When Should You Buy or Sell in San Antonio?

The Cathy Naiser Group Real Estate Podcast

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Throughout the year, many people ask me, "When is the best time to buy or sell a home?" As I talk with people in the area, I've found that most of them think houses sell well in April, May, June, and July, but not during the rest of the year.

However, when I actually tracked the number of homes listed on the market and the number of homes sold each month, the market looks quite a bit different. At any point in the year, 18% to 20% of the homes available on the San Antonio market are actually selling. That's not a wide deviation. Contrary to popular belief, homes sell every month of the year here.

Now, 700 more homes sold in June than sold in January, but there were also 2,000 more houses for sale in June! Sellers have less competition in the fall and winter than they do in the spring and summer. In fact, buyers are a lot more serious in the fall and winter. In spring, people just look at houses because maybe someday they want to buy one. In the fall and winter, buyers are looking for a place to live now.

As far as my own team goes, we have a policy that people cannot have extra time off during May, June, and December because so many houses sell in those months. Around Thanksgiving, people get nostalgic. They want to own a home of their own for their families, so they go out and get one!

If you're hesitant about selling during the holiday season, remember that the seller has the freedom to restrict showings. If your family is coming in town for the holidays, you can absolutely suspend showings until everything has settled down again.

Another thing for sellers to keep in mind is that January is one of the highest relocation and transfer months for the military during the year. You can't catch those buyers if you are not on the market. Waiting for spring or summer to list your home means missing out on this pocket of very motivated buyers.

One final thing to consider is that while there are fewer showings in the fall and winter, the showings you do have will give serious prospects a chance to see your home. You can sell your home in the winter, and then find your next home in the spring, when you have more homes to choose from.

That said, ultimately, the best time to buy or sell is whenever it is the best time for you. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. My team and I would be happy to help you!