Back to School Brings Opportunity

There is typically a nice little summer boost in the number of real estate transactions. June and July enjoy a robust seasonal perk up as many families prefer to move in the summer while kids are out of school, and while the weather is fair for moving. The summer month's totals are usually about 20% higher than the average month. Mid-August tends to see a slight slow down in activity that is most likely due to families with children in "back to school" mode.

This slight reduction in buyers, means a little less competition for the remaining listings. Buyers that have not found their ideal home or that have been outbid may find a reprieve from the craziness. Likewise, sellers that did not sell over the summer may be ready to take that slightly lower offer that would not have been accepted a month ago.

Sellers with homes that are not selling of course should consider evaluating the price but also other factors that might help sell. One problem that is all too common among sellers is the availability to show the home. Selling a house that is lived in is a difficult pain in the rear end. But the more easily an agent can show the house, the more buyers will be able to see it. More showings will directly translate into more or faster offers. The next 3-4 weeks will mark the end of our late summer sun and making listed properties available until 7 or 8 o'clock can be the difference between sold and sitting.

Buyers should revisit homes they passed over in June and July. If they are still on the market the price may now be reduced or the seller may be softened up and open to a lower price offer.

We continue to see appreciating prices but the rate of appreciation has slowed dramatically from the skyrocketing prices of 2013 to more modest upward trend in 2014. There is no guarantee that prices will continue to move up. The economy is fair and interest rates are a major factor in the recent real estate turn around. Sellers should not assume that they will get a better price next year. They might; in fact they probably will, but it is by no means set in stone. A good solid offer today that generates the cash needed to do what the seller wants to do should not be underestimated.

Don't worry if you missed out on the peak summer sales cycle, there is plenty of opportunity as the Autumn approaches.