List Now, List Later: Could it cost you?

We live in an ever changing world where ideas that were once the norm may no longer apply. New ideas evolve and for those that understand this, the potential benefits far out weigh the perceived risk.  One simple example is when to list a property for sale.

In the Low Country, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, it was once believed the best time to list a property was in the spring; after the winter off-season. However, this is no longer the case. Buyers still come to the island in the spring but no longer are they showing up asking what is on the market.  The ‘modern’ buyer is showing up saying “Here is a list of six properties I want to see. What can you tell me about them?”

How is this different than years past?
As little as 5 years ago real estate search sites did not have the capability they do today; updated activity, listing information, etc. and as a result buyers didn’t bother looking at real estate until they arrived on the island.  In today’s world, ‘modern’ buyers are researching properties well in advance of their arrival. Instead of getting here and asking what is on the market they are now arriving with a refined list of properties to view. This refined list is developed over time with a process starting in January/February.  With the holidays behind them and cold weather keeping them indoors, buyers spend time on the computer planning their visit to the area and researching real estate.

However, buyers can’t find your home if it is not on the market and in today’s internet driven world having it on the market in January/February allows the modern buyer to see your home as they are making their plans and formulating their list.  Waiting to list until the spring runs a high risk of pushing you onto the summer buyers list and undue delay. If your property doesn’t make the summer list, it gets pushed into fall and after that the window of opportunity virtually closes for the year.

Knowing your cost is your gain
Everyday your home sits on the market is a true cost to us both which means it is important to list at the proper time. My clients enjoy the benefit of this information; knowing when to list, at what price and just as important, why. All of this information equates to the greatest demand and value returned for their property.   Listing in January/February has not always been the norm, but for those looking for the optimal sale price, it could be the best strategy.  In the end excess time on the market costs you money which is something that can be easily avoided. If you want to know how to avoid such a pitfall and identify opportunity, all you have to do is ask me. I’m more than happy to help.