If you want to quickly sell your property at a profitable price, it’s in your best interest to stack the odds in your favour. So is there a more advantageous time of the year to do so?
First of all, it is important to mention that hundreds of houses are sold every month across Quebec. Anytime is a good time to put your home on the market. Furthermore, if your situation requires that you sell your property immediately, nothing should stop you from doing so. However, it is true that there are some periods of the year that are busier than others during which you have a greater chance of rapidly finding a buyer and getting a higher price. Here are the goods!
Transactions Peak in June
Real estate listing sites receive the most visitor traffic between the months of January and July, and this increase in views also comes with an increase in house visits. In fact, half the year’s real estate transactions take place from May to July. More precisely, June is the busiest month for signings at the notary’s. Why? Foremost, because in Quebec July 1rst is traditionally the preferred moving day. For this reason, many people hunt for a new home in the spring and early summer, especially if they rent.
Fewer Dramatic Changes
Another reason sales peak at this time is the arrival of milder summer weather which makes moving more pleasant. Although the heat can be stifling in this season, it is often more endurable than freezing temperatures. Nor do people have to deal with snow, ice and slippery surfaces. Moving is already complicated enough … there is no need to make it any harder! Many families also decide to move at this time to avoid major upheavals such as having the kids change school in the middle of the year. Moreover, many can take time off with summer’s arrival. They then have more free time to set up their new home and decorate it according to their own taste.
When Is It More Advantageous for Buyers?
If you are a buyer, though, you will have understood that summertime is not the best period to get a deal on a property. According to a ten-year study of real estate sales data conducted by JLR, the average price of a single-family home crests in June at 4.5% higher than the price in September. You will therefore have better luck in the lead-up to Christmas! However, while prices are lower, there are fewer properties on the market. In fact, it is not unusual for sellers — who see that visits tend to decline at this time — to set competitive prices as they fear not being able to find a taker in a reasonable timeframe. Your RE/MAX real estate broker may, for this reason, suggest that you offer a lower price when negotiating the purchase of the property you wish to make your own.
Sell Your House with RE/MAX
We remind you that even if you put your property on the market at a “less favourable” time of the year, you may still find a buyer in record time … especially if it is in the hands of a RE/MAX broker and and on the www.remax-quebec.com website!