When is the best time to buy or sell my home? 

Imagine It is that time of year. Black Friday which is always kicks off an avalanche of “end of year” clearance sales. Everyone knows that if you are in the market for a new car, November and December are the months to get a great deal on the current year models before the New Year models arrive. There are also products and services that increase in price when they are in-season versus out-of-season. Have a pool and need some work done? You are bound to get a good deal in the winter months when business is slow for the pool maintenance guys. Want to buy a new lawn mower? You will get a great deal while there is 10 inches of snow on the ground. But what about a home? Is there a “season” best suited to making the big purchase?

The answer is a resounding, YES!

Seasonality of home sales

Unlike car buying, homes move slower in the winter months. In most states, weather plays a factor. Let’s face it, no one wants to drive around in the cold, snow, slush, or sleet of October, November, and December looking at homes. It is also the holiday season which can be stressful all by it itself and few people want to heap on the additional stress of moving unless it is absolutely necessary. Families with school aged children resist moving mid school year to avoid uprooting the children and disrupting their routines. Totally understandable..

So it only makes sense that the summer months of May, June, July, and August are when home sales normally see a surge of activity. The weather is nice and it is fun and relaxing to drive around looking at home possibilities. There are more daylight hours which is nice. School is out (or about to be) so summer is the perfect time to relocate the children before the new school year starts. The holidays are far from consideration.

Because the summer months seem to be the hot bed for buying, many homeowners begin to prep their home for sale at the beginning of the year and list it March and April to get on the front side of the buying activity. As we know, the closing process can take weeks, even months, so plan accordingly.

If you are looking to buy in the Raleigh area, the winter may get you a better deal but it will also have a slimmer inventory of homes. If you don’t find a home you like in the winter then you may want to consider looking late August or September when the summer sellers may be a bit more willing to negotiate.

Whether you are flexible with your timing or home shopping under a deadline, you are going to have questions and guess what…. WE HAVE ANSWERS. Stop by our website and check out our no-obligation Home Buying Guide, Home Selling Guide and our Get Money Guide. You’ll be glad you did.