Realtors® Reveal: Benefits of Selling Before Spring

Traditionally, as winter winds down, the housing market begins to heat up. In fact, selling before the spring rush can have various benefits. 

Getting ahead of those who wait until the weather warms up can give sellers a timeline advantage. However, listing too soon can have its own negative effects, notes PAR President-elect David Dean. 

“If you agree that the spring rush is pertinent to your market, any leg up timewise before the onslaught of competition can never be a bad thing,” Dean says. “But remember, extended days on the market may result in bargain buyers.” 

Still, selling before spring can reduce competition and result in more offers, especially as the market continues to be challenged by a lack of inventory. 

“I would say the biggest advantage of listing before the spring is the potential for less competition,” First Vice President Eric Rehling notes. “January and February tend to be low points for active listings when compared to the rest of the year. A seller could potentially benefit from this because the buyer might not have a tremendous amount of options available to them.” 

“In particular, a home that might need a little work might benefit the most from getting ahead of the spring competition,” he says. 

Additionally, sellers who list before spring have the opportunity to get a feel of the market and the listing process. Dean says, “You can test the market and see if any major objections or inspection issues could prevent a quick sale.” 

Overall, though, while selling before spring has its advantages, the housing market is everchanging, and each home has its own unique characteristics and needs. When it comes to finding the most ideal time to list, seeking a real estate professional’s advice can help significantly. Working with a Realtor® who knows the local market trends can help sellers make an informed decision on when to put their home on the market and where to go from there.