If you’ve ever wondered when the best time would be to buy or sell a home, you’ll want to understand the difference between the two. While it may seem like certain seasons offer better conditions for buyers or sellers, the reality of the real estate market is that it’s mostly influenced by economic conditions and supply and demand.

What’s the Difference?

In a seller’s market, there are more homes for sale than there are buyers in the area. On the other hand, in a buyer’s market, there is an excess of houses for sale and fewer buyers looking to scoop one up.

A Buyers Market

In this type of market, buyers are more likely to spend more time looking for homes and considering their options since they’re not in a rush to compete for the sale. Home prices tend to be stable but may even be dropping as buyers have more leverage in this situation.

If you’re looking to buy a house, purchasing in a buyer’s market is ideal because you’ll find lower prices and less competition when it comes to finding your dream property. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you begin your search:

#1 – It’s always a good idea to see as many properties as possible before making any decisions. That way you’ll be able to better understand what you can afford based on your budget and find the home you not only love but also can afford.

#2 –  Take your time to view, analyze and search for options. In a buyer’s market, time is on your side so there’s no need to rush into the purchase of a home if you aren’t sure what you need or if you want to see other properties. The more time you spend analyzing, the more you will be able to use your knowledge of price and value in order to your advantage.

#3 –  When it comes to negotiating a price, consider how long a property has been on the market.

You can also get preapproved for a mortgage so you know how much house you can afford. Saving up more money for a down payment gives you some leverage over other buyers since most people just put down 20 percent. Being responsive with the seller and flexible with your move-in date can help in a competitive situation like a seller’s market.

A Sellers Market

In a seller’s market, home prices are likely to increase, and sellers may expect to receive multiple offers or even a bidding war between potential buyers. As a result of this, sellers hold more negotiating power in this market so buyers who come in with too low of an offer or with too many conditions will find it difficult to buy a home.

When you are selling a property during a buyer’s market, you’ll want to put in the time and effort to ensure that your property stands out amongst the others.

#1 –  Marketing your home makes a big difference in how quickly you sell it and how much you can get for it. Hiring a professional photographer and stager may help you to stand out from other homes on the market.

#2 –  Research comparable properties in the area, then price your home competitively to sell. If you’re selling in a buyer’s market, you may have less power to negotiate, so ensure you price your home competitively and review any offers subjectively.

#3 – It’s always a good idea to try and make the home as appealing as possible for potential buyers. Try decluttering and depersonalizing your space so that it looks more presentable, and consider investing in minor repairs like new handles or hardware if necessary.

When selling your home in any market, be patient through the process, flexible with your terms and have a flexible schedule for viewings to give yourself the best chance to sell fast.

What is a Balanced Market?

A balanced market is one in which there are as many homes for sale as there are buyers to purchase them. When the ratio of buyers to sellers is equal, you’ll likely find more stable prices, reasonable offers and standard timelines.

How Do I know What Marlet I’m Currently In?

A balanced real estate market is one in which there are as many homes for sale as there are buyers to purchase them. This type of environment allows buyers to make more informed decisions, with less competition and more realistic expectations.

#1 – Check out recent properties that are comparable to yours (or have characteristics you desire) and have recently been purchased. If it appears they’re selling for a low price, it’s likely there’s a buyer’s market. If you notice they’re generally selling above asking, it’s likely there’s a seller’s market.

#2 – Take a look at the number of houses for sale in your area. If there are a lot of them, you’re probably in a buyer’s market. If there aren’t many houses listed, it’s likely a seller’s market. If you want to know more about how to judge the number you get, divide that number by the number of houses that sold in the past month. If it’s above 7, you’re in a buyer’s market. If it’s below 5, it’s a seller’s market. Anything in between those two is considered balanced.

#3 –  Look at the length of time a house has been on the market, as this will give you an idea of what type of market you’re looking at. In a seller’s market, homes are often snatched up very fast; in a buyer’s market things aren’t as urgent or desperate.

#4 – Reviewing the price history of a home’s listing can also help you get a sense of what to expect from the market. In a buyer’s market, you’re likely to see price reductions happen over time. Be sure to look at a variety of listings so you can see for yourself if what you’re seeing is an actual trend or just a few homeowners overvaluing their homes and paying the price for a listing price that’s far too high.

If you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to understand the current market and what to expect. As a buyer or seller, you may have certain goals in mind. However, there are many factors that can impact your ability to accomplish those goals—which is why it’s so important to consider both sides of the transaction before making any decisions. Not sure where to start? Consider reaching out to a mortgage specialist or real estate agent who can help you navigate different markets successfully as a buyer or a seller.

How can Ahmad, mortgage specialist at AskAhmad.ca and the Total Mortgage Source 360 Team help you?

Ahmad and his team are industry experts on mortgages. They offer excellent customer service and pride themselves on their ability to help you find the right mortgage product for your needs.

We can offer you some of the most competitive interest rates and mortgage products available because we have access to Canada’s leading lenders, including banks, mortgage firms, trust companies and private lenders. 

Want to learn more about how Ahmad can help you secure your mortgage? Reach out today to get the conversation started!  Ready to apply for your FREE mortgage pre-approval?  Click HERE 

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Ahmad El-Farram, Mortgage Agent #M21005249

The Mortgage Centre at Total Mortgage Source 360 

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