FrontDoor.com

There's a selling myth that you should wait till springtime to sell your home. While spring is the busiest season for real estate sales, people buy homes 365 days a year. If you decide you need to sell your home in the off-peak season, emphasize its seasonal amenities.

Choose Your Selling Season

Because many buyers prefer to move in the spring or summer, the market starts to heat up as early as February. Families with children are eager to buy so they can move during summer vacation, before the new school year begins.

The market slows down in late summer before picking up again briefly in the fall. November and December are traditionally been slow months, although some astute buyers look for bargains during this period.

Despite these trends, there are often more important considerations. Ask yourself questions like these:

• How quickly do I need to move? If you need to relocate quickly for a new job or family emergency, you'll need to sell as quickly as possible. If your moving dates are more flexible, you may be able to get a higher sale price in the spring or summer.
• What season will your home be most desirable? If you're selling a lake or beach home, for sale homes will be most in-demand in the early spring and summer months. A ski chalet in Aspen would make more buyers bite during wintertime.

Pinpoint Your Home's Seasonal Perks

Once you've chosen your selling season, play up its perks!