The MAYcember real estate market is here. Spring has arrived, but it doesn’t quite look or feel like it, at least not in Central Texas. I think Mother Nature is a bit confused this month. April showers are supposed to bring May flowers – but we had them early this year. Instead of stopping to smell the roses, we have to hustle. It’s Maycember, after all. This is the month when there is not enough time in the day like December, only without gifts at the end. Our plates are full with prom season, graduation, college move-out, end-of-school, wedding season, and for many the start of home buying and selling season.

Real Estate markets are local, but the seasons are national

Whether you are buying or selling a home in my market here in Austin Texas or 1,500 miles away in New York City, you can’t escape the busyness of May. It happens to everyone.  With spring in the air, people have a renewed energy to push through the month maybe more than any other.  This is a feel-good month despite the hectic schedules.

The Spring Real Estate Market creates opportunities for buyers because the inventory tends to be higher.  Sellers know more buyers are shopping.  Buyers know this is the season for more choices. Everyone has somewhere else to be. This is a busy season when there is not enough time in the day. Schedules tend to overlap, and rain dates mean shuffling around what may have been penned on the calendar.

Looking at homes in the rain.  Should you stay home or should you go?

May often requires a lot of planning and with all of this rain – replanning. Showing houses in the rain creates opportunities for some buyers and disadvantages for others. My advice varies based on the mindset of my client, the property type, and what the must-have feature is. If I know that even in the rain the buyer will write an offer – I advise we see it. For example, if my client is all about the kitchen and the backyard is simply a place to let the dog out – we go. If a buyer wants to walk the yard before pulling the trigger – we don’t. Markets are local, sometimes down to the street. A unique home is not always going to wait for good weather to sell. Cross the ‘i’s and dot the ‘t’s during the option period.

Home Selling Tips in the Spring Season

Buyers are as unique as the homes they ultimately choose. If you are a seller and a buyer wants to see your home in the rain – let them. After all, they may only be in town for the weekend.

This is the market for outdoor staging.  Mow the lawn, blow the leaves, mulch the flower beds, and plant fresh flowers.  Create an inviting outdoor living space with a table, chairs with fresh cushions, clean the pool, and add some lighting.  Check that setting on the automatic sprinklers to not go off during the day when you have showings.

Home Buying Tips in the Spring Season

Whether you look at houses in rain, sunshine, or just during May-cember it is best to look when you are a ready, willing, and able buyer. If you are not willing to write an offer, then wait, I’m sure you have a list of other things to do. The sun will be out tomorrow and when time is on your side – the right house will be waiting for you.