Summer is a busy time for real estate in the Treasure Valley, but is it the best time for you to sell your home? Sellers want to list their homes at the best time of the year so they can sell quickly for the best price. Summer is a convenient time for many people, long daylight hours and nice weather are good for showing off the interior of your home and relocating before school starts is ideal for families with young children. However, there are pros and cons to any season for the real estate market, and often one season will be better in one state versus another.

Spring is considered to be a wonderful time for selling a home. The weather warms up from the cold of winter, flowers and budding trees add to curb appeal, prices increase as demand starts to build, and the soft light of spring illuminates house interiors in the best ways. Since Spring is such a good time for sales, that also means that there will be more competition on the market, contractors and designers will be kept busy and potentially will be hard to schedule, and windy, stormy Spring days can make it hard to keep your home looking show-ready.

Summer has easier scheduling of contractors and less wild weather to combat. Homes sold in July and August sell faster than in any other month of the year, over 5 days quicker on average, and Summer sales have made up 40% of historical real estate sale volume. Buyer demand is high in the Summer months, and bright daylight will show off your home well into the evening. The often oppressive heat will sometimes scare off all but dedicated home buyers and make it difficult to work on keeping your home show-ready, and there will still be plenty of competition to combat, as well as many people taking vacations which interfere with showings and paperwork. However, moving is far easier in the summer because of the more predictable weather and if you have vacation days off from work, why not use them to get into your new home?

Autumn’s colorful foliage and mild lighting can bring appeal to listed homes, and there is less competition on the market as inventory drops from Summer’s peak. Homes still sell fairly fast and prices can be higher in October-November compared to other months of the year. People want to buy and sell their homes before the busyness of the holidays, but buyer interest will begin to fade by the end of the Autumn months, and there is also the constant outdoor cleanup to take into account.

Winter’s cold and harsh conditions usually mean fewer buyers are venturing out in search of a new home, but those that brave the temperatures and busyness of the holidays are committed and ready for home-buying. There is significantly less competition on the market, and holiday décor can make the interior of your home warm and inviting. Prices tend to drop in the Winter months, and homes can take much longer to sell than in other months, but with motivated buyers, there may be less waiting time after a showing until the final sale happens.

The best time to sell your home is honestly the time that works best for you and your lifestyle! If you’ve got young kids at home, Summer may be the best time, before school starts up again. Or maybe Autumn and Spring’s soft lighting and mild weather appeal to you more as you ready your house for showings. Whatever you decide, we at Treasure Valley Real Estate are more than happy to help you with the whole buying and selling process; we want to help you find the home of your dreams.

The Majestic Treasure Valley

Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Invest in simple improvements like landscaping, exterior painting, and cleaning up the front yard to make your home more inviting from the curb.

Declutter and Depersonalize: Clear out personal items and excess clutter to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Depersonalizing allows them to focus on the features of the home rather than being distracted by personal belongings.

Make Necessary Repairs: Take care of any visible repairs before listing your home. This includes fixing leaky faucets, repairing cracked tiles, replacing broken fixtures, and addressing any other minor issues that could deter buyers.

Stage Your Home: Consider staging your home to showcase its full potential. This may involve rearranging furniture, adding decorative accents, and creating a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of buyers.

Highlight Key Features: Identify and highlight the most attractive features of your home, such as updated appliances, hardwood floors, spacious closets, or a beautifully landscaped backyard. Make sure these features are prominently displayed in your marketing materials.

Price Your Home Competitively: Research comparable properties in your area to determine a realistic listing price for your home. Pricing too high can deter potential buyers, while pricing too low may leave money on the table. Work with your real estate agent to find the right balance.

Utilize Professional Photography: Invest in high-quality photography to showcase your home in its best light online. Professional photos can significantly enhance the appeal of your listing and attract more potential buyers.

Market Your Home Effectively: Utilize a variety of marketing channels to reach potential buyers, including online listings, social media, open houses, and signage. Make sure your home is visible to as many prospective buyers as possible.

Be Flexible with Showings: Make it easy for interested buyers to view your home by being flexible with showing times. Accommodating potential buyers’ schedules can increase the likelihood of receiving offers.

Consider Home Inspections in Advance: Consider getting a pre-listing home inspection to identify any potential issues beforehand. This allows you to address problems proactively and gives buyers confidence in the condition of your home.

By following these tips, first-time home sellers can increase the likelihood of selling their home for the maximum value at the time of sale and have a smoother selling experience overall.

Assess Your Finances: Understand your financial situation thoroughly before diving into the home-buying process. Calculate your budget, including down payment, closing costs, monthly mortgage payments, and other related expenses.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Prior to starting your house hunt, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of how much you can afford and will make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.

Research the Market: Take the time to research the real estate market in your desired area. Look into property values, trends, and neighborhood amenities. This will help you make informed decisions and negotiate effectively.

Identify Your Needs and Wants: Make a list of your priorities in a home, distinguishing between must-haves and nice-to-haves. Consider factors such as location, size, layout, and features that align with your lifestyle and future plans.

Work with a Real Estate Agent: Partnering with a reputable real estate agent can simplify the home-buying process and provide valuable expertise. Look for an agent who understands your needs and has experience in the local market.

Attend Open Houses and Viewings: Take advantage of open houses and scheduled viewings to explore potential properties. Pay attention to details like the condition of the house, neighborhood ambiance, and any potential red flags.

Don’t Overlook Hidden Costs: In addition to the purchase price, factor in other expenses such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, and potential renovations or repairs. Be prepared for these costs to avoid financial strain down the road.

Consider Future Resale Value: Even if you’re planning to stay in your new home for the long term, it’s wise to consider its resale value. Look for properties in desirable neighborhoods with good schools and amenities, as these tend to hold their value better over time.

Get a Home Inspection: Before finalizing the purchase, invest in a professional home inspection to uncover any hidden issues or potential problems. This can save you from costly surprises and provide peace of mind.

Stay Flexible and Patient: The home-buying process can be complex and time-consuming. Stay flexible and patient, understanding that finding the right home may take time. Trust your instincts and don’t settle for a property that doesn’t meet your needs.