< Back to front page Text size +

Market Timing

Posted by Binyamin Appelbaum April 8, 2008 10:48 AM

It's common wisdom that springtime is a good time to sell a home. It's also common wisdom that real estate listings don't improve with age. So when, exactly, is the best time to put a home on the market? Consider this question from a reader about selling a home in Medford:

The realtor, who originally told us we should list in "March to April timeframe" is now saying we should list at the end of April. I am feeling right now that I should raise this issue, and the house should have been listed by now. What are your thoughts on the peak season? I think we should have been listed by 4/1 or even before. ... We could lose very valuable selling weeks, since we need a quick sale and will price it to sell quick.

I'd welcome your thoughts on this question. I'd also welcome your thoughts on the precise timing of a new listing: Which day of the week do you favor? What time of day? How do you make your listing stand out from the other new arrivals?

Finally, if you've got a question you'd like to see discussed on this blog, send it to bappelbaum@globe.com. I'm constantly impressed by the quality of your comments, and I'd love to draw on the wisdom of the crowd to address reader questions more regularly.

Email this article

Invalid email address
Invalid email address

Sending your article

Your article has been sent.

About boston real estate now
Scott Van Voorhis is a freelance writer who specializes in real estate and business issues.
Rona Fischman is a buyer's agent who provides a look at the local housing scene, from basements to attics.
archives