If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not the only one. Newsweek reports that data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal says nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone. That’s more than any other December going all the way back to 2017.
Whether it was because offers weren’t coming in, the timing around the holidays felt overshelming, or they wanted to see if the market would improve in the new year – a lot of other homeowners decided to press pause, too.
But now, with spring fast approaching, it’s time to reassess. The market is already picking up. Waiting any longer to jump back in may only mean you’d face more competition from other sellers down the road.
Why Now Could Be the Right Time
Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains that some of those sellers may have pulled their listings late last year with the goal of trying again this spring.
“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”
That’s because spring is when buyer demand is typically at its highest point for the year. More people start their home search once the weather warms up. They’re eager to close on a home so they can move in during the summer. So, it’s a great window for sellers. It means more buyers.
And while mortgage rates haven’t fallen dramatically, they have come down some in recent weeks. Early signs already show buyers are becoming more active as a result. Since January, demand has picked up – and that should continue as spring draws even closer.
What To Do Differently This Time
Start by checking the status of your listing agreement. Because even if you pulled your listing, you may still be under contract. And until your listing expires, your agent or brokerage is your best resource on what else you could try to get it sold.
If your contract is still active, now is the perfect time to reconnect with your agent to get your home sold this time around. If your contract has expired and you are considering other options, reach out to a trusted real estate professional. They can help you figure out where to go from here.
Either way, take some time to reflect on your last experience. What held you back from getting it sold before? And what can you do to improve your chances this tme around?
Be sure to include your agent in this thought process. They will give you an objective point of view and some advice based on what may have gone wrong last time, like:
- Your Pricing Strategy: Did buyers overlook your house because it was priced too high? Your real estate agent can help you analyze the latest sales in your area to make sure you are hitting the right number. When it is priced appropriately for the market, your opportunities for multiple offers and buyer competition increase.
- Your Marketing Approach: Was your home staged to look its best? Did you use a skilled photographer for your listing photos? Small tweaks can make a big difference in how buyers see your house.
- Offering Concessions: Were you willing to offer incentives to buyers? As the supply of homes for sale grows, more sellers are entertaining the idea of concessions or incentives to get the deal done.
- Showings and Flexibility: Did you have limits on when buyers could see the home? If your house is accessible and available, you will likely get more offers.
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