Every year, news stories focusing on the housing market seem to move spring earlier and earlier. For the past few years, articles have discussed the spring market kicking off as the Superbowl is wrapping up and Punxsutawney Phil is declaring how much more winter we’ll endure.

2020 has been a bit different. Many believe the spring market started even before the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers knew they’d be competing in Superbowl LIV. We’d have to agree based on market activity and interest we are hearing from buyers and sellers, alike.

So, what does this mean for you if you are considering buying or selling this year? A recent article from NBC 4, out of Washington, D.C., highlights 4 things buyers and sellers should each be doing if they are thinking of joining the game this spring.

For buyers, the list includes:

1. a knowledgeable realtor,
2. securing financing,
3. set escalation clause amount, and
4. a home inspector.

For sellers, their list notes:

1. a compelling list price,
2. fresh coat of neutral paint,
3. update landscaping, and
4. staging.

While April to June are typically the hottest months for real estate, particularly in New England, you can’t count out the serious buyers and sellers who are looking to tackle their 2020 real estate goals early. A main reason, there’s less competition for sellers this time of year and often only serious buyers are looking. Another plus to early spring market transactions, third parties are not as swamped – think mortgage brokers, banks, appraisers, home inspectors, etc.

So, while you are making your plans for the game this weekend, you may want to think about visiting that open house; and you’ll definitely want to watch the market in the coming weeks as spring heats up.

If you’ve thought about buying or selling in 2020, we’d love to sit down with you and discuss your real estate goals.