I have sold here since 1991. Late August always feels like the last easy month. Kids are back in school. You can feel fall in the morning. Buyers and sellers both are starting to wonder if they might have missed “the window” Neither side needs to panic.
The market does change in the winter, but it doesn’t stop. Sellers and buyers both need to get seriious. If you are going to sell this year now is the time to act.
We have more houses on the market now than we did last August, but not a whole lot more. Buyers should be aware that the flow of new listings is going to slow down. You have 55 new listings to look at this week and there will be new listings every week, but they will dwindle.
Also, now is your chance to see the property BEFORE snow fall. You will need to use more imagination after it snows. That is especially important when looking for the grading around the house. A positive grade around the house is important. Make sure the ground does not slope toward the house.
If you are selling make sure to get your photos now before it snows. Of course we are Alaskans, we can sell a house in the dead of winter, but it’s a lot easier when the photos show green leaves. Summer always seems like a dream about January 1. Take those photos now. Also, DO NOT go into winter with your septic caps unmarked. If they are cut off at ground level so that you can mow, put a marker in now. I can tell you stories of jackhammering a back yard at -20F trying to find the septic tubes…that’s nightmare.
Cal anyone at Valley Market Real Estate if you would like some help buying or selling. We care about our clients long-term and will help you, not sell you.