Why August us a Great Month to Sell a Home in Fort Lauderdale

Posted by Eric Miller on Monday, July 30th, 2018 at 4:32pm.

 

If you’re selling a house or condo, August is your month for action. Sales numbers show a distinct advantage to listing or closing in August, definitely the best time to sell in Ft. Lauderdale. Let’s explore the data, and consider ways to make a home stand out from the considerable competition.

 

According to the 2014-2017 numbers, houses closed for the highest prices in December, 6.47% above average. Since it takes about 5 months from listing to closing in this market, August has been the time to list if price is your priority. Even if you sell sooner, November closing prices have been 5.8% above average. If we focus on just 2017, August still comes out on top. Last year, though, it was August closings that did the best, with prices 9.86% above average. But even if you just listed in August, 2017, the Oct-Dec closing prices were all 5-7% above average, with December in the lead at 6.85% up. In 2017, listing or closing in August led to success.

 

If a fast sale is your priority, August closings again top the 2014-2017 period, when sold homes spent 10 fewer days on the market than average. For those who listed in August and closed in December, it was still 4 fewer days. Focusing on last year, August maintains at 9 fewer days on the market. Interestingly, in 2017, it was February closings that had the fastest sales, with 15 fewer days. Does this bump August from the picture? By no means: there’s a lot preparation for a smart seller to do, and if you are going to list in the fall to aim at February, August is the time to get going.

 

Markets can suddenly respond differently to many factors, including business shifts and weather events. So to get the best sale fast in Ft. Lauderdale means working with an experienced realtor who knows your local market, and the ways it shifts, inside and out. A great realtor is essential in a competitive market. Unlike many parts of the country, Ft. Lauderdale has plenty of inventory to sell, which means your house has serious competition for buyers’ attention. Perfect pricing and market strategy means getting out in front of other comparable homes for sale, and your realtor is the expert, from pricing well in your neighborhood to selling the lifestyle your home has to offer.  Also, gorgeous Ft. Lauderdale, with its waterfront properties and boating, has some real estate issues that require specialized knowledge.

 

The seller needs to have the right preparation and presentation to sell a house fast in Ft. Lauderdale. Declutter ruthlessly, even if you’re not moving yet; this is an opportunity to sell or donate things you no longer use, which you then don’t have to pack! The house should be deep-cleaned from ceiling to floor, every nook and cranny. And houses that are well-staged with minimal décor, pops of color, and the right accessories, sell better and faster, whether you or a professional stager does the job. A beautiful house that shows off a wonderful lifestyle, plus an experienced realtor, plus good timing, can add up to a terrific Ft. Lauderdale home sale.

 

 

Eric Miller is an award winning Florida Realtor, salesperson and broker. His website, FortLauderdaleGroup.com provides an up-to-date guide to Fort Lauderdale Condos for sale, and the most complete buyer, seller and investor information for the Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Market.

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