Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you weren’t alone. According to CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal, nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December – the highest December total since 2017.

Whether it was due to slow offers, holiday distractions, or market uncertainty, many homeowners decided to pause their selling plans. But now, with spring around the corner, it’s time to reassess. The market is heating up, and waiting too long could mean facing more competition from other sellers.

Why Now Could Be the Right Time

Experts predict that many sellers who withdrew their listings last year will relist this spring. According to Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic:

“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 busiest season for real estate. Here’s why:

✅ Peak Buyer Demand: Warmer weather and the desire to move before summer drive more buyers into the market.
✅ Improving Mortgage Rates: While rates haven’t dropped dramatically, recent declines have encouraged more buyers to act.
✅ More Competition Later: Waiting too long could mean facing a flood of new listings, making it harder to stand out.

What To Do Differently This Time

If you’re considering relisting, it’s essential to reflect on what held you back before. Here’s how to improve your chances this time:

1. Review Your Pricing Strategy

One of the main reasons homes fail to sell is overpricing.

• Work with your real estate agent to reevaluate your home’s value based on current market conditions.

• Pricing competitively can attract more buyers and increase the chances of multiple offers.

• Believe it or not, you might have left money on the table by pricing too high and deterring potential offers.

2. Upgrade Your Marketing Approach

Presentation is everything.

• Invest in professional photography to showcase your home in the best light.

• Consider staging or redecorating to make your home feel fresh and inviting.

• Since it’s spring, take new exterior photos with bright, colorful landscaping to boost curb appeal.

3. Offer Buyer Incentives

As the housing market becomes more competitive, offering concessions or incentives can make your home more appealing.

• Consider covering closing costs or offering a home warranty to attract buyers.

• Be open to negotiations—flexibility can help you close the deal faster.

4. Improve Showing Accessibility

If you previously had limited showing times, consider expanding availability.

• The more flexible you are with showings, the more potential buyers can see your home.

• Accommodating last-minute or weekend showings could give you a competitive edge.

Final Thoughts

If your house didn’t sell last year, spring is your second chance. With buyer activity rising, it’s the perfect time to relist with a stronger strategy.

Tip: Connect with a trusted real estate agent to go over your options, review past challenges, and create a winning plan to sell your home this time around.