The Real Estate Questions Everyone Is Asking
Part 5: When Is the Best Time to Buy or Sell a Home? (The Answer May Surprise You)
One of the questions I hear all the time is:
"When is the best time to buy or sell a home?"
Most people expect me to say spring.
They're usually surprised when I don't.
Because the truth is...
Most of the time, you don't get to choose.
Life usually makes that decision for you.
Maybe you've accepted a new job.
Your family is growing.
The kids have moved out.
You're retiring.
Or life has simply taken you in a new direction.
Whatever the reason, most moves happen because life changes—not because the calendar says it's the "perfect" time to buy or sell.
But if you do have the flexibility to choose, there are a few things worth considering.
📊 Every Market Is Different
One of the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make is assuming the national real estate market is the same as their local market.
It isn't.
Real estate is local.
In fact, the market can change dramatically from one city to the next, one neighborhood to another, and even between different price ranges in the same community.
That's why I always encourage my clients to look at what's happening where they actually want to buy or sell.
If you're selling, don't guess at the market—ask your REALTOR® to show you the numbers.
Ask to see:
- Recent comparable sales
- Current competition
- Days on market
- Inventory in your price range
If you're buying, don't just look at one house.
Look at all of the homes available in your price range and ask yourself:
"Do I love what's available...or am I settling?"
If you've found several homes you really like, you probably have a little more room to negotiate and compare your options.
But if you've been looking for weeks and only one home has truly checked all your boxes, you'll probably want to be ready to write your best offer when the next great one comes along.
❤️ Sometimes Your Heart Decides Before Your Head
Here's a little confession...
When John and I decided to move, we spent a lot of time looking at homes where we thought we wanted to live.
We looked.
We compared.
We planned.
Then we drove three hours to look at one house.
We walked through the front door...
And that was it.
We wrote the contract.
To this day, we still love our home.
It's funny because so many buyers tell me they're going to look at 20 or 30 homes before making a decision.
Sometimes they do.
Sometimes they fall in love with the very first home they walk into.
Sometimes your heart recognizes "home" before your checklist is complete.
That's why it's so important to be prepared before you start shopping.
When the right home comes along, you don't want to lose it because you weren't ready to act.
☀️ Are Some Seasons Better Than Others?
Traditionally, spring and summer have been stronger markets for sellers because more buyers are actively looking for homes.
Fall and winter can sometimes be a little better for buyers because there may be less competition.
But those are simply general trends—not guarantees.
I've seen homes sit on the market during the hottest seller's market because they were overpriced.
I've also seen well-priced homes sell quickly in the middle of winter.
Pricing still matters.
A well-prepared, well-priced home in a desirable location can sell during almost any season.
💰 Buying and Selling at the Same Time?
Here's something I tell clients that usually gets a laugh...
If you're buying and selling in the same market, you'll probably be happy on one side of the transaction...and not so happy on the other! 😊
In a strong seller's market, you'll likely receive more for your current home—but you'll probably pay more for your next one.
In a buyer's market, you may find a great deal on your next home—but your current home could take longer to sell.
The good news?
More often than not, it balances out.
💚 Get Jacque's Take
People spend a lot of time trying to time the market.
I think it's more important to time your life.
The "perfect" market rarely exists.
But the right time for you does.
That's why I spend more time learning about my clients' goals than trying to predict the future.
Real estate isn't about perfectly timing the market. It's about making the right move at the right time for your life.
📚 Coming Next in the Series
You're reading Part 5 of my six-part series:
💚 Get Jacque's Answers: The Real Estate Questions Everyone Is Asking
🔨 Part 6: What Should I Fix Before Selling My Home?
💚 Thinking About Making a Move?
Whether you're buying, selling, or doing both, I'd love to help you understand what's happening in your local market so you can make the best decision for your goals.
For all your real estate needs...Get Jacque!
Serving Montgomery County | Lake Conroe | Houston | DFW & beyond
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