Issue Date: September 21, 2007

Fall has its Selling Perks

By Jody Zink
Licensed Realtor in Ohio & Michigan

Should we leave our house on the market, or give it a break and try again next year? With fall just around the corner, I've been hearing that a lot lately. The question hits close to home for sellers who've been sitting on their properties for 6 to twelve months, many for much longer, without a single bite from a buyer.

Now, I'm not the most patient person in the world. That's evident from the kitchen counter-top spills that surround my coffeemaker. Before brewing is done, I've already had my first cup. There's a lesson here. While we're waiting for the current buyer's market to percolate, a little patience couldn't hurt.

Spring and summer markets are known for being the “busy” real estate season. Granted there aren't as many buyers scurrying to get into a home before the start of school, but the fact is, somewhere property is sold every day of the year. Sure, taking it off the market can give you some time to breathe and re-assess. But how likely is it to sell if it's not on the market? There are many good reasons to consider leaving your home on the market until it sells.

Homeowners up the street and around the block have given up, scrapping the For Sale sign. That means less competition for you. And buyers looking for a home in crispy, chilly weather will likely be more motivated than the casual looker. I'd rather have one committed buyer than 5 or even a hundred lookers. It only takes one good buyer to make a sale.

Consider also the cost of borrowing money. This latest cut in interest rates could work in your favor. First time buyers once soured on the mortgage mess may now lean towards making a purchase.

The changing seasons can be a good thing, too. A cozy fireplace isn't going to show as well in July, and holiday decorations may show your home in its best light. The Christmas tree in the spacious living room shows off the high ceilings. Leaves and snow may fall just in time to make the dead yard disappear.

Perhaps the best argument *against* leaving your home on the market during the upcoming months is the sheer inconvenience of it. Trying to sell a home in the midst of having house guests and parties could add to an already stressful time of year.

Come to think of it, the prospect of house guests might keep me on my toes to wipe up those darned coffee spills. Or give me an excuse to buy the good coffeemaker that provides plenty of time to pour a quick cup before it resumes brewing.

Jody Zink is a licensed REALTOR in Ohio and Michigan with the Loss Realty Group. Her column appears every other week in the Toledo Free Press. She can be reached at jody@jodyzinkrealtor.com or 419-725-1881.