Because many buyers prefer to move in the spring or summer, generally the market starts to heat up as early as February. Families with children are anxious to buy so they can move during summer vacation, before the new school ear begins.
To attract the largest number of potential buyers, put your house on the market in late winter or early spring. Weather conditions are less of a consideration in some areas more than in other parts of the country. Consequently, we tend to see the real estate market pick up as early as February, with the strongest selling season usually lasting through May.
The market tends to slow down in the summer. July is often the slowest month because a strong spring will put pressure on rates and slow down the market. However, the market usually picks up again in the fall, making it the second-best time of year to list a property for sale and possibly the best time to buy. In the past, the most difficult time to sell a home was in November and December, when most people are busy with the holidays. But astute home- buyers now realize they can get better buys during the off-peak season, so this is no longer the case. And houses can look more attractive and inviting when they are decorated for the holidays. In addition, Sellers often wonder whether or not they should take their homes off the market for the holidays. Generally speaking, you'll have the best results if your house is available to show to prospective buyers continuously until it sells.
