When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Toronto?

Do you ever wonder when it’s the best time of year to sell a house? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get, along with “when is the best time to sell a house?”, and even “is there a best day to list a house?”

There was a time when it was simply a matter of choosing the spring or the fall. However, in recent years, seasonality has played less of a role in choose when to sell your house. Instead, more people pack up and move for their own personal reasons. Let’s take a look at these newest developments in more detail so you can decide once and for all if it is a good time to sell a house.

No matter when you decide to list, success depends on an unbiased assessment of how much your home is worth in today’s market. Start by booking your complimentary evaluation with our team.

A Season to Sell, a Season to Wait

To better understand today’s market, it helps to look at the past. Families often went on vacation in the summertime, and the holidays meant all real estate decisions were off the table. In other words, hardly anyone was buying during those times, so why bother listing?

Summer and winter are still slower periods to a large extent. People don’t want to interrupt the fun times, and absolutely no one wants to move during inclement weather. However, these facts no longer have much bearing on whether or not you should decide to sell or hold off.

The reason is that while most people don’t want to move during those times, others simply do not have a choice. Imagine someone who is searching for a home because a new baby is on the way or an amazing job opportunity has opened up. They are not going to wait for warmer weather or a different market.

Even with fewer people buying, those who are searching are highly motivated. And since many sellers are also holding off for a “better” time, you may actually have fewer competing listings to go up against. These are all nuanced factors to keep in mind next time you’re wondering “is it a good time to sell my house?”

Immaculate presentation means your home will make an unforgettable impression on potential buyers. The tips in the posts below can help:

Decisions Driven By the Market

Some home sellers do still consider the season. However, more than ever, the decision of when to list comes down to the real estate market itself and other economic factors.

A seller’s market means more people are buying (or trying to buy) than there are houses for sale. These periods can coincide with the season. That said, we have seen some winter markets outsell the spring by a great margin!
Buyer’s markets tend to feature many homes for sale but fewer people searching for them. These can come due to normal cycles, but can also arise when interest rates and prices are high.

Again, market conditions alone do not help you decide the best time of year to sell a house. Even if all conditions lean in your favour, with high prices, even higher demand leading to multiple offers above your listing price, there is still one disadvantage. Once your house sells, you are the buyer, and all those factors are now working against you.

If you sell in the midst of a buyer’s market, your house may take longer to sell. Days, weeks, or even months go by with barely a nibble. But if your pricing is fair and your home is in excellent condition, you will find a buyer eventually. And now you can enter the market with plenty of supply and few people searching for them.

Anyway you look at it, there’s always a silver lining in West Toronto real estate. By the way, do you plan to buy a new home once yours sells? Start by checking out some of our featured listings.

Working With the Market

So, when is the best time to sell your home in Toronto? The short answer is, whenever you’re ready. There really is no one market or season that offers pure advantages with no drawbacks.

You can list your home at a time that works for you. However, each season does come with unique considerations that can help you make the most of the situation and maximize your sale.

Spring Market

The warmer weather brings a sense of optimism and renewal, and it certainly makes for a more pleasant home-buying experience. And let’s not underestimate the power of curb appeal!

Your house naturally looks more appealing in the spring. Colourful flowers and green, lush lawns are enough to make many buyers want to make you an offer.

Fall Market

Selling in autumn also provides some pretty impressive benefits. No more week-long trips to the cottage, and the outdoor pools are all closed for the season. There’s a sense of a return to normal, and buyers have more time to resume the home-buying process. As a seller, you also have time to stage your home for maximum impact.

If spring offers the chance for easy curb appeal, fall raises the bar even higher. Think warm, festive, and colourful! A few pumpkins and gourds by the front door, combined with the sight of changing leaves, will make any buyer warm to the idea of owning your home!

Winter Market

The hardest thing about selling in the winter is the weather. We all tend to want to hibernate when the mercury drops, safe inside, drinking hot chocolate and snuggled up in a fuzzy blanket.

Motivating a potential buyer out of their cozy safe zone can be a challenge. When they do come, be sure that your walkway is shovelled, any ice is clear, and have a large welcome mat for slushy boots. There might be less emphasis on curb appeal and more on making the interior feel warm and inviting.

Do you want to fully capitalize on the season when you decide to sell? The posts below will help you help buyers fall in love:

Summer Market

Summer is the time for fun, and your home should be a reflection of the season. Cool decor, comfortable outdoor furniture, and lots of shade and foliage can help buyers imagine the joy of living in your home.

Regardless of when you’re selling, start by finding an experienced real estate team that knows the market—and how to make the most of it in any season.

Are you ready to take the first step toward a successful sale? Our West Toronto real estate agents would love to walk you through the process! Get in touch at 416-769-3437 or email info@sidorovainwood.com to get started.

When is the Best Time to Sell a House in Toronto

A Season to Sell, a Season to Wait

Decisions Driven By the Market