Did you take your home off the market in late 2024? If so, you weren’t alone. In fact, nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December—more than any other December going back to 2017 (see graph below).
Let’s take a second to think about why. Was it because you weren’t getting offers? Perhaps the timing was off – we had an election, crazy winter weather, and a beloved Kansas City football team keeping everyone on the edge of their seats, not to mention the holidays. Or maybe you wanted to wait and see if the market improved? Whatever the reason, plenty of sellers pressed pause. But now that spring is almost here, it’s time to reassess. The market is already picking up, and if you wait too long, you could be facing even more competition from other sellers.
Why Now Could Be the Right Time
You might be wondering: “What’s changed?”
Well, Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, points out that a lot of sellers who stepped back last year were waiting for spring to relist:
“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.”
Here’s the reality: Spring is when buyer demand explodes every year. People want to find a home before summer so they can settle in before the next school year. And while mortgage rates haven’t dropped dramatically, they have come down a bit—and buyers are starting to move again. Since January, activity has been rising, and as we head into spring, it’s only going to get busier.
What Can You Do Differently This Time?
Alright, let’s talk strategy. Before you jump back in, let’s take a look at what happened last time. What specifically held your home back from selling? Was it the price? The photos? Limited showings?
Here’s where to start:
1. Reevaluate Your Pricing Strategy
Be real—was your home priced too high? If it sat on the market without serious interest, there’s a good chance buyers found better deals elsewhere. The key? A competitive price can actually make you more money because it creates urgency and attracts multiple offers.
2. Upgrade Your Marketing Game
Take a fresh look at your listing. Was your home covered in snow, the trees bare, and the sky grey? Springtime photos and video footage will automatically make your home look more inviting than winter ones.
- Were the photos high quality?
- Did you have high-converting property videos?
- Was your home staged to highlight its best features?
- Did you agent provide a customized, strategic marketing approach to target buyers in your area?
Sometimes, all it takes is better lighting, updated pictures and videos, and a *WINNING* strategic marketing approach to make buyers fall in love with your home.
3. Consider Offering Buyer Incentives
Think about this—were you open to negotiations last time? With more homes hitting the market, buyers will have choices. Offering concessions like closing cost assistance, rate buydowns, or a home warranty could tip the scales in your favor.
4. Make Showings Easy
If you were limiting showing times, that could’ve been a deal-breaker. The easier it is for buyers to see your home, the faster you’ll get offers. Flexibility matters!
So, What’s Next?
Spring is your second chance if your home didn’t sell last year. Buyers are out there, and the right strategy can make all the difference. The question is: What will you do differently this time?
Let’s discuss your options and create a plan to sell your home. Are you ready to make a move? Let’s connect and make it happen!
