When Is the Best Time to Sell A House in Florida?

The average house price index year-over-year (YoY) in the U.S. averaged 4.59% from 1999 to 2022. Yet, home prices have jumped between 12% and 17% in the last few years alone. So, although home buyers have to spend more, sellers make a more significant profit.

If you’re a homeowner looking for the best time to sell a house, you probably want to know the best time to sell to maximize your return. You can exclude up to $500,000 in capital gains tax on your home sale, so the more you can profit, the better.

If you’re in the market to sell your home, take a look at our analysis below to decide on the optimal time for a sale.

Factors to Consider When Determining the Best Time to Sell a House in Florida

The best time to sell your home can vary depending on several factors. Here are four essential things to keep in mind so you know the ideal time to start the home-selling process.

Location

While following national market trends can be helpful, tracking your local real estate market is much better.

For example, suppose your city is experiencing a colossal boom like Florida and Texas did at the beginning of the pandemic. In that case, it may be an excellent time to sell, even if national trends say otherwise.

Contact a realtor in your area to learn more about your local market.

Market Conditions

Current market conditions can drastically affect the best month for home sales.

For instance, since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, the market has been a seller’s market. This means homes sell faster and at higher prices because more buyers are available than inventory.

Although a slowdown started in the fall of 2022, experts say a buyer’s market is still far off, as home prices remain at record levels.

Speaking with a real estate agent can help you better understand current housing market conditions.

Interest Rates

As mortgage rates continue to rise, many potential buyers cannot afford as high of a listing price because they need to consider the additional interest fees on their mortgage payments.

This creates less competition and leads many to consider downsizing. Therefore, remember that higher interest rates can limit your pool of potential buyers and make selling more difficult.

Seasonality

Generally, transactions and home prices sit above average in the summer months. This is especially true in regions with harsh winters. Yet, neighborhoods with stellar schools often see similar trends because families want to settle in before the new school year starts.

Research local seasonality to learn the ebbs and flows of your local housing market to find the ideal time to sell.

The Best Time to Sell a Home With an Existing Mortgage

Many Americans don’t have the luxury of making a cash offer on a home and must turn to private lending institutions for a mortgage. This makes it easy to sell your current home with an existing mortgage.

When you sell your home, you’ll use the money to pay off your mortgage balance and the closing costs. Then, if you make enough profit, you can use the remaining funds as a down payment on your new home with a new lender and new mortgage.

What about a reverse mortgage? Luckily, selling a house with a reverse mortgage is also a possibility. The process is similar to selling with a traditional mortgage.

Also, according to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, if your loan balance is more than you can sell your home for, the funds from the sale of your home go toward what is owed and your mortgage insurance will pay the remaining balance.

What Is the Best Day to List a House?

A 2021 study from Zillow found that home sellers who list on a Thursday frequently receive an above-asking price offer for their home.

Data from Redfin offers similar insights showing the best days to list are Thursday and Friday. And if you want to get the best price? List on a Wednesday!

When Is the Best Time to Sell a House?

Nationally, the best time of year to sell a house is the summer months of June and July.

However, new listings often start popping up in the spring. This is on par with data from the National Association of Realtors, which says the best time to list your house is mid-April.

When Is the Worst Time of Year to Sell a House?

Typically, the winter months are the worst time of the year to sell your home. For one, the weather is unfavorable, pushing people indoors and not wanting to venture outside. Getting potential home buyers to your open house can be a drag if you live in a place like New York, which sees frequent snow storms.

Additionally, Americans are busy during the holiday season seeing family and traveling. Buying a home isn’t a top priority for most at this time.

Data shows that nationwide, January is the worst month to sell your home when considering speed, and February is the worst when considering sale price.

How Much of a Difference Does Timing Make?

While the market always has its ups and downs, a well-timed sale can significantly affect your home’s value and how much you profit from the sale.

Working with a realtor who understands the local market is always best to help you make the best sale. The sooner you reach out to an agent, the more time they have to help you get your home ready to hit the market.

The Importance of Upgrading Your Home Before Selling

Home improvements and renovations can increase your home’s value. For example, buyers love updated kitchens and bathrooms.

But you don’t want to spend so much on renovations that you don’t recoup the costs. If the home has glaring problems, you can set the listing price accordingly.

Instead, you want to stage your home and focus on curb appeal. Create an unforgettable first impression to get buyers to make an offer – spend some time making your staging look and feel like a dream home!

Finance Your Home Upgrades

Now that you know the best time to sell a house is between the spring and summer months, it’s about that time to start the listing process.

Before buying a new home, you need to sell your current one. Get the financing you need for essential renovations by applying for a loan from the Associates Home Loan of Florida. The loan process is quick, easy, and secure!