Hey Sellers, What Are You Waiting For?

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I have always had a difficult time understanding certain cycles in the San Francisco real estate market.  In many markets across the U.S. the market is strongest in the spring and summer as families who are moving want to get their kids settled in a new home or community before the start of a new school year.  Sellers put their homes on the market in anticipation of this need.  In snowy areas, I've heard many agents say that they prefer to start a marketing period after the snow and slush when the weather is beautiful and the home's landscaping is starting to blossom.  Makes sense, yes?  San Francisco has fewer families with kids per capita, and because of the lottery system used with the SF Schools, families moving within the city will likely still send their kids to the same schools.  We seem to have a strong market in September and October and mid-March through May.  I have heard my colleagues say that they suggest that their Sellers wait to put homes on the market until these 'optimal' market times.

Ok, so I can understand not having your home on the market from the middle of November through December.  The holidays, the start of rainy season.  I understand this one.  But when I hear my colleagues say that they are waiting to bring a listing on to the market after the Super Bowl, or later in the Spring, or after Labor Day, I will never understand.  If I were a Seller, wouldn't I want to put my home on the market if there is less competition?  Perhaps in late August, I will have fewer people see my home during a Sunday open house because people are taking their last vacations of the season.  But an open house with fewer showings might likely be seen by a higher percentage of active, qualified, motivated buyers.

It's January, and to all of my active, very well qualified, highly motivated buyers, I am sorry there are not more homes to show you now, because I know you are ready to make a move.