2017 is already shaping up to be a hot market when it comes to real estate! Inventory is low and the buyer demand is high. When it comes to the right season to list your home, there really is no right or wrong answer. Sure, the springtime seems to be the “right” time, but according to Redfin, there was only marginal data supporting this thought process. When it comes to life events, real estate doesn’t wait. Job relocation, divorce, death, birth, and marriage do not wait for any season. If you find yourself in a situation where you need or want to list your house and it is not quite spring, here a few things to consider:

Buyers are motivated

Buyers are out there and they are looking for a place to call home. With inventory being low, chances are they’re checking the MLS daily to see when something new hits the market. There may be more tire kickers out in the spring or summer but the ones who are searching in the “off season,” typically have a real reason to be looking and are more likely to purchase. Let’s face it, if someone is willing to bundle up and venture out in blistering cold, they’re likely a motivated buyer. Be first in the game and beat out your competition who are waiting for spring to list their home.

January is the most popular month for corporate relocation

Companies tend to have their employees transfer in the month of January. This means that the buyer now not only needs a new house, but has a very limited amount of time to find the right one. Listing in January is beneficial, especially if you live in an area with lots of corporate companies in town. The few months after are also still key months to have your home listed. Often times, employees may quickly relocate and get familiar with the area in a short term rental or extended stay hotel. Once they find something they love, they’ll pull the trigger, buy a home, and perhaps move the rest of the family over to their new place of employment.

Less housing competition

This goes back to basic supply and demand. Like I mentioned earlier, inventory is low and buyer demand is high. If you’re the only house listed in your neighborhood (because other sellers are waiting until the spring to list) and there are several people searching for a home in it, chances are you will have multiple buyers who are interested. A multiple offer situation allows the seller the upper hand to pick out and choose the best offer that works for their needs.

The truth is that our current market is more favorable to sellers. Seasons do not really play a huge factor in getting your home sold. If you listen to the advice of your real estate agent, price it competitively, and improve/maintain to excellent condition, selling your home is possible at any time of the year. There are likely advantages that can be pointed out for each quarter but certainly, before spring, you would have motivated buyers, less competition, possible corporate relocations, and a higher demand than supply. If you are ready to take the next steps on getting your home ready to list be sure to check out our other helpful articles such as proper way to list your home, how to stage a home to sell, and whether you should paint your home before you sell it .