5 Reasons to Sell Your Home in the Fall

As the red-hot summer real estate market starts to wind down you might be wondering if you should wait until next year to sell your home. The truth of the matter is that selling now could be exactly the right time. Here are some benefits of selling your house in the fall, and why it might be a smart strategy.

#1: A MORE SERIOUS BUYER POOL

Yes, the spring housing market is sure to bring out buyers, but plenty of folks may hold off on making an offer. With more homes to choose from, they can afford to be picky, and that could extend their search by months. Come September, though, serious buyers will be feeling the pressure to make their move before the holiday season or bad weather hits. That’s where you come in.

#2: LESS COMPETITION

Post-summer home buyers not only have the stress of the holiday season looming overhead, but their options are shrinking. Many sellers rush to close by September, so, fortunately, you’ll be competing in a much smaller market. That can be a powerful bargaining chip to help you close before the end of the year.

#3: DIFFERENT BUYER DEMOGRAPHICS

While families are more likely to make their move in the spring, millennials, and empty-nesters usually swoop in a bit later in the year. They’re not the only ones, either: to avoid higher “on season” real estate rates, employers who need to relocate their workers often wait for the fall, when the market tends to cool down. These out-of-towners will probably need to get through the process quickly, too, which could mean a relatively speedy closing.

#4: MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR IMPROVEMENTS

Depending on where you live, spring and summer can be a much-needed break from a harsh winter, and your house could probably use a little TLC. So give yourself those warmer months for some home improvements.