Should I Wait Until Spring to Sell?
Should I wait until spring to sell?
After all, the most common fallacy in real estate is that the spring market is stronger. But is it? Well, what are we ranking the strength by? The number of sales or the number of buyers?
Sure, the lion’s share of volume may be turned over in the spring, but if you are a seller does that turnover necessarily mean it’s the best time to list?
Look, when deciding to list your house, forget when most of the houses sell. Instead focus on when the most amount of buyers shop with the least amount of choice.
It’s important to understand that there are really only two big buyer cycles in a real estate calendar year: buyers who want to get in before summer, and buyers that want to get in before Christmas. These two time periods probably influence buyers more than anything else except for, “that house finally hitting the market.”
Make no mistake, this is not a complete hard and fast rule. There are always exceptions.
Homes will sell at Christmas this year, and homes will sell in August, or on Thanksgiving. There is a buyer for everything. To really put the odds in your favour as a seller though, you should look to these two seasonal patterns when deciding the right time to list.
For example, if you need a March closing and you list in October or November, the majority of your purchasing audience is already hoping to buy a Christmas tree for your house. Is that everyone? No, but how can you expect to get the most value for your home with a watered-down audience where only a portion of them can accommodate your closing? January and February can be an excellent time to list.
Many don’t realize this, but several buying decisions are made when we spend those special times at home.
The Christmas tree branch is blocking the TV, or the foyer is too crowded for guests arriving, or there isn’t enough parking for your guests. Maybe it’s a combination of that and too much eggnog, but the fist slams down and someone comments, “maybe after the holidays we start looking for a home.”
By the same token, most buyers looking for a property approaching December will eventually lose optimism that they will be able to purchase and be settled before the holidays. With Christmas music and the obligations of the holidays moving to the forefront of everyone’s lives, the supply of new listings slows as we work our way through December. Ultimately, the search is back burnered until the holidays are over. Trust me, I have these conversations with my buyer clients every year.
Think about how many buyers can be ready to go just after New Year’s Eve; you have everyone who put their search on hold only to pick it up again into the new year, plus the new buyers who have made the decision over the holidays to move.
People start to connect or reconnect with Realtors about their needs after life gets normal again, which means a large buyer audience is ready for houses to hit the market in the new year.
This cycle is echoed throughout the summer as well.
Buyers lose hope that their purchase will happen before summer and decide to get out camping one last time, or start to get those back to school to-do lists checked off.
And after Labour Day? Same thing as after New Years.
Buyers who were not able to fulfill their goals before the end of summer pick up where they left off, and new buyers who went for one too many swims at other people’s homes start to focus on their next house – a decision made over the holidays.
These first two cycles of the year, after New Years and post Labour Day can be some of our strongest selling periods. Supply levels are not quite caught up yet and buyers are ready to fulfill their goals.
Now, I must finish by saying if you need to list approaching some of the less vibrant times of year I’ve described above and you don’t have the luxury of timing it better, feel free to throw this article right over your shoulder.
Guelph’s strong market usually offers success to sellers year-round.
This article isn’t meant to discourage, but rather to answer that common question “when is the best time to list”. If the option is there, it’s worth considering.
And if you can’t list at the times above?
So when people ask me “Should I wait until spring to sell”, after 16 years of selling homes I have come to realize it’s the smaller efforts that often have the biggest impact.
Truthfully, I have made my career out of always doing just that. My clients count on it regardless of the season.
As the warm days get shorter and the nights start to cool, it’s easy to feel like summer is slipping away. But there’s still time to make the most of the season before we trade patio drinks for pumpkin spice. Here are 10 fun and simple ways to soak up every last bit of sunshine and summer spirit. 1. Catch a Sunset Picnic Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and head to your favourite local park or lookout spot. End-of-summer sunsets tend to be some of the most vibrant. 2. Visit a Farmer’s Market Many markets are overflowing with fresh produce right now—think peaches, tomatoes, and sweet corn. Stock up while you can and enjoy the flavours of summer at home. 3. Host a Backyard BBQ (One More Time) Fire up the grill and invite a few friends over. Keep it casual with burgers and cold drinks, or try something new like grilled veggies and skewers. 4. Go for an Evening Walk or Bike Ride The cooler evenings are perfect for enjoying your neighbourhood trails or bike paths. It’s also a great way to reset after a busy day. 5. Plan a Day Trip Explore a nearby town, beach, or hiking spot you’ve been meaning to check out. Sometimes the best adventures are just a short drive away. 6. Have a Patio Night Out Support local restaurants by hitting a patio before the season ends. Bonus points if you find live music. 7. Try an Outdoor Workout Take your yoga mat to the park, join an outdoor fitness class, or simply do a bodyweight routine on your deck. Moving outdoors makes it feel less like a chore. 8. Catch an Outdoor Movie or Concert Many communities host late-summer outdoor events. Bring lawn chairs, snacks, and enjoy entertainment under the stars. (or hit up the mustang drive-in!!) 9. Make a Summer Memory Book Scroll through the photos you’ve snapped this season and print your favourites. A little DIY photo album is a great way to capture the highlights. 10. Slow Down and Soak It In Sometimes the best way to end summer is to simply be present. Grab your favourite iced drink, find a sunny spot, and enjoy doing absolutely nothing for a while. Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a simple evening walk or a weekend road trip, these little moments are what make the season so special. So before fall rolls in—get outside, gather your people, and enjoy every last drop of sunshine.
Buying a home with an income suite is one of the smartest ways to break into real estate—or level up your investment game. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to offset your mortgage, or a seasoned investor seeking steady cash flow, these types of properties offer real potential. But like any real estate move, it’s important to go in informed. Here's what you need to know before buying a home with an income suite in Guelph or the surrounding area. What Is an Income Suite, Exactly? An income suite (also called a secondary suite or in-law suite) is a self-contained unit within a home that can legally be rented out. Think basement apartments with their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Why Buy One? Offset your mortgage: Rental income can significantly reduce your monthly costs. Build equity faster: That extra income can help you pay down your loan sooner. Future flexibility: Use it later for multigenerational living, downsizing, or guest space. Attract future buyers: Many homebuyers see income potential as a major bonus. What to Look for in a Property When searching for a home with a suite (or one that can be converted) look for: Separate entrance Proper ceiling height and windows (especially in basements) Second kitchen and full bathroom Dedicated parking Soundproofing and privacy Zoning compliance Already legal is ideal—but don’t worry, we can help you assess the potential for legalization if needed. Legal Considerations Not every secondary unit is legal, and the rules vary by municipality. It’s essential to verify permits, inspections, and approvals before you buy—or plan to renovate accordingly. How to Analyze the Numbers Not sure if the numbers make sense? Here’s what to factor in: Current market rents (we can provide comparables!) Cost of potential renovations or upgrades Additional utility costs or separate meters Landlord insurance Property taxes and maintenance How We Can Help At the Hudson Smith Group, we’ve helped dozens of clients successfully buy and sell properties with income suites. From analyzing the investment potential to connecting you with local contractors and city resources, we’re here every step of the way. Ready to Start Your Search? Buying a home with an income suite isn't just about real estate—it's about setting yourself up for financial flexibility, stability, and long-term growth. If you’re curious about what’s on the market or want to learn more, reach out to us anytime. Let’s find you a home that works for you.
There’s no doubt that AI is transforming nearly every industry, and real estate is no exception. From virtual staging to automated property valuations and marketing material that seems to write itself, artificial intelligence is making waves. But what’s actually helpful, and where does the human touch still matter most? Here’s a closer look at the realities of AI in real estate today:
