This week is predicted to be the best time to list homes in certain markets, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, due to factors like less seller competition, higher listing prices, strong buyer demand, and a shorter time on the market.
Here’s a breakdown of why this week is considered the “sweet spot” for selling:
- Reduced Seller Competition:Fewer homes are listed this week, meaning sellers have less competition for buyers’ attention.
- Higher Listing Prices:The market is primed for higher prices due to increased demand and limited inventory.
- Strong Homebuyer Demand:There’s a surge in buyer activity, leading to a more favorable environment for sellers.
- Shorter Time on Market:Homes are expected to sell quickly, maximizing the “prime sell” status and potential profits for sellers.
- Realtor.com Economists’ Analysis:These predictions are based on data analysis of seasonal trends from 2018 to 2024 (excluding 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
- “Wild Card” Advantages:Uncertainty surrounding potential inflation and tariff policies could further incentivize sellers to list their homes sooner rather than later.
1. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
For anyone considering a move to or away from the Los Angeles area, the week of March 23rd is a good time to assess the housing market, as metrics suggest it’s a good time to make a change, despite recent wildfire impacts.
Here’s a breakdown of why:
- “La-La-Land” Market:The prompt refers to the Los Angeles area, which is often nicknamed “La-La-Land”.
- Wildfire Impact:The recent wildfires have understandably affected housing availability, but the market metrics suggest that the week starting March 23rd is a good time to make a move.
- Market Metrics:The prompt suggests that from a metrics standpoint, this coming week (March 23rd) is a good time to consider making a change.
- Specifics for the week of March 23-30:
- Median Home List Price:$1,119,000
- Listing Price vs. Start of the Year:+6.4%
- Listing Price Change vs. Start of the Year: +$69,000
- Views per Property vs. Average Week: +22%
- Days on the Market vs. Average Week: -4
- Active Listings vs. Average Week:-14.9%
2. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
The statement highlights the competitive housing market in New York City, comparing it to “The Hunger Games” due to a large population (8.26 million) vying for limited housing, while also acknowledging the numerous opportunities the area offers, even in the “suburbs” of New Jersey, where proximity to the city comes at a premium.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Competitive Housing Market:The statement directly compares moving to New York City to a “Hunger Games” scenario, emphasizing the intense competition for housing due to the large population.
- High Population:New York City has a population of over 8.26 million, making finding suitable housing a significant challenge.
- Opportunities:Despite the challenges, the statement acknowledges that living in the New York area, including the suburbs, offers a host of opportunities.
- Suburban Proximity:Even in the “suburbs” (meaning New Jersey), the proximity to “the city” is highly valued, leading to a premium on housing costs.
- “If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere”:The statement references the famous saying, implying that success in New York can lead to success elsewhere.
3. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Chicago’s real estate market, known as the “Windy City,” is entering its prime selling season this week, with the market spanning Illinois and Indiana, and is in high demand, being the third-largest U.S. city with 2.7 million residents, and the birthplace of the skyscraper and the Twinkie.
4. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Home sellers along the Northeast Corridor train route in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area (PA-NJ-DE-MD) looking for a quick sale should take note that the week of March 23-30, 2025, might be a good time to list their homes, as the market shows increased activity.
Here’s a breakdown of the market conditions for that week:
- Median Home List Price: $350,000
- Listing Price vs. Start of the Year:+5%
- Listing Price Change vs. Start of the Year: +$18,000
- Views per Property vs. Average Week: +19.8%
- Days on the Market vs. Average Week: -7
- Active Listings vs. Average Week:-9.7%
5. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
The area is Portland, Oregon, which is home to Voodoo Doughnut, and smart sellers could use these donuts to sweeten the deal at showings during the area’s best week to sell.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Portland, Oregon:The context indicates that the area being discussed is Portland, Oregon, which is known for its unique food scene and “grunge” vibes.
- Voodoo Doughnut:Voodoo Doughnut is an American doughnut company established in 2003 in Portland, Oregon, and is known for its unique flavors and quirky names.
- Sweetening the Deal:The suggestion is that sellers in Portland could offer Voodoo Doughnuts to potential buyers during home showings, potentially making the offer more appealing.
- Best Week to Sell:The context mentions that there is a “best week to sell” in this area, suggesting that there is a specific time when real estate transactions are most likely to be successful.
6. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
The Sacramento metro area, known for its Gold Rush history and as California’s capital, is experiencing a robust housing market, making now a good time to sell, with strong market conditions and increased demand.
Here’s a breakdown of why Sacramento’s housing market is currently strong:
- Historical Context:Sacramento’s history is closely tied to the California Gold Rush, which began in 1848 with the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, transforming the area into a bustling hub.
- Current Market Conditions:
- Strong Demand: The Sacramento housing market is competitive, with homes receiving multiple offers and selling quickly.
- Increased Prices: Median sale prices are up compared to last year, indicating a strong seller’s market.
- Low Inventory: Active listings are down compared to the average week, further contributing to the competitiveness of the market.
- Increased Views: Properties are receiving more views per week, which indicates strong buyer interest.
- Specific Stats for the week of March 23-30:
- Median home list price:$619,000
- Listing price vs. start of the year:+4.8%
- Listing price change vs. start of the year: +$30,000
- Views per property vs. average week: +28.2%
- Days on the market vs. average week: -7
- Active listings vs. average week:-26.7%
- Why Now is a Good Time to Sell:The combination of strong demand, low inventory, and increasing prices makes this a prime time for sellers in the Sacramento area to potentially achieve a high return on their investment.
7. St. Louis, MO-IL
During this prime week for selling homes, St. Louis sellers, known as the “Gateway to the West” and home to Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser, might playfully say “This HUD’s for you” due to the association with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Here’s a breakdown:
- St. Louis’s Nickname:St. Louis is famously known as the “Gateway to the West” because of its iconic Gateway Arch.
- Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser:The city is also the home of Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser, a popular beer brand.
- “This HUD’s for you”:The phrase “This HUD’s for you” is a playful reference to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a US government agency that helps people gain access to affordable housing.
- Prime Week for Selling:The context mentions a “prime week for selling,” likely referring to a period when real estate listings are expected to be active and generate a lot of interest.
- St. Louis, MO-IL:St. Louis is a metropolitan area that spans both Missouri and Illinois.
8. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Sellers in Milwaukee, should consider listing their homes before the end of March to capitalize on the potential for a quick sale, similar to the “March Madness” frenzy happening in Milwaukee, which is hosting the NCAA Tournament.
Here’s a breakdown of why:
- Milwaukee’s NCAA Tournament:Milwaukee is hosting the NCAA Tournament, which means a surge of visitors and potential buyers are likely in the area.
- Hot Market Opportunity:The influx of people into Milwaukee, and potentially other areas, could indicate a hot real estate market, making it a good time to sell.
- “March Madness” for Sellers:Just as basketball fans are excited about the tournament, sellers can leverage this excitement by listing their homes before the end of the month to potentially achieve a quick and profitable sale.
- “Slam-Dunk Sale” Potential:The phrase “slam-dunk sale” suggests a quick and easy sale, which is the desired outcome for sellers in a hot market.
- Current Date:The current date is March 23, 2025, which is in the middle of what’s being referred to as “March Madness”.
If you’re plan to sell your home, the spring real estate market, which often favors sellers, is approaching, so preparing your home now could lead to a quicker and potentially more profitable sale.
Here’s why and how to get ready:
Why Spring is a Good Time to Sell:
- Increased Buyer Activity:Spring is typically the busiest time for home buying, with more people actively searching for homes due to nicer weather, school breaks, and tax refunds.
- Seller’s Market:The increased demand can create a seller’s market, where homes tend to sell faster and potentially for higher prices.
- Less Competition:While spring is busy, listing your home now (before the peak season) can help you stand out among fewer homes on the market.
- Motivated Buyers:Buyers who are actively searching during the winter months tend to be more serious and motivated, potentially leading to a quicker sale.
How to Prepare Your Home:
- Deep Clean and Declutter:Thoroughly clean your home, paying special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, and declutter to make the space feel larger and more inviting.
- Depersonalize:Remove personal items like family photos and religious or political decorations to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space.
- Enhance Curb Appeal:Make sure your home’s exterior looks its best with a well-manicured lawn, clean windows, and attractive landscaping.
- Address Repairs:Fix any necessary repairs or upgrades, such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or outdated appliances.
- Consider Staging:Staging your home can help it look its best and appeal to a wider range of buyers.
- Pre-Marketing:Consider pre-marketing your home to generate interest and attract potential buyers before it’s officially listed.
- Remove Odors:Ensure your home smells fresh and clean by removing any lingering odors.
- Highlight Key Areas:Focus on making the most appealing features of your home stand out.
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