Every year on Super Bowl Sunday, 100 million viewers turn on their TVs to watch the big game (or perhaps just the commercials). It’s a day surrounded by traditions—tailgate parties, a pregame coin toss, the halftime show, party food and drinks, and a celebration of funny ads, to name a few.
But did you know that the Super Bowl is widely considered the “kick off” to a busy real estate season? Just take a look at the monthly market activity here in Kitsap County during 2019:
As you can see, the Super Bowl signals the start of a buying a selling frenzy here in Kitsap County. Many sellers list their homes in the spring, when there’s more light outside and the trees are in bloom. And the serious buyers come out of hibernation, too, wanting to find a house and get settled before school starts back up in the fall.
Tips for Buying in the Spring
Buyer competition increases as the weather warms up. Make sure you’re prepared to act quickly when you see a great new listing.
- If you don’t get pre-approved before you start house hunting, you might fumble a great opportunity,
- When you’re ready to start house hunting, browse MLS listings for free. Just enter your email address to access all available inventory. It’s easy to use, and more accurate than Zillow!
- Read my 7 New Year’s Resolutions for home buyers to prepare for your journey. For example, do your taxes early and save your tax return for a down payment or moving expenses!
- Learn what factors affect pricing, and how to find the best home for your price range.
- Be prepared for potential bidding wars. In a seller’s market, you want to put your best foot forward and do everything you can to make a great impression, since the seller may receive multiple offers. Be flexible and focus on your most important priorities.
- There are more houses to choose from in the spring, but also more buyers… and sellers may not feel the need to negotiate or make concessions. Be picky at your own risk…
- Be proactive in avoiding mistakes that can kill a real estate deal before closing.
Tips for Selling in the Spring
The key advantage to selling in the springtime is a better supply of qualified buyers.
- Start with a deep spring cleaning, so that everything shines in the sunlight and smells as fresh as the outdoors. Homes show better with more light, so open up the windows and replace any bad lightbulbs.
- Sell your home faster with these picture-perfect staging secrets. Keep the decor bright and light.
- Make any repairs or necessary improvements, including curb appeal, as buyers notice more details in the springtime than in the winter months.
- Determine how much money you can make from selling your house.
- Be thoughtful about pricing strategy and listen to your agent’s comparable pricing research; Overpricing can lead to a delayed sale at less than market value. A compelling list price can actually drive up the sale price over asking, in a multiple-offer situation. It all depends on your goals and timeline.
- Get an instant home valuation online to estimate the value range of your home.
- Plant yellow tulips and daffodils in your front yard or in pots by the front door for instant curb appeal. These pops of color are the first signs of spring in the Northwest, and the yellow palette triggers feelings of optimism, confidence, and friendliness.
The Real Estate Playing Field
- 2020 Housing Market Predictions for Kitsap County
- Monthly Kitsap County Housing Market Update
- Real Estate Guides for North & Central Kitsap County cities
- Moving Up: How to Buy a New Home While Selling Yours
A Solid Playbook
“The best defense is a great offense.” Don’t let the current real estate market scare you away; with the right game plan, and a team you trust, you can beat the odds all day long.
Frankly, I don’t make time to follow football very closely. But I appreciate the strategy involved in the game, and its magical ability to bring people together. A great mentor once shared some wisdom from Hall of Fame football coach Lou Holtz with me. And these principles have profoundly shaped the way I approach business relationships (with care, trust and excellence).
If there’s anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out at 360-979-6411. I’d love to talk with you about your goals, and I’m prepared to help you tackle every challenge!
