Should I list in the Fall or wait until the Spring?

We’ve entered the time of year when Seller’s start to wonder if it’s worth it to put the house on the market now, or simply wait until the spring. It really depends on how quickly you need to sell your home! Houses can be sold any time of year these days, even in our resort market on the Outer Banks. The internet has removed any real sign of a seasonal market for us.

So if you’re currently toying with this exact question, take a look at some information I recently shared with a Seller who is pondering this idea:

• Historically listing inventory will jump 30% in the months of March, April and May. While sales do also go up, it's not at a percentage equal to the rise in inventory. When homes have more competition, they tend to get lower offers.

• We generally close more sales in the 4th quarter than we do in the summer months. This is primarily due to limited showing access during prime season. In addition, we find that buyers will start the process earlier in the year and then come back in the fall/winter to purchase. Because it's a second home, the buying time is usually 6 to 12 months for a decision to be made.

• With the volatility of the economy and market, if you've made the decision to sell, why wait 6 months not knowing what else could happen. We know the market isn't going up anytime soon, why take the risk of a considerable drop? We know the conditions today.

• Some Sellers may fear being on the market over the fall/winter will only accumulate the days on market and impact them in the Spring. The fact is, if we sit on the market at the wrong price, whether it is spring, fall, summer or winter, we won't get much activity or offers. Pricing is the key. Once you get that right, it won’t matter how long you’ve been on the market, a buyer will come.

• If a buyer purchases a home and closes in the next 2.5 months, their first mortgage payment won’t be due until sometime next year. They will start receiving rental deposits for those weeks already booked to help with their cashflow immediately. These next 90 to 120 days are prime time for buyers looking to get in before the 2012 rental season begins and they have a chance to personalize the home.

• When you hire the right agent to work on your behalf, you'll find it won't matter what time of year you have the home for sale! My job is to market and sell the home. Since I work full time all year long, I’m confident with the right price and strategy your home will sell any time of the year!