Why Springtime Is a Good Time to Place Your House on the Market to Sell

No matter what the season, springtime is the time of year many people look forward to many things. Springtime brings flowers to bloom. It inspires people to want to clean and spruce up their surroundings. When springtime comes around, we often have a renewal of our spirit in the anticipation of sunshine and days filled with leisure moments of bliss as the earth begins to transform into a peaceful, enjoyable paradise of beauty.

The warm months of spring create favorable conditions for doing many things, including packing and moving.

Because the weather is warm and the chance of inclement weather is less likely, people tend to prefer moving in the summer months. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that almost half of all moves (48.4%) occur during the months of June, July, August, and September with 60% of the moves occurring between June through October. Colder, wetter weather makes moving more difficult, and so the number of people who move during winter months declines.

Escrow is a process where a neutral third party (the escrow holder) keeps track of all money and agreements to a transaction. It is the responsibility of the escrow holder to make sure that all parties to a transaction uphold their end of the bargain. Only then will the escrow holder release funds, as outlined in the agreement, and close out the transaction.

According to the U.S. Census statistics, the month of June sees the highest number of moves during the year.

My experience has taught me that a serious buyer takes about 30 days or less to find a house that they want to buy. Once a successful purchase agreement has been obtained, the escrow process begins and they take ownership of the house in 45, 60, to as much as 90 days.

Now, in order to be in a position to move in June, buyers must begin house hunting in the spring. If buyers are planning on moving into their house during the summer months, they must have a completed purchase agreement and open escrow by the end of spring. Spring begins in March, so if sellers want to be ready for the beginning of the house hunting season, they want to have their house ready to sell by the beginning of March.

Spring is a time of regrowth and rejuvenation. The climate is good, flowers are colorful, and buyers are making plans to move.

Because of the great weather, and the yield that spring brings to the environment, springtime can help your house shine. Spring flowers brighten up your home, adding curb appeal with a touch of spring colors.

You don’t have to wait for spring to put your house on the market for sale. The truth is, any time of year is a good time to place your house on the market. If you can wait until the spring, you will be putting your house on the market at a time when the greatest number of buyers is looking for a house to buy.

So, spruce up your house! Add some color! Attract those buyers who are ready to buy your house this spring.

Census Bureau Population Reports: Household Economic Studies, Seasonality of Moves and Duration of Residence: 2004, Matthew C. Marlay and Alison K. Fields, July 2010,

California Department of Real Estate, http://www.dre.ca.gov

Department of Real Estate, California: Surviving the Real Estate “Escrow” Process in California: Important Things and Tips You Should Know, and Mistakes to Avoid, http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/Escrow_Info_Consumers.pdf

Better Homes and Gardens, 21 Spring Flowers for Your Garden, http://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/early-blooming-flowers/