Times are a-changin’

No doubt you’re aware that the real estate market is shifting. The days of going under contract the weekend your home goes on the market are over, at least for the foreseeable future.

The market is beginning to normalize. This is good news. The wild and crazy ride we’ve been on could not continue indefinitely. Returning to more predictable selling cycles and more typical interest rates is helpful in the long run.

Panic has left the real estate scene

Buyers feel more comfortable taking their time. Average days on market is running about three weeks. Higher priced homes are on a little longer. As we move toward the end of the year into what is usually a slower selling season, days on market will likely lengthen.

Selling your home in this market

What’s important to remember is that houses are still selling … it just takes a little longer. The right asking price is key. Buyers aren’t feeling the urgency they felt earlier in the summer. Savvy buyers will walk away from an over-priced home.

Establishing the right price involves keen market analysis by a real estate professional you trust. Pricing is not a hit-or-miss proposition. Selling your home to a qualified buyer is about getting the asking price right from day one.

Then it’s about getting your property ready. We’re headed into fall cleanup and home maintenance season. If you’re thinking about listing your home in the spring, now is the time to organize your garage, clean out the storage room in the basement, and replace the broken fence.

A home in mint condition sells faster

Getting a home ready for market takes time, which is why we recommend starting the work now for a spring listing. Tackle the de-cluttering process. Recycle, sell, toss, or give away what you no longer want or need. Repair that drippy faucet and replace the cracked window you’ve been living with for years.

Waiting until the month before you go on market is a stress inducer and one you can avoid by jumpstarting the process in the fall.

If you’re thinking about listing this fall, winter, or spring, give us a call. We’ll talk strategy, pricing, and timing, and help you establish a game plan.