condos), must be taken into account. In a seller's market, selling at any time may be advantageous due to high demand. Conversely, in a buyer's market, waiting for a more favorable environment could be beneficial. Recent trends indicate that waiting a few weeks after sudden interest rate hikes has been favorable for sellers. BH Group ensures that, in the months leading up to listing, clients stay informed about weekly news and updates on comparable market analysis for optimal pricing and marketing strategies.

Consider personal goals and constraints – is there flexibility in choosing a selling month, or is there a specific timeline? If using a cross-collateral or a bridge loan, has that been decided? For occupied homes, is there a possibility of temporarily moving out during the marketing phase, or planning a vacation?

Consulting with a real estate professional, such as BH Group, can offer tailored insights based on specific circumstances. The sooner you engage with BH Group, even if it's a year or more in advance, the better for comprehensive planning. Click here for more information on selling a home in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest!