“Name . . . That . . . Tune Market Time!!”
I’d be terrible at “Name that Tune” (I’m tone-deaf and know next to nothing about contemporary music — or any other kind).
If you blindfolded me, I couldn’t tell you if I was smelling a rose or rotten eggs (my sense of smell is worse than my musical aptitude).
But if I went through a listed home without knowing anything about it, I’ll bet you I could peg its “days on the market” to within two weeks.
Or less.
And so could every other experienced Realtor — and not a few Buyers.
Sprint vs. Marathon
So, most homes shine the first week or two they’re on MLS.
From week #3 through #8 or so, everything is clean and presentable, but the fresh flowers have long since disappeared, and the owner has stopped bothering to turn on lights for showings.
After a few months of market time, there might start to be dishes left in the sink, the beds may or may not be made, and the lawn — or icy sidewalk — is starting to look unattended.
All of the foregoing telegraph Seller weariness and waning Buyer interest.
Which in today’s competitive, Buyer’s market is hardly leverage for the Seller.
Moral of the story: the best time to sell for a good price is early in the listing.
