The pros and cons of selling your house in the summer

Key insights

• While there are always pros and cons to selling a home, listing your home for sale in the summer has unique benefits and drawbacks.
• This summer, sellers in certain price ranges can expect high buyer competition and record-high prices to help them as they move on from their current residence.
• Low inventory can also lead to seller frustrations, as they can expect a large influx of discerning (and demanding) buyers booking showings.

Summer is in full swing and many homeowners are watching as their neighbors receive top dollar for their recently sold homes. If you’re thinking of selling this summer, consider these pros and cons before you place your home on the market.

The pros of selling your house this summer

Pro #1: Home prices are strong

Minnesota and western Wisconsin prices remain high, and many sellers are earning top dollar for their properties.

While prices dipped slightly in April (down 0.7%), they remain high with a median price of $367,500 in the 16-county Twin Cities area. This bodes well for sellers looking to capitalize on home equity.

Pro #2: Buyers are competing over a shortage of homes

Inventory continues to be tight with just over 6,150 homes on the market. Whether it’s first-time homebuyers or homeowners moving up to more expansive properties, there are more buyers in the market than there are homes available for sale.

Of course, competition among buyers is great news for today’s sellers. In April, sellers:

• Sold for 100.1 % of their list price.
• Sold in a median of 17 days on the market (average of 45 days).

Desirable homes often continue to attract competing offers from buyers, which serves to drive prices up for sellers.

*Based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE OF MINNESOTA, INC. for the 16-County Twin Cities metro area for April 2023.

Pro #3: Summer buyers have a sense of urgency

Typically, selling during the summer months is smart, because summer buyers are eager to move into their new digs quickly.

This is especially true for buyers with school-aged children, who may hope to take advantage of the slower summer months — and to get into their preferred school district before classes start again in the fall.

Pro #4: You get to avoid a winter move

While you may mutter under your breath about the humidity as you lug a couch down your steps and into the moving van, we can promise you that a July or August move is preferable to moving in the dead of a Minnesota or Wisconsin winter.

The cold! The slush and ice! The money wasted as you “heat the whole neighborhood” with every opening and closing of your front door. Yes, winter moves tend to be better for those who really have to get out of their home, but not for sellers who get to choose their ideal selling timeline.

The cons of selling your house this summer

Con #1: Longer days make for more showings

As a homeowner, you may love that the sun doesn’t go down until later during the summer. As a home seller, you may realize that this can be an invitation for later-in-the-day home showings — which means that you may have to stay out of your home even after your work day wraps up.

Of course, it’s your house and you make the rules. You can always say no to buyers who are hoping to swing by later in the evening, but as your REALTOR® will likely remind you, it’s also important to be accommodating so more buyers can tour your home.

Con #2: High buyer competition can mean more looky-loos

Because of our market’s low inventory, some buyer agents may encourage their clients to attend showings for homes that don’t perfectly meet all their criteria. As we said before, a higher number of showings can help you to sell your house faster and for more money. But it can also increase the odds that your house is being shown to buyers who may be unlikely to purchase it.

To minimize showings that don’t lead to any buyer activity, hire a Realtor who is dedicated to holding open houses during the first week or weeks after you list. By timing your listing date right, you can ensure the looky-loos come in all at once — and that you don’t turn away any serious buyers because you’re burnt out on go-nowhere showings.

Con #3: You may have to pay more to get your house in tip-top shape

Summer buyers want to pull up to a house that oozes curb appeal, and preparing your home’s exterior before listing it can take a little bit more time and money this time of year.

Consider:

• Hiring a landscaper who can help your lawn and shrubs look their best.
• Power-washing your house’s siding.
• Adding new, modern house numbers to the front of your home.
• Painting the front door a bright color, so it stands out from other houses on the block.

Ready to earn top dollar for your home?

If you’re ready to move forward as a seller, now’s a great time to take advantage of equity, especially as a downpayment for your next house. Reach out to Edina Realty’s customer care team to be connected with a Realtor in your area.