Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

Why Now’s Not the Time To Take Your House Off the Market

Has your house been on the market longer than anticipated? If so, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. You might even be considering pulling the listing and waiting to see what 2025 has in store. However, what you may not realize is that holding off could actually end up costing you. Here’s why staying the course might be the smarter choice.

Other Sellers Are Pulling Back. Should You Hold Off Too?

According to recent data from Altos Research, the number of withdrawals is on the rise, indicating that more sellers are choosing to remove their listings from the market right now. This trend is not unusual for this time of year.

In the housing market, there are seasonal fluctuations. Inventory levels usually begin to decline as we approach the fall season, with some sellers postponing their plans until the new year. As Mike Simonsen, Founder of Altos Research, explains:

“. . . we’re seeing a more normal seasonal pattern now with inventory beginning to decline. We’re also seeing more home sellers withdrawing their listings to try again next year. In fact, for every two sales, there is another listing withdrawn from the market.”

But is that a smart move? While it might seem like a good idea to pull your listing too, here’s why that approach may not pay off this year.

Today’s Buyers Are Serious and Ready To Act

The primary reason to stick with your plan to sell now is that the buyers currently looking are serious about making a purchase.

They have been waiting on the sidelines for a while for affordability to improve. Now that mortgage rates have decreased from their recent peak, they’re ready to take action. Mortgage applications are rising, which is a leading indicator that buyers are gearing up to re-enter the market. Given that they’ve postponed their plans for so long, they are even more motivated than typical buyers at this time of year.

These aren’t casual shoppers; they are highly motivated buyers who want to move quickly—and that’s the type of buyer you want to engage with. As Freddie Mac states:

“During the fall months, serious homebuyers are eager to settle in to a new home before the holiday season ramps up and the winter weather begins.”

By keeping your home on the market, you increase the chances of attracting people who are truly ready to make a purchase.

Bottom Line

While some sellers are opting to take their homes off the market, this may not be the best decision. With motivated buyers ready to make a purchase, now is an excellent time to sell your house. Let’s connect to ensure we have a strategy in place to make it happen.