Should I Wait Until Spring to Sell?

Should I wait until spring to sell?

A far too common fall question, and a great one to ask.
After all, the most common fallacy in real estate is that the spring market is stronger. But is it? Well, what are we ranking the strength by? The number of sales or the number of buyers?
Sure, the lion’s share of volume may be turned over in the spring, but if you are a seller does that turnover necessarily mean it’s the best time to list?

Look, when deciding to list your house, forget when most of the houses sell. Instead focus on when the most amount of buyers shop with the least amount of choice.
It’s important to understand that there are really only two big buyer cycles in a real estate calendar year: buyers who want to get in before summer, and buyers that want to get in before Christmas. These two time periods probably influence buyers more than anything else except for, “that house finally hitting the market.”

Make no mistake, this is not a complete hard and fast rule. There are always exceptions.
Homes will sell at Christmas this year, and homes will sell in August, or on Thanksgiving. There is a buyer for everything. To really put the odds in your favour as a seller though, you should look to these two seasonal patterns when deciding the right time to list.
For example, if you need a March closing and you list in October or November, the majority of your purchasing audience is already hoping to buy a Christmas tree for your house. Is that everyone? No, but how can you expect to get the most value for your home with a watered-down audience where only a portion of them can accommodate your closing? January and February can be an excellent time to list.

Many don’t realize this, but several buying decisions are made when we spend those special times at home.
The Christmas tree branch is blocking the TV, or the foyer is too crowded for guests arriving, or there isn’t enough parking for your guests. Maybe it’s a combination of that and too much eggnog, but the fist slams down and someone comments, “maybe after the holidays we start looking for a home.”

By the same token, most buyers looking for a property approaching December will eventually lose optimism that they will be able to purchase and be settled before the holidays. With Christmas music and the obligations of the holidays moving to the forefront of everyone’s lives, the supply of new listings slows as we work our way through December. Ultimately, the search is back burnered until the holidays are over. Trust me, I have these conversations with my buyer clients every year.

Think about how many buyers can be ready to go just after New Year’s Eve; you have everyone who put their search on hold only to pick it up again into the new year, plus the new buyers who have made the decision over the holidays to move.

People start to connect or reconnect with Realtors about their needs after life gets normal again, which means a large buyer audience is ready for houses to hit the market in the new year.
This cycle is echoed throughout the summer as well.

Buyers lose hope that their purchase will happen before summer and decide to get out camping one last time, or start to get those back to school to-do lists checked off.

And after Labour Day? Same thing as after New Years.
Buyers who were not able to fulfill their goals before the end of summer pick up where they left off, and new buyers who went for one too many swims at other people’s homes start to focus on their next house – a decision made over the holidays.

These first two cycles of the year, after New Years and post Labour Day can be some of our strongest selling periods. Supply levels are not quite caught up yet and buyers are ready to fulfill their goals.
Now, I must finish by saying if you need to list approaching some of the less vibrant times of year I’ve described above and you don’t have the luxury of timing it better, feel free to throw this article right over your shoulder.

Guelph’s strong market usually offers success to sellers year-round.
This article isn’t meant to discourage, but rather to answer that common question “when is the best time to list”. If the option is there, it’s worth considering.

And if you can’t list at the times above?

So when people ask me “Should I wait until spring to sell”, after 16 years of selling homes I have come to realize it’s the smaller efforts that often have the biggest impact.
Truthfully, I have made my career out of always doing just that. My clients count on it regardless of the season.

Top Spots for Tobogganing in Guelph

February 19, 2025
Guelph is a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor winter activities, and tobogganing is one of the best ways to embrace the snowy season. Whether you’re looking for a gentle slope for the kids or a thrilling ride down a steep hill, Guelph has plenty of great options. Here are some of the top spots for tobogganing in the area:  1. Exhibition Park One of the most popular tobogganing spots in Guelph, Exhibition Park offers a great hill with a moderate incline, making it ideal for families and younger children. The park is centrally located and has plenty of space for winter fun. 2. Mollison Park Located in the city’s west end, Mollison Park features a well-known sledding hill that offers a good mix of fun and safety. The hill isn’t too steep, making it a great choice for all ages. 3. Kortright Hills Park For those looking for a longer ride, Kortright Hills Park has a fantastic slope that provides a smooth and enjoyable run. The park’s natural setting makes it a beautiful spot for winter recreation. 4. MacAlister Park Another family-friendly location, MacAlister Park has a gentle slope perfect for younger children who are just learning to enjoy the thrill of tobogganing. It’s a quieter location, making it a great place for a relaxed outing. 5. Riverside Park This popular Guelph park has a designated tobogganing area that attracts sledders from all over the city. The varied terrain provides options for both beginner and more experienced riders, making it a great all-around choice. Safety Tips for Tobogganing Always wear a helmet, especially for young children. Ensure the hill is free of obstacles, such as trees and rocks. Sled during daylight hours or in well-lit areas. Dress warmly and wear appropriate winter gear. Supervise children at all times for a safe and fun experience. These top tobogganing spots in Guelph offer a range of experiences for sledders of all ages. So grab your sled, bundle up, and enjoy the winter season in one of Guelph’s best tobogganing locations!

The Potential Impact of Tariffs on Guelph's Real Estate Market

February 19, 2025
With discussions surrounding potential tariffs on Canadian imports, stakeholders in Guelph’s real estate market are evaluating the possible consequences. If implemented, these tariffs could significantly affect housing costs, development projects, and market dynamics in Guelph and the surrounding areas. Possible Increase in Construction Costs One of the most immediate impacts of tariffs would be rising costs for construction materials such as lumber, steel, and aluminum. Since a large portion of these materials is imported from the U.S., tariffs could lead to price hikes, ultimately increasing the cost of building new homes. If material prices rise, builders may pass those costs onto buyers, potentially adding thousands of dollars to home prices. Industry experts predict that if tariffs are introduced, the additional cost per single-family home could range from $10,000 to $25,000. Potential for Higher Mortgage Rates Economic uncertainty caused by tariffs could influence the Bank of Canada’s interest rate policies. If inflation rises due to increased costs on imported goods, the central bank may opt to raise interest rates to curb inflation. Higher interest rates would directly affect mortgage rates, making borrowing more expensive for homebuyers in Guelph. With rising mortgage costs, buyer affordability could take a hit, leading to reduced demand and a slower real estate market. Those looking to purchase a home may need to reconsider their budgets or lock in rates before any potential hikes occur. Possible Slowdown in New Developments Developers in Guelph may hesitate to launch new housing projects if tariffs increase construction costs. A more expensive development process could lead to project delays or cancellations, tightening housing supply in an already competitive market. If fewer homes are built, demand for existing properties could rise, potentially driving up home prices. This would further strain affordability for first-time homebuyers and those looking to enter the market. Housing Market Uncertainty Even before any tariffs are imposed, the uncertainty surrounding trade policies can impact market confidence. Buyers and investors may adopt a wait-and-see approach, slowing down transactions and cooling off market activity. Conversely, if there is speculation that tariffs will push prices higher in the future, some buyers may rush to secure homes before the impact takes effect. This could create short-term market volatility, with a potential surge in demand followed by a slowdown. How Buyers, Sellers, and Developers Can Prepare Homebuyers : Consider securing mortgage pre-approvals early to lock in favorable interest rates before any potential hikes. If tariffs are implemented, it could make homeownership more expensive in the long run. Sellers : Monitor market trends closely. If tariffs lead to increased costs and reduced affordability, selling sooner rather than later might be advantageous. Developers : Explore cost-efficient alternatives for sourcing materials and streamline construction processes to mitigate potential price increases.  Conclusion While tariffs have not yet been imposed, their potential implementation could bring significant changes to Guelph’s real estate landscape. Rising construction costs, potential mortgage rate hikes, and a slowdown in new developments could all impact affordability and market stability. Buyers, sellers, and industry professionals should stay informed and prepared to adapt to possible changes in the housing market.

Holiday Activities for ALL Ages in Guelph!

By Hudson Smith • December 18, 2024
Skating Rinks in Guelph
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