As we close out the year, as real estate agents, we begin thinking about the coming spring market. Selling a home can be a stressful and complex process, and choosing the right time to list is a part of what should be considered. Although spring is typically seen as the prime time for real estate activity in Western New York, the market actually begins to warm up in February.
Many buyers start browsing listings and scheduling showings even before the official start of spring. By listing your home in February, you can position yourself to benefit from this early momentum. Once the spring market officially arrives, you’ll already have a head start on potential buyers and might be able to close your sale before the typical flood of listings hits.
One of the most significant advantages of listing your home in February is the reduced competition. Most homeowners tend to wait until the warmer months to sell, especially spring and summer, when the market traditionally heats up. As a result, fewer homes are listed for sale during February, meaning your property has a better chance of standing out. With fewer listings to compete with, your home is more likely to attract the attention of potential buyers, especially those who are ready to make a decision quickly.
While many people wait until spring to begin house-hunting, there is a group of serious buyers who are actively looking in February. There is currently a backlog of well qualified buyers who have been locked out by a competitive market with low inventory levels and they are prepared to make an offer. These are serious buyers, and you can offer your home first to them in the coming cycle by getting just a little bit ahead of the traditional spring market.
Buyers often aim to close on their new home in time for the summer, especially families who want to get settled before the new school year starts. In Western New York, our time from contract to close is typically 60 days. That means that your February listing will actually be a Spring sale by the time the transaction is completed. Listing your home early allows you to capitalize on this planning cycle, as many buyers start looking early in the year to ensure they can move in before summer arrives, and well in advance of the next school year.
While some worry that winter weather could deter buyers, there are actually some benefits to showing your home during this season. Once people get through the holidays, they start thinking about their goals and future. Winter will showcase your home’s warm features, like a fireplace, efficient heating system, insulation and energy-efficient windows. And if you’re like me, you will appreciate not needing to prep your yard and flower beds to ready your home for sale.
There are some practical considerations if you list in February. You will need to commit to keeping your walkways and driveway well cleared at all times. And if you do have beautiful flower beds and landscaping, you would want to plan in advance to have the home photographed in full bloom to highlight these features.
While you may be thinking of waiting for spring or summer to list your home, I advise my clients that February can actually be a better time to sell. With less competition and serious buyers, February offers a unique window of opportunity. By listing your home in February, you are more likely to attract a buyer who is ready to act quickly, securing a sale before the market gets crowded. So, if you’re thinking about selling your home, consider February—it could be the perfect time to make your move.
