Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer
Many people thinking about moving are considering waiting until later this year, hoping things will calm down. But before making that decision, it is important to know that rates are not expected to change much. If that is the main reason for waiting, it may not pay off.
In the meantime, buyers and sellers could miss out on real opportunities. Historically, summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both sides of the market, and waiting until fall or winter may mean some of those opportunities have already started to fade.
Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer Advantage
One of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options. Maybe you’ve run into that yourself:
You find a house you like, but it’s out of your budget.
You find something in your budget, but you don’t like it.
Or worse, nothing interesting hits the market for weeks.
Historically, Summer helps with that.
Looking at data from the last few years, Summer months consistently bring more sellers into the market than later in the year. And that gives buyers a real window of fresh choices.
According to Realtor.com, any given Summer month typically sees about 32% more fresh options than the average month from September-December.
With more newly listed homes, buyers have a better chance of finding one they like where the numbers actually work. Sometimes, all it takes is one home to change the entire search.
But this seasonal window does not stay open forever. Fresh inventory usually slows after summer, as many sellers have already listed and families hoping to move before school starts have already set things in motion. So, waiting until fall or winter may not bring more options — it may bring fewer.
Sellers: Homes Usually Sell for More in the Summer
If you are thinking of selling, headlines about lower asking prices, price cuts, and softer conditions may make you consider waiting. But those headlines do not tell the full story, and the market can vary a lot by area.
Even though the market is becoming more balanced, that does not mean you have missed your chance to sell. Seasonality can still work in your favor, and summer could give you the chance to sell for a good price.
According to the National Association of Realtors, homes sold during a summer month usually sell for about 4% more than homes sold during the typical month from September through December.
Why? Summer buyers are usually operating on a set timeframe. They’re trying to move before the next school year or when they have more PTO and warmer weather to tour houses. That urgency can translate into better offers.
Now, that doesn’t mean you should price your house 4% higher this Summer. That would actually be a mistake in today’s market.
It just means if you’re looking to get as much for your house as you reasonably can, a Summer move could be a smarter play than waiting until later this year.
Because based on typical seasonality, you may get more for your house than you would if you waited until the Fall or Winter (when there are typically fewer buyers active).
And if you’re considering a move anyway, that’s worth factoring in.
Bottom Line
Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.
If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, summer could be your moment.
Resource:
keepingcurrentmatters.com/
*The above is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
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