Questions I Am Often Asked
In a quandary about when to put your home on the market? You've heard so many conflicting views as to the best time. Is there really one time of the calendar year that is better than others? There are many factors that will affect market activity at a given time, some of which are not predictable. Area differences and economic conditions can also impact the flow of real estate transfers as well. However, there are some consistent factors that occur on a regular basis that you can expect.
For instance, the fourth quarter of the year is impacted by several of the major holidays that will put a crimp in normal buyer flow. With two of these important holidays situated only weeks apart, a normal interruption of buyer interest can occur. In addition, since schools are in semester break, most people consider family priorities like vacations and celebrations more important and put housing sales at less of a priority. Those concerned with year-end financial responsibilities and deadlines will also make for waning interest. In addition, the corporate transfer market generally seems to become less active until after the holiday season subsides. Winter snow covers even the most elaborate landscaping, which may mean a potential buyer will have to appreciate that beauty from display photographs instead of the real thing.
The first quarter of the year enjoys the return of full market as all attention resumes to a more normal pace. The corporate transfer market can intensify as new goals are implemented for the new year. Locational factors can affect activity due to inclement weather conditions impairing the air and car travel.
April brings tax deadlines which in some cases has affected the middle weeks of that month. As the Spring season develops, homes seem to have nicer curb appeal and encourages more "drive-by" traffic. Many leases come due as the rental market turns over, often encouraging first-time home buyers to re-evaluate their housing situations. Real life occurrences still can affect regular flow as three-day weekends take precedence and schools let out for the summer. Graduation time also can lend a blow to the normal activity enjoyed in the late May-June period. Homes generally show their best when the exterior landscaping is in full bloom and top condition, grabbing the attention of that "drive-by" buyer.
Third quarter real estate runs fairly uninterrupted but also has summer vacations, the Fourth of July and Labor Day to obstruct full market activity. School start ups show to make the last weeks in August and September slower than the earlier part of the month.
It seems between holidays, school, weather, taxes, and family, just when is the best time? No one can predict when the one qualified buyer you need to appreciate your home will be looking in your neighborhood. Of course, some times seem better than others. Economic factors, interest rates, and of course, supply and demand will all play a critically important part as to the strength of the market. Springtime generally shows an increase of properties offered for sale, which gives increased selection to the buyer market. Fall may have less competition, but complications can occur with making moves during the holiday season and the kids final semester in school. The one important factor to remember is: A buyer buys when the right home is offered for the price they are willing to pay at a time they need to buy. Consider your own personal needs and motivations when thinking of selling. Consult with Risa Saltman, your local real estate professional for factors affecting your specific area for the best strategy for your move.
Copyright REEPco, Inc. 1998
Permission granted to RealTalk subscribers for use
This months joke:
Question What do you call a very popular perfume?
Answer: A best-smeller
Cartoon of the Day
compliments of WhitePalm
Question: Is Home Evaluation Available on the Internet Reliable?
Answer: Today's myth is that home valuation and evaluation information available on the Internet is reliable.
This is NOT necessarily true. Most of the information available on Internet sites is drawn from public records, with no verification of the data. Be advised that public records are historical and may not provide a true indication of current trends that can impact a particular property or the property's specific characteristics when it is sold.
Retaining the services of both a qualified appraiser and real estate agent in a given market will help ensure reliable, up-to-the minute feedback on local market dynamics and specific properties in question based on current firsthand knowledge and professional experience.
Trusting some of the Internet sites can cost you thousands in hard-earned equity or on the other hand will cost you the inconvenience of putting your house on the market at a price much higher than the market will bear. This of course could result in no sale or offers way below the price you have placed on your property.
Give Risa Saltman a call at 1-800-699-4901.
April favorite links:
Click here Great guide for gardening
Click here Mother's Day Poems
Click here Holiday celebration site
Click here Great activities for kids and adults
Click here Story of Mayday
Visit some of Risa's other sites:
Risa's BestOrlandoHomes
Risa's OrlandoHomeStore
site with a different newsletter, games and some great information about Orlando and local schools.
Want to be added to Risa's FREE E-newsletter distribution list? Totally different from the web site newsletter, all you need to do is click HERE and click SEND.
Want LOTS of FREE reports on moving, purchasing a home or selling a home? Click here to go to my other site, click FREE reports on the left column and you will have plenty to choose from. AND they will be delivered to your email address immediatley!
Call Risa at 800-699-4901
For the BEST agent in your area!
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