What are some benefits of selling your Sarasota house in the fall? Here are 5 things to consider.
Home sellers in Florida often ask “what’s the best time of year to sell my house?” and some even assume it’s during “season” when vacationers and our beloved snowbirds are here for the winter. While it’s true that there are a lot of potential home buyers here in the Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton areas in the winter, there are some great reasons to consider selling in the fall.
1. Last year’s seasonal renters are ready to buy
Last year’s seasonal renters have spent time exploring the area and are looking forward to coming back. This time, they’re ready for their own place. Sure, they could rent another year, but if they’re going to buy anyway, why spend money on rent? Maybe they didn’t buy in the spring because they didn’t want the maintenance and HOA or condo fees over the summer, or needed time to do more research. Many of the most serious buyers come back specifically to house hunt in the fall. They’re ready, able, and eager to buy a home or condo of their own and prepare it for their return in the winter.
2. There’s less competition among home sellers
Most years, there are fewer homes for sale in the fall and early winter than any other time of year here in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton areas. Chances are there are fewer homes in your neighborhood for sale, which means buyers are more focused on your house and why it’s perfect for them.
3. Many year-round residents prefer to buy in the “off” season
We’ve all seen the flurry of open house and home sale activity that develops the first week of January and lasts until mid-April. There are more cars on the road, more people out exploring their homebuying options, learning the neighborhoods, peeking into the clubhouses, trying their hand at making offers. While this is exciting and fun for folks coming to join us here in paradise, homebuyers who are already year-round locals often prefer a less busy time of year –fall– to do their house shopping.
4. Moving services and contractors are less busy in the fall
If you’ve ever tried to book a moving company or a contractor to make home improvements or repairs in spring in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch or Bradenton, you know it can be expensive and the timeline may not be ideal for you. It is blissfully so much easier in the fall and early winter when these services are delighted to hear from you and eager to earn your business.
5. If you’ve owned in the Sarasota area for at least the last 2 years, you’ve likely got equity
Over the last two years in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, we’ve seen a 38% appreciation in home values. That’s an incredible increase in your home equity from January 2020 to today. If your home was worth $600,000 in January 2020, it’s likely worth an additional $228,000 conservatively. That’s a significant downpayment on your next house, giving you plenty of room to upsize, downsize or rightsize.
Are you ready for your next move?
What other questions to you have for me about selling your house? Let me know, I would love to hear from you.
Check out success stories from sellers just like you or learn more about Christine Pope.