When is the best time to put your home up for sale in Calgary?
Conventional wisdom has always been that spring is the ideal time to list your home for sale in Calgary. The leaves are budding, the snow is melting, and the seasonally driven spring real estate market brings an influx of buyers looking for their dream homes.
That said, not all sellers have the luxury of time when listing their property for sale, and there are pros and cons to listing at any time of year.
As the seasons change again here in Calgary, we’ve put together some essential things to consider if you’re contemplating selling your home this winter or spring.
Why wait for spring to sprung?
Spring is notoriously the busiest time of year for Calgary real estate. Why?
Well, as in many cities with colder and longer winters, the warmer spring weather and extended daylight hours, combined with the lull between the busy Christmas season and upcoming summer holidays, make this an ideal time of year for buyers to move and enter the market in full force.
What this means is that sellers listing in the spring generally enjoy high demand, coupled with increased competition to fuel more offers and drive up the home's sale price.
Additionally, curb appeal is greatest this time of year, with lawns turning green, gardens beginning to bloom, and more sunlight for evening showings. So, selling when your home’s exterior naturally looks its best can attract more interest and potentially create more value among competing buyers.
Winter shouldn’t always get the cold shoulder
Despite the advantages of the spring market, the reality is that many sellers may not have the advantage of time, or their circumstances may not permit them to wait several months to list their homes for sale.
The good news is that while these sellers may sacrifice on increased curb appeal and higher market demand, there are still some pros to selling in winter:
While the spring market brings more buyers, it also brings more inventory, which means it can be challenging for your home to stand out. In the winter, homes that are well-staged to feel warm and inviting can offer a cozy appeal while facing less competition from other sellers.
Additionally, fewer buyers are casually looking for homes or just perusing the market in the winter. Buyers in the winter market often need to move more quickly due to changes in jobs, relocations, or other time-sensitive reasons. These factors can make them more driven and motivated to submit strong offers to close a deal.
Sellers who list their homes in the winter will also enjoy a slower-paced market, without the same pressure to act quickly or respond to offers or risk losing to competing listings.
Which season is best for you?
No matter the seasonal trends, at TB Real Estate Team, we always counsel clients to consider their circumstances over the strategy of trying to time the markets.
If your mortgage renewal date, financial realities, or personal circumstances will allow you to wait a few months to list in the spring — it certainly might be worth considering, especially for families with school-age children hoping to move between the end of the school year and the start of the next.
At the same time, changes in jobs, financial situations, or family demands may well outweigh any potential of delaying the sale of your home to a later date in time.
Another aspect to consider is the unprecedented conditions in the Calgary real estate market over the past two years, as seasonal slowdowns and market upticks have been far less pronounced due to historically low housing inventory levels.
This comparative easing of seasonal booms and busts has been especially true for homes priced under the $700,000 mark, where demand is still outpacing supply — meaning that sellers in this price point have enjoyed a seller’s market throughout the year.
In summary
Deciding whether to list in the winter or spring can make a significant difference when selling a home in the Calgary real estate market. Both offer unique opportunities, and each has advantages and challenges to consider as you prepare to sell your home.
If listing in winter, focus on creating a cozy and well-maintained atmosphere inside your home while ensuring snow removal and exterior maintenance to maximize curb appeal and highlight cold weather pluses like energy-efficient windows or sound heating systems and fireplaces.
If listing in spring, be prepared to act decisively, accommodate more casual buyers, and navigate a busier market.
As with any real estate decision, above all else, it’s best to consult with an experienced professional you trust and then make an informed decision that works for you and your family based on your circumstances.
Still have questions? Send us an email or give us a call. We’d be happy to chat with you.
