Homeowners

Why This Summer May Be the Perfect Time to List Your Home

If you are a home seller who missed the rush of the spring selling season, don’t sweat it.

The summer offers buyers eager to close a deal before the school year begins, good weather, and a window when there won’t be as many sellers competing for listing views.

 “Summer buyers are serious,” said Jan Ryan, broker and owner of RE/MAX Direct in San Diego, Calif. And serious buyers lead to serious offers.

In fact, there are strategic reasons summer could turn out to be the perfect time to list—if you know how to use the season to your advantage.

More homes are for sale climbing—but that can work for you

There are more homes on the market this year, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for those hoping to list their homes this season.

In April, the number of homes for sale jumped 30.4% year-over-year—marking the 18th consecutive month of annual growth, according to Realtor.com’s Monthly Housing Trends report. New listings are up 12.2% as well.

However, spring’s rush likely brought out sellers who priced ambitiously or overestimated demand. Those properties may still be sitting on the market. That presents opportunities for smart sellers. 

If your home is priced strategically, it will stand out against the backdrop of stale listings with multiple price cuts. Just be sure to make sure your home’s asking price is well-researched.

“If you’re a serious seller, price in line with the current market,” said Nicole Beauchamp, associate broker at New York City’s Sotheby’s International Realty.

A well-priced listing can spark immediate activity, even in areas with more homes for sale.

If your home doesn’t attract immediate attention, Beauchamp  advised to “make adjustments as needed, quickly.”

Homebuyers are circling back—and that’s your advantage

Many buyers tour homes in March, April, and May, but didn’t purchase due to high home prices or the rush of spring competition. Now, they may be re-entering the market ready to buy if they see something that checks their homebuying boxes.

This creates a rare advantage for summer sellers, call it the “second look” effect.

These buyers have already done their real estate homework. They know what homes are out there, and more importantly, what didn’t work for them. 

In contrast, a freshly listed, well-presented home can attract attention and create a buzz. That’s especially true if your home offers what buyers prioritize: move-in ready condition and modern updates.

List your home before school starts

For many families, summer is when real estate decisions get made. Buyers want to get settled before the school bell rings in September. That urgency can work in your favor.

“You’re going to have a plethora of parents bidding to have a new home to have their children registered in the desired school district prior to the new school year,” said Ryan David, homebuying specialist and a licensed agent at 607 Home Buyers.

Indeed, homes listed in June or July often benefit from the possibility of an accelerated closing timeline. Buyers may be more decisive, flexible on contingencies, and prepared to accommodate a seller’s preferred closing schedule if it means they can get into a home before Labor Day.

Home seller concessions may come into play

With more homes on the market, buyers know they have more of an advantage. And with prices high, many are eager to negotiate. Sellers should expect to receive requests for closing cost credits, appliance allowances, or to pay for repairs during deal discussions.

That doesn’t mean you need to surrender leverage—but it does mean being prepared. 

Have a clear bottom line in mind before listing. Build in some financial wiggle room to your asking price, particularly if your home is priced in a more competitive bracket or lingers on the market for more than 30 days.

If you receive a strong offer with small asks attached, weigh the total value of the deal rather than fixating on concessions. The longer your home sits, the more likely you are to be asked for even larger concessions or price cuts later.

Summer curb appeal is powerful  

Spring might be the traditional time to refresh your landscaping. But summer is when what you planted truly shines. Your lawn is (hopefully) green. Your hydrangeas are finally blooming. Your outdoor area is set up with plush new cushions.

“Make your home stand out,” said Ryan. “Stage it right.”

And don’t forget to highlight everything your area has to offer in your listing description. Buyers walking your neighborhood in the summer pick up on local rhythms: kids biking, neighbors chatting, a farmer’s market just down the road. Showcasing the perks of the community can be the final nudge that turns a tour into an offer.