Most people think of the real estate market as hibernating for the winter, coming alive in the early spring, and then heating up to a peak in May and June. That's not necessarily the pattern everywhere, especially in a university town. I have friends with a second home near Dartmouth. With my help, they listed with a local agent this past week, and have two offers over the asking price. They aren't in a true ski location, so why was this the right time? Because colleges, universities, and even medical centers are making their offers to new faculty and staff now, to begin on July 1st, in many cases. That makes June too late for many families to buy a home. Therefore, they are looking now.
But why the high price and the quick sale? Since most sellers list in the spring, there isn't much to look at now. If you have a well-priced home in a desirable area, you will get lots of buyers checking out your property. In fact, Connecticut has more internet searches in January than in any other month. Why not list when the buyers first appear? You have less competition, and a longer season to sell. Think of the old days when Christmas advertising would be geared toward the week before Christmas, and how that has crept up over the years to Thanksgiving. It's the same principle: Have your product in front of buyers when they are thinking about buying.
This year, it may feel like spring weather now, making it easier to get your home ready to show. So take our advice, and get going!
