You Missed the Busy Real Estate Season, Now What?

You've been talking about moving forever and you finally decided to do it. The only catch? You missed out on the busy real estate season. So, what now?

Before you panic, remember the busy season isn't always when you think it is. Homelight, a data-focused real estate company, ran the numbers and saw that the best time of year to sell can depend on your city, your time zone, and even weather can affect the best time of year to sell. 

If you're buying

Buying during the off-season means there's a lot less competition for houses. That can be great because you won't feel pressured to put an offer in quickly and you're less likely to get in a bidding war. The bad news is there are likely fewer houses on the market, so there's less to choose from. 

If you have the luxury of time, waiting for the right house is always a good option. If you're in more of a hurry there are lots of strategies you can take to help you find a home when inventory is low. 

If you're selling

Selling in the off-season can actually work to your advantage if you play your cards right. 

Make your house turnkey 

 Moving is not fun. Buyers can be particularly motivated when they know they can move into a new house and not have to do a single thing except unpack. 

Choose the right images

Making sure your home's pictures looking professional is important whenever you're selling a home. When you're selling during the offseason these images can make your home seem too good to pass up. If you're looking to go the extra mile, get images of your home from spring and summer so potential buyers can get a feel for how nice your yard looks when its in bloom. 

Leave it on the market during the holidays 

 Yes, it's a pain to have to keep your house pristine and open it to buyers during the holidays, but the holidays can also be a great time to sell. 

Missing the busy season might seem like a disaster, but the truth is, there's never a "bad" time to sell or buy a home!