I've said this for years, but unless there is snow or ice on the ground, the Spring market starts in the second or third week of January, and most people realize it's started or imagine it will start late February or early March. We are seeing massive buyer interest in the very few homes on the market. Even in November/December as people began taking listing "off-market" for winter, we put together accepted offers on multiple homes in Brookline, Newton, Needham, and surrounding towns - some closing by the end of 2019 and many now closing in the first few months of this year.
Brokers who announce new listings are getting calls from buyers and other agents asking how soon they can bring their buyers, when offers are due, and for details, pictures and plans. The supply/demand imbalance in January and February has been dramatic the past few years and yet we still see many sellers waiting until April to bring their homes to market in the belief that the strength of the market doesn't come until the Red Sox season starts. The past several years, however, we've seen some of the strongest interest coming in January and February as pre-approved buyers have finished enjoying the holiday season, have made their plans, and emerge ready to buy only to find an incredibly limited supply of homes.
As new listings debut to minimal if any competition, they often see multiple buyers ready to offer. Even homes under construction are seeing buyers approach now as soon as the sign or sheet rock goes up. If you're thinking of selling any time this year, give us a call at 617-843-5685 as this is likely the ideal time to get moving.
