Is Now the Right Time to Put Your Home Back on the Market?
If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you weren’t alone. Data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reveals that nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone—more than any other December going back to 2017. Whether you paused your sale due to lack of offers, the overwhelming holiday season, or simply to see if the market would improve, now is the time to reassess your strategy.
Spring is approaching fast, and the market is already picking up. Waiting too long to relist may mean facing more competition from other sellers down the road. Let’s dive into why now might be the right time to get back in the game.
Why Now Could Be the Right Time
Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, suggests that many sellers who pulled their listings late last year did so with the intention of trying again in the spring:
“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”
Spring is typically the hottest time of year for buyer demand. As the weather warms up, more buyers enter the market, eager to close on a home before summer. This seasonal trend means a greater chance of attracting serious offers.
Additionally, while mortgage rates haven’t plummeted, they have dropped slightly in recent weeks. Early signs indicate that buyers are responding to this shift, leading to increased market activity. Since January, demand has picked up, and this momentum is expected to continue as we head deeper into spring.
What To Do Differently This Time
Before jumping back into the market, take a moment to evaluate your listing status. Even if you withdrew your listing, your contract with your agent or brokerage may still be active. Realtor.com offers this guidance:
“If you aren’t sure of the status of your listing, whether active, expired, or withdrawn, take a look at your listing agreement and talk to your real estate agent.”
If your contract is still valid, now is the perfect time to reconnect with your agent and explore new strategies to successfully sell your home. If your contract has expired, consider reaching out to a trusted real estate professional who can guide you on the next steps.
Beyond the technical details, reflect on what may have hindered your sale before and determine what adjustments can improve your chances this time around. Here are key areas to consider:
1. Pricing Strategy
Was your home priced too high for the market? Overpricing can lead to buyers overlooking your home in favor of better-valued options. Your real estate agent can analyze recent sales in your area to help set a competitive price. Counterintuitively, pricing competitively can sometimes lead to multiple offers, driving the final sale price higher than expected.
2. Marketing Approach
Did your home’s online presence attract buyers? If not, consider whether you used high-quality professional photography and effective staging techniques. The right visuals make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive your property. Since we’re moving into spring, refreshing your listing with new seasonal photos can enhance its appeal.
3. Offering Concessions
Were you open to negotiations? As inventory grows, sellers are finding that offering buyer incentives—such as covering closing costs, offering interest rate buydowns, or including home warranties—can make their home stand out. If you weren’t flexible before, this might be something to reconsider.
4. Showings and Flexibility
Were your showing times too restrictive? The easier it is for buyers to view your home, the more likely you are to receive offers. If your previous showing schedule was limited, allowing for more flexibility this time around can significantly impact your success.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to relist your home, that moment may be here. Spring’s increased buyer activity and lower mortgage rates are setting the stage for a stronger market. By adjusting your pricing, marketing, and sales strategy, you can position yourself for success this time around.
Not sure what your next move should be? BlueFuse Realty Group will help you navigate the market and make the most of this opportunity. Contact BlueFuse Realty Group today to discuss the best strategy for getting your home sold!
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