When is the best time to market my home?

It’s one of the most stressful times we shall ever face but on average we do it 8 times in our life: we buy and sell a house.  We’ve seen a multitude of scenarios and been faced with varying challenges in order to help our clients move which is why, before we carry out any market appraisal, we always ask: what is the reason for your move? It might be that you’re looking to upsize or even downsize or that your job is bringing you to the area.

A perfect example would be Mr and Mrs Smith who would like to upsize and be slightly closer to the school their child will be attending in September.  It’s the middle of February now but they feel their property might stand more chance of selling once the garden comes alive in May.  This is a common concern for sellers, particularly in the aftermath of the storms, floods or snow we’re so accustomed to experiencing during the winter months. 

On average, it is estimated that sellers can expect to have their home on the market between 6 and 12 weeks before they secure a buyer.  Once the offer has been accepted, Mr and Mrs Smith can in turn make an offer on a home although it may take them 3 or 4 weeks to find their next home.  Even if they enter into a small chain, the length of the conveyancing process can easily take up to 12 or even 16 weeks.  Therefore, if Mr and Mrs Smith are planning on bringing their home to the market in May, it is entirely possible that they will not be moving much before Christmas. 

That is not to say that all transactions are going to be slow.  We have sold a number of properties before they have even reached the open market due to knowing our buyers sufficiently to tie up a sale within a day of instructing the property.  On one occasion we secured a buyer and the property transaction completed ten days later.  But when you are preparing to put yourself through one of the most stressful periods of your life, discuss it with your agent and be clear about your plans and your expectations.  It will allow your agent to work with you as well as manage your buyer’s expectations and eliminate any unnecessary stresses along the way.