In many cities across America, October is a great time to sell a house. In Seattle, for example, October is one of the best time to put your house on the market if you want to sell it at the highest price.
From 2014 – 2020, Seattle homes listed in October sold for 1.16% more than the yearly average!
In 2020 the average sales price for a listing on the NWMLS in October was $576,597 compared to $525,568 in March. Infosparks NWMLS
October is a great time to list your house no matter where you are, and here’s why.
You Could Stand to Make More Money on the Sale
As we mentioned above selling your home in October can bring in more cash on your home sale.
Homes listed in October sold for 1.16% higher than average. While that does not seem like much let’s take a look. The average home sales price for homes for sale in Snohomish County is currently $685,927, that would mean a $7,956 increase in cash for you.
So, if you’re even considering selling, now is definitely the time to list to make the most on your sale.
That extra money could be the difference between making an offer on a home that gets overlooked and making a competitive offer on a home that gets you the place.
Your House Could Fly off the Market
List your house in October and you could sell it lightning fast. For example, homes listed in October in Seattle from 2015 – 2020 sold on average of 16.2 days vs 18 days average for the year.
If selling fast isn’t as important to you as making big bucks on your home sale, then think about how long it takes to clean your house every week, or every other week. Not only do you have to put your things back where they belong, but you have to dust, vacuum, and scrub the house too.
Imagine that your house goes like gangbusters and your agent has to show it every day for a week. You’ll have to do your full cleaning regimen every single day. You’ll have to hide pet beds and clutter from day to day tasks and make sure the place smells good too. Your agent may ask you to leave the house at the drop of a hat and take your pups and kids with you. It’s going to be an overwhelming process with many little details that all need to come together at once.
A speedy home sale means less stress, less time you have to worry about showing your house at any moment, and more time to enjoy your new home.
That’s why a October list date could work out perfectly for you and your family.
Crisp Temperatures and Beautiful Colors Make Showings Easy
October boasts the perfect weather conditions for selling in every market. Fall leaves and crisp temperatures can help with showings and listing photos.
No buyer wants to trudge through the snow (no matter how beautiful it is!) to get to a showing of your house. They also won’t be happy if it’s 105˚ outside and they sweat through their clothes in the time it takes the agent to open the front door. October offers neutral weather most of the time: a nice breeze, moderate temperatures, and no need for heavy air conditioning or heavy jackets.
Fall listing photos will feature gorgeous Fall foliage. The orange, yellow, and red of nearby trees will add pops of vibrance to all of your exterior listing photos. That little burst of color can go a long way in complementing your house and making the entrance feel more like home. Which is another reason why October is a great time to sell.
There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays
A October list date can get prospective buyers in your house just in time for the Holidays. Most buyers prefer to settle into a house either before or after the Holiday season, not during. October offers just the right amount of time to entertain offers and close escrow before Thanksgiving.
Buyers will also be able to show off their new house to family and friends during holiday dinners and celebrations. What better time could there be for a holiday-themed housewarming party!
Selling in October Means Less Competition
Historically it’s been a well-known fact that real estate agents believe the Spring is the best time to sell a house. Many homeowners still fall prey to this idea without researching the best time to sell a house in their specific area, which may vary wildly from the Spring.
If you list your house in October there’s a good chance that there won’t be nearly as many homes for sale at that time. That gives you a bigger pool of buyers who are interested in purchasing your home. You’ll have to worry less about making your home look better than the one for sale down the street and instead focus on upgrades to make your house look its best.
Increase Your Ability to Sell Your House for More Money
Even though October is a great time to sell, there’s still more you can do as a homeowner to help move your home off the market. If you want to increase your odds of selling fast and for a higher price, there are tons of real estate social media tips that can help.
Be your agent’s right hand when it comes to marketing your house. Write a letter about what you love about the property so the agent can share it with prospective buyers. Share your listing photos on social media and spread the word to your friends and family. Post your listing on Nextdoor in case anyone in your immediate neighborhood has been looking to make a move.
Don’t forget to get started early on improving your homes curb appeal. There are a ton of things you can do over the next month or so to add value to your home.
There’s plenty you can do to make sure that October’s not just a great month to sell in the Seattle area, but a great month to sell for you!
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